What began as one researcher's own observations during maternity leave has led to the development of a first-of-its-kind online program to help Australian mothers who drink alcohol to cope with anxiety.

Researchers at the University of Sydney's Matilda Centre have launched a national clinical trial of Healthy Mum, Healthy Bub, an online program designed to support women experiencing anxiety who find themselves turning to alcohol to cope during the first three years of parenthood, a pivotal time when mental health difficulties, including social, emotional, and behavioural problems, can first emerge among children. Previous research by the team conducting the trial found 53 percent of postpartum mothers experience levels of anxiety that put them at high risk of an anxiety disorder.

The trial is now looking to recruit 130 mothers with children up to three years old from across Australia. During the program, participants will have access to six weekly audio episodes following the relatable story of a fictional mother seeking support for anxiety and alcohol use during early motherhood. Participants also have access to an interactive worksheet allowing them to set personal goals, reflect on their experiences, and apply the skills and techniques from the audio episodes to their own lives.

The idea for the program came to Dr Katrina Prior while she was on maternity leave with her first child. By the time she had her second baby and began meeting mothers using drinking  to cope, she knew it was time to develop something based on her expertise and research.

“For many women, anxiety, stress, isolation and feelings of overwhelm can become harder to manage when the coping strategies they would normally rely on aren’t available,” said Dr Prior.

"It might be 9pm at night, the baby is finally asleep, and you can't go for a run, catch up with friends, or leave the house for some time alone. For many mums, alcohol is already in the house and readily available. When you're looking for a salve, it doesn't take much to open the cupboard and pour yourself a glass."

Recognising that gap in support, Dr Prior secured funding to develop an evidence-based digital program women can access from home, providing practical strategies to manage anxiety and reduce their reliance on alcohol.

The program builds on Dr Prior's research into alcohol use among new mothers, which found one in four mums report turning to alcohol to cope with the stresses and challenges of early motherhood. The research also identified anxiety and drinking to cope as the two strongest predictors of alcohol misuse. In contrast, higher levels of social support and breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of alcohol misuse.

"It's not only about drinking to cope in that first year. It can become more of a habit," she said. "Once breastfeeding ends, that protective factor can disappear for some women."

The intervention was co-designed with women who have lived experience. In Australia, one in six mothers have reported drinking alcohol at ‘risky’ levels in the first 12 months of their baby’s life. Anxiety and stress are the leading contributors to this behaviour, particularly due to the pressures of raising a child while also maintaining work, household management, familial, social and romantic relationships.  

Ultimately, Dr Prior said it was important not to judge women who turn to alcohol to cope.

"When you're juggling constant caregiving responsibilities and feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or anxious, alcohol can seem like the quickest and easiest way to switch off or feel better in the moment. As a mum myself, I've seen just how pervasive the messages are that link alcohol with relaxation and self-care during motherhood. The normalisation of 'wine mum' culture can make it seem as though drinking to cope is simply part of being a parent.

"My own experience of motherhood has given me a much deeper understanding of why so many women find themselves turning to alcohol, and it has replaced any judgement with compassion. That's exactly why we need accessible, evidence-based support that helps women manage anxiety in healthier ways."

To sign up for the trial visit healthymumhealthybub.org.au

Declaration:  

The researchers declare no conflicts of interest. The trial is funded by the MRFF 2023 Childhood Mental Health Research Grant (2036098). Dr Prior is supported by an NHMRC Emerging Leader Investigator Grant (2034538).