Improving Maternal Mental Health in Military-Affiliated Pregnant Women: Effectiveness of a Smart Bassinet (SHINE)

The purpose of this study is to examine whether a smart bassinet can improve maternal sleep and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue during the postpartum period. Sleep deprivation is one of the most common challenges after childbirth and is a major risk factor for postpartum mood disorders. Military-affiliated women, including active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses, may be at particularly high risk due to additional stressors associated with military life; yet they are often underrepresented in maternal mental health research. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to use either a smart bassinet or a traditional bassinet for up to six months postpartum. The smart bassinet mimics womb-like sensations through gentle rocking and sound, which may promote longer, more restful sleep for infants. This study will also collect blood samples and analyze these samples to determine whether improved sleep influences immune and epigenetic markers that may be linked to postpartum depression.