Study finds apps designed to help newborn parents have little to no effect on improving wellbeing

Apps are not the answer to the nightmare newborn phase, a new study has found, as experts share their advice for navigating the highs and lows of becoming a new parent.

Piercing screams, sleepless nights, extreme hormonal shifts – the blessed newborn period is when parents require the most support.

And a new study of 3592 parents, including 1400 couples in Australia, found apps are not the answer.

Experts say connecting with real people and the newborn themselves provides the best support for couples entering the rocky road of parenting.

The research team from Peru reviewed a number of studies measuring the effectiveness of perinatal mobile apps in addressing key concerns post-birth, such as postnatal depression and parent-infant connections.

The largest of these studies was a Western Australian study of 1426 couples using the Milk Man app.

The Effects of Perinatal Mobile Apps for Couples on Psychosocial and Parenting Outcomes study concluded apps designed to help couples deal with the challenges of the perinatal period had little to no effect.

Australian breastfeeding expert and author Pinky McKay said parents should listen to their baby, not an app. Picture: Supplied

Author and lactation consultant Pinky McKay said she had observed some parents were too reliant on parenting apps.

“They’d be better off tuning into their babies instead,” she said.

“People are getting too techy and becoming part-time parents handing control over to the apps.

“It’s the same as social media – there’s a lot of advice but it can also create a lot of anxiety.

“If you think your baby is hungry, don’t go to the app, pop it on the boob.

“If in doubt, whip it out and the baby will feed if they are hungry.”

Julie Borninkhof, a clinical psychologist and chief executive of Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), said there are many supports available to parents navigating the tricky perinatal period.

PANDA provides free support, tools and services online and over the phone for new and expecting parents.

Julie Borninkhof, the chief executive of support agency PANDA, says new parents are better off accessing community support services than relying on apps.

“PANDA has been doing this for over 40 years and we’re deeply rooted in community,” Ms Borninkhof said.

“We have a really good understanding of local services and supports available and we can connect parents with those services.”

Ms Borninkhof said PANDA also provides much-needed support to parents in regional or remote areas who may struggle to reach in-person connections.

“We are also finding newer generations are happy receiving support digitally over the phone,” she said.

“Covid made many people more comfortable with digital care.”

For all the lows there’s no better high than holding your newborn. Picture: Mark Brake

“Most people seeking support from PANDA are simply trying to adjust to being a new parent – sleep, breastfeeding and lack of sleep.”

While she said engaging with apps could be a good first step and showed a willingness to seek help, there are always many alternatives available.

“Get help – don’t feel like you need to sit with these feelings, regardless of how strong a person you are,” Ms Borninkhof said to new parents.

“Reach out and get support. PANDA is there for you – the sooner you get support the sooner you become the parent you want to be.”

Originally published as Study finds apps designed to help newborn parents have little to no effect on improving wellbeing