The Reach Out, stay Strong, Essentials (ROSE) for birthing parents of newborns program brings pregnant people together to learn more about what to expect after their baby is born. This program provides pregnant people with the skills and information they need to lower their risk of postpartum depression. Topics include education on postpartum depression, managing the transition to parenthood, managing relationships, self-care, assertiveness, and goal setting.
Early intervention is key to helping families prepare for the journey ahead.
Learn more about one mom’s story in the video below.
Research for You: Supporting and Preparing Pregnant Women for Life with Baby
During pregnancy, Gabrielle Ekstrum participated in Michigan State University’s ROSE program. The federally funded research program provided her with support and skills to reduce the stress of having a baby.
How Can I Participate in the at-Home Study?
Open to pregnant people anywhere in the United States! The program can be completed via online calls and videos. Education sessions include:
- Postpartum depression
- The transition to parenthood
- Managing Relationships
- Self-care
Please note that assignment to the ROSE Program is possible but not guaranteed.
Sign Up to Learn More
Information for Providers
The program is highly scripted and does not require a licensed mental health clinician. It can be successfully delivered by nurses, medical assistants, midwives, doulas, or health educators. Many agencies offer ROSE universally to all pregnant people as part of standard prenatal care.
The ROSE Program is:
- Clinically Proven: Results have shown that it can reduce the number of cases of postpartum depression by 50% across multiple randomized clinical trials.
- Highly Recommended: It is cited by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force as one of two effective counseling interventions for preventing perinatal depression.
Materials are available in both English and Spanish.
In the Media
Learn about the continued impact of the ROSE program through selected media highlights.
Stateside: Michigan Public / NPR
Stopping Postpartum Depression Before It Begins
The ROSE program aims to stop postpartum depression before it begins. Jennifer Johnson and Diane Wisnieski join Stateside host April Baer to discuss reducing mental health stigma.
The New York Times
For Pregnant Women, a Push to Head Off Depression Before It Starts
Emerging health problems often go unaddressed in Mothers. At Michigan State University, researchers are developing low-cost solutions to change that.
MSUToday
ROSE Program Cuts Rates of Postpartum Depression in Half While Saving Money
Nearly one in eight women experience postpartum depression after giving birth in the United States. Recent research demonstrates a cost-effective way to reduce that by 50%.
The ROSE Program is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Pederson Foundation.
Our team is committed to respect for people of all races, colors, genders, religions, national origins, sexual orientations, history of criminal involvement, marital status, disability, height, weight, veteran status and age. We support Michigan State University’s goal of increasing diversity, ensuring equity, promoting inclusion, and enhancing outreach and engagement. Our work seeks to address structural racism and sexism, empower the unempowered, and elevate community and patient contributions to solutions.
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