STORK Program for Postpartum Well-Being

(STORK Trial)

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Gillian K Hyslop, BSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Dalhousie University

Disqualifiers: Severe relational distress, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: From 13-27 weeks gestation to 12-months postpartum

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an online program called STORK, designed to help new parents improve their sexual and relationship well-being during the transition to parenthood. The program offers information and skills to manage common sexual changes after having a baby. Couples in a romantic relationship for at least a year, expecting their first child together, and experiencing a low-risk pregnancy might be a good fit. Researchers will compare participants to a waitlist group to determine if the program leads to better sexual and emotional adjustment during this time. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for new parents to enhance their well-being with innovative support.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the STORK trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on relationship and sexual well-being, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that the STORK Program is safe for new parents?

Research shows that the STORK Program supports new parents in maintaining their sexual and relationship well-being as they transition to parenthood. The program offers education and skills to help couples manage changes in their sexual relationships after having a baby.

Regarding safety, previous studies have not identified any negative effects from participating in the program. The trial is labeled "Not Applicable" in terms of phase, indicating that the treatment is likely non-invasive and easy to manage. This is generally true for educational programs that do not involve drugs or medical procedures. Participants in these programs typically do not experience physical side effects, as the focus is on learning and applying new skills. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the STORK Program because it offers a fresh, online approach to improving postpartum well-being. Unlike traditional face-to-face therapy or medication, the STORK Program provides easy access and flexibility for new mothers to engage in mental health support from the comfort of their homes. This digital format could significantly reduce barriers to treatment, such as time constraints and childcare issues, which are common challenges for postpartum women. The program aims to empower mothers by providing valuable tools and resources to manage their mental health effectively, potentially leading to better outcomes than current options.

What evidence suggests that the STORK Program is effective for postpartum well-being?

Research has shown that the STORK program, which aids new parents with their sexual well-being, yields promising results. Studies suggest that this online program helps couples manage sexual changes after becoming parents by providing useful information and skills. A small initial study found that the program was practical and supported new parents' sexual well-being. This trial will compare the STORK program to a waitlist control group to evaluate its effectiveness. By addressing the common lack of information about sexual changes after childbirth, STORK aims to strengthen couples' relationships and overall family well-being. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for couples expecting a baby or who have recently become parents. They should be interested in improving their sexual well-being and relationship quality during the transition to parenthood, from pregnancy up to one year after birth.

Inclusion Criteria

One member of the couple must be currently pregnant (13-27 weeks gestation) with their first baby together (If the couple has a history of miscarriage or stillbirth, previously gave a baby up for adoption, or have other children who do not live with them, they are still eligible to participate.)

Low-risk pregnancy

Married or cohabitating romantic relationship of at least 12 months

Exclusion Criteria

Severe relational distress or conflict as determined by baseline measures

One or both partners of a couple do not complete the baseline survey - this includes cases where one or both partners do not pass at least 3/5 attention checks in the baseline survey

Instructed to avoid sexual activity from a healthcare professional

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in the STORK online prevention program, focusing on psychoeducation and skills development for sexual well-being

From 13-27 weeks gestation to 12-months postpartum

Online program participation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sexual, relational, and psychological adjustment at multiple postpartum intervals

12 months postpartum

Assessments at 4, 8, and 12 months postpartum

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• STORK Program

Trial Overview

The STORK program, an online educational resource aimed at helping new parent couples navigate changes in their sexual and romantic relationships during the transition to parenthood, is being tested against a waitlist control group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: STORK Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

STORK online prevention program

Group II: Waitlist Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Waitlist control comparison group

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dalhousie University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

177

Recruited

402,000+

University of British Columbia

Collaborator

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12006865/

Development and Validation of the Stanford Obstetric ...

In this cohort study of US individuals, STORK was found to be a valid, reliable, and responsive measure of outpatient postpartum recovery.

2.

contemporaryobgyn.net

contemporaryobgyn.net/view/stork-checklist-proven-effective-for-measuring-postpartum-recovery

STORK proven effective for measuring postpartum recovery

Increases between baseline and week 12 were 19% after spontaneous vaginal delivery, 31% after operative vaginal delivery, 27% after scheduled ...

3.

medtigo.com

medtigo.com/news/a-novel-tool-for-postpartum-recovery-the-stanford-obstetric-recovery-checklist-stork/

The Stanford Obstetric Recovery Checklist (STORK)

STORK was determined to be a responsive, reliable, and valid measure of outpatient postpartum recovery in this cohort research study.

4.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07344454

Supporting the Transition to Parenthood Through Online ...

The current study builds on our pilot study that found the STORK program was feasible and useful and supported the sexual well-being of new- ...

5.

prnewswire.com

prnewswire.com/news-releases/stork-club-launches-the-worlds-first-comprehensive-care-for-postpartum-depression-to-help-employers-support-working-mothers-302384800.html

Stork Club Launches the World's First Comprehensive ...

The solution features clinically proven digital diagnostics and therapy, delivering up to 20% immediate PPD symptom relief and 30-40% improvement within six ...

6.

umc.edu

umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2025/06/STORK.html

UMMC's STORK Program delivers lifesaving emergency ...

STORK trains frontline medical professionals, including those without specialized obstetrics backgrounds, to handle emergency deliveries and pregnancy ...

7.

aha.org

aha.org/press-releases/2025-07-24-american-hospital-association-and-epic-collaborate-toward-improving-maternal-health-outcomes

American Hospital Association and Epic Collaborate ...

Using the AWHONN postpartum risk assessment tool, a maternal emergency narrator, and quantitative blood loss calculator in the health system's ...

8.

med.stanford.edu

med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/05/new-moms-postpartum-wellness-checklist.html

After the joy of birth, new moms face 'the wilderness'

The Stanford Obstetric Recovery Checklist, or STORK, measures the physical and mental and emotional well-being of mothers with newborns after they leave the ...