Reimagining Maternal Mental Health: The Journey of Dr. Andrea Niles and Prospera

Introduction

As part of our feature series celebrating leaders in the maternal health industry, we spotlight Dr. Andrea Niles, whose groundbreaking work is reshaping the landscape of maternal mental health. These stories underscore the power of direct engagement with moms and the transformative potential of leveraging personal experiences to fuel innovation.

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From Academia to Entrepreneurial Impact

Dr. Andrea Niles's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Trading the certainty of academia for the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, she transitioned from exploring theories to applying them where they're needed most. It was the noticeable gap in mental health care — the chasm between known, effective treatments and their reach to mothers — that spurred Dr. Niles into action. In 2022, she co-founded Prospera Maternal Mental Health and Wellness to shake up the status quo and bring crucial support closer to mothers.

"In academia, I saw how our research could truly make a difference, yet I realized we needed to rethink how we reach mothers," Dr. Niles explains. "Becoming a mother myself, I felt firsthand the need for easier access to our healthcare systems during the vulnerable times of pregnancy and postpartum. Prospera is born from this realization, aiming to provide every mother with the evidence-based mental health support she deserves."

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"Becoming a mother myself, I felt firsthand the need for easier access to our healthcare systems during the vulnerable times of pregnancy and postpartum.

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A Unique Model for Maternal Support

At the heart of Prospera's innovative approach are trained coaches, many of whom are mothers themselves. This model addresses the shortage of licensed therapists, ensuring the support that mothers receive is grounded in understanding and shared experience. "Our coaches are more than just trained professionals; they’re fellow mothers who bring empathy and insight to every interaction," Dr. Niles explains. Prospera also provides coaches with a collection of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based resources to help moms confront and overcome mental health challenges. This blend of evidence-based research and personal touch exemplifies Prospera's balanced approach to care, marrying scientific rigor with human connection.

“There should be a low bar for moms when seeking mental health support during and after pregnancy,” Dr. Niles explains. “It’s unfair for them to feel like they have to do it themselves or are perceived as weak for needing it. It's the biggest transition women go through in their lives, so every mother should have help and guidance during that time.”

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“There should be a low bar for moms when seeking mental health support during and after pregnancy ... every mother should have help and guidance during that time.”

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Overcoming Challenges Through Community Feedback

Developing Prospera's innovative model was not without its challenges. Identifying the ideal coach profile and refining the training process required careful consideration and adaptation. The key to this evolution has been continuous feedback from moms and coaches, highlighting the importance of listening to those you serve. Dr. Niles and her team have cultivated a dynamic feedback loop, allowing Prospera to respond rapidly to emerging needs, such as developing resources to address maternal anger and rage, a previously unmet need within their community. This responsiveness underscores the value of direct engagement with mothers as consumers and as part of the solution. 

Prospera's impact is reflected in the stories of mothers like Crystal, a mom facing her sixth pregnancy with a history of preeclampsia, emergency c-sections, and emotional scars from previous childbirth experiences. Crystal shares, "Early in my third trimester, I sought help for my postpartum depression and anxiety. That's when I discovered Prospera. For the first time, I felt seen and heard beyond my role as a mother or a nurse … through laughter and tears, I found a safe space to express my deepest fears and joys without judgment. Prospera matched me with a coach who understood my needs, offering personalized support that guided me through the darkest postpartum days.”

(Note: you can read more on Crystal’s story here). 

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The key to this evolution has been continuous feedback from moms and coaches, highlighting the importance of listening to those you serve.

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Charting a Course for the Future

As we look toward the future, Dr. Niles is determined to confront the challenges of misinformation in maternal mental health, especially on social media. Prospera's commitment to providing evidence-based insights in an era of widespread misinformation is crucial for empowering mothers with reliable information. "Our goal is to be a trusted voice amid the noise, guiding mothers toward support that is both effective and grounded in science," she emphasizes.

In celebrating Dr. Niles's contributions during Women's History Month, we are reminded of the incredible impact that dedicated, innovative leaders can have on maternal health. Her work with Prospera offers a new model of support for mothers and highlights the importance of engaging with the individuals we aim to serve. As Research With Moms continues to connect product teams and market researchers with a diverse network of moms, we draw inspiration from pioneers like Dr. Niles, who remind us of empathy, innovation, and direct engagement in creating a healthier future for all mothers.

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Get Involved and Make a Difference

For readers moved by Dr. Niles's vision and the transformative stories of mothers like Crystal, there's an opportunity to learn more and contribute to the movement for better maternal mental health. If you're interested in discovering more about Prospera's innovative approach or how you can receive its services, visit their website for detailed information and resources. Similarly, if you're passionate about contributing to meaningful research that can lead to real change in maternal health, Research With Moms welcomes you. Join our diverse network of moms and researchers working together to shape the future of motherhood.

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