Understanding Newborn-Mother Synchrony at Home: Feasibility of Remote Monitoring

Parents and newborns influence each other in a dynamic interaction that can be described as synchrony. Synchrony between a newborn and mother refers to the dynamic and reciprocal adaptation between the newborn and mother. In this synchrony, the mother is highly receptive and sensitive to the newborn's signals, feelings, and needs. The aim of this study is to investigate the physiological and behavioral synchrony between newborns and their mothers, and to investigate the connection between maternal heart rate variability and postpartum depression symptoms in the home environment and to evaluate the suitability of remote monitoring devices for use in the home environment.

The study participants consist of 30 newborns and 30 mothers. The inclusion criteria for newborns are: 1) informed consent from the newborn's parents/guardians 2) the newborn's health status has been confirmed as normal during hospital monitoring, and 3) the newborn is less than one month old. The inclusion criteria for mothers are: 1) ability to participate in Finnish, and 2) the mother has access to an Android smartphone.

Data collection will be carried out using the following remote monitoring methods: Emfit smart mattress, Zoundream Cry analyses technology, Polar Verity Sense sensor, and Empatica EmbracePlus sensor. In addition, data will be collected using background information forms, a maternal stress scale (PSS-4), a diary completed by the mother, a maternal depression questionnaire (EPDS), and questionnaires measuring the suitability of remote monitoring in the home environment, and a thematic interview. In addition, at the end of the data collection phase, the mothers participating in the study will try out the Companion App, which displays sample data on the well-being of newborns, and respond to a questionnaire on the usability of the app.