Online PPMD Support Group

Description:

The Online Postpartum Mood Disorders Support Group is consumer developed, maintained and moderated. It is designed to offer support to women who are experiencing postpartum mood disorders. The site includes various different message boards which members can add to and post replies to existing messages. Topics of the message boards include those relating specifically to postpartum mood disorders, as well as more general topics and boards for specific target groups (such as spouses, adoptive parents, military mothers). You can also participate in live chat sessions hosted by consumer-administrators, and join a peer support email list and receive regular newsletters.

Service URL:

http://www.ppdsupportpage.com/

Agency Responsible:

Founder - Tonya Rosenberg: Other. Private ownership, non-profit making site

Details

Format:

Combination. Bulletin board and scheduled live chat sessions. You can also subscribe to a peer support email list and to receive newsletters

Size Of Membership:

unknown

Start Date:

unknown

Moderation Status:

Moderated.

Moderation Type:

Consumer/Carer. The message boards and chat sessions are peer moderated – neither the administrators of the site nor the moderators are medically trained

Associated Website Intervention:

Additional resources and information are provided on the website

Accreditation Status:

Accredited. The website is Health on the Net Foundation Certified

Funding Source:

Private. Funded by the founder Tonya Rosenberg and via donations/purchases made on the website. There is no advertising on the site and it is not-profit making.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Depression. Specifically Postpartum Mood Disorders

Primary Target Audience:

Adult. Females

Secondary Target Audience:

Consumer. Consumer focused but also includes a message board targeting spouses/supporters

Language:

English.

Access

Registration Requirement:

Open to view, but registration to participate.

Fee:

Free.

Contact Details:

homegirlhayward@yahoo.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Outcome Summary:

A research study involving an analysis of 512 postings on the message board revealed that most of the messages related to emotional support (41.6%), followed by informational (37.5%) and instrumental support (20.9%). Such findings suggest the forum allowed participants to express their feelings in a non-judgemental environment, and provides an opportunity to learn from others.

Research Paper Citations

Evans, M. Donelle, L., Hume-Loveland, L. (2012) Social Support and online postpartum depression discussion groups. Patient Education and Counseling, 87: 405-410.