The journey into motherhood brings profound joy and transformation, but it can also present significant mental health challenges. From pregnancy through the postpartum period, many women experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Research shows that while a majority of new mothers face these struggles, many don't receive the care they need.
Mobile applications have emerged as accessible, convenient tools for managing maternal mental health, offering support that complements traditional healthcare. At Phoenix Health, we understand the importance of comprehensive approaches to perinatal mental well-being. As specialists in online therapy for maternal mental health, we've compiled this in-depth guide of the leading apps designed to support mothers during this transformative time.
Why Mobile Apps for Maternal Mental Health?
Mobile applications provide several unique advantages for new and expecting mothers:
- Accessibility: Available 24/7 right from your smartphone
- Privacy: Discreet support without leaving home
- Convenience: Perfect for busy mothers with unpredictable schedules
- Affordability: Many offer free versions or cost less than traditional therapy
- Immediacy: Instant access to coping tools when needed most
Research indicates that smartphone-delivered mental health interventions, particularly mindfulness practices, can effectively reduce symptoms of postnatal depression, anxiety, and stress.
How To Choose the Right App for Your Needs
Consider these factors when selecting a maternal mental health app:
- Specific Mental Health Needs: Are you seeking anxiety relief, connection with other mothers, or meditation guidance?
- Budget: Several high-quality options are free, while others require subscriptions.
- Platform Availability: Ensure the app works on your device.
- Privacy Priorities: If data privacy is paramount, prioritize apps with strong privacy commitments.
- Evidence Base: Consider apps with scientific research supporting their effectiveness.
- Integration: Some apps complement therapy, while others stand alone as self-help tools.
Top Apps for Maternal Mental Health in 2025
1. Smiling Mind
Rating: 4.7/5 (Apple App Store)
Smiling Mind stands out as a comprehensive mindfulness and meditation toolkit that's completely free. Currently merging with Mind the Bump (a specialized app for expecting and new parents), it offers over 700 guided meditations and practices designed for various aspects of well-being.
Key Features:
- Evidence-based Mental Fitness Model developed by psychologists and researchers
- Dedicated programs for pregnancy and early parenthood
- Mood tracking and progress monitoring
- Ability to access content offline
- Wide variety of topics including sleep, stress, and relationships
Why We Love It:
As a non-profit initiative, Smiling Mind commits to keeping its extensive resources free for all users. The integration with Mind the Bump creates a powerful tool specifically addressing the unique challenges of parenthood from pregnancy through the first 24 months.
2. Expectful
Rating: 4.6/5 (Apple App Store), 4.5/5 (Google Play)
Expectful provides meditations and wellness content specifically tailored for the maternal journey, from fertility through the postpartum period.
Key Features:
- Week-by-week meditations for every stage of pregnancy
- On-demand courses and downloadable guides
- Expert interviews and maternal stories
- Sleep-inducing stories and labor preparation audio
- Sessions available in 5, 10, or 20-minute durations
Why We Love It:
A 2022 study in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health found that prenatal mindfulness apps like Expectful serve as valuable, low-cost tools for managing perinatal mood and stress. All content is medically vetted with input from healthcare professionals.
Available On: iOS and Android
Cost: Subscription starting at $8.99/month or $60/year
3. Connect by PSI
Rating: 5.0/5 (Apple App Store)
Developed by Postpartum Support International (PSI), this free app serves as a comprehensive hub of resources for pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood mental health.
Key Features:
- One-click access to PSI Helpline, Hotline, and crisis numbers
- Access to over 50 weekly online support groups
- Resources for various perinatal mental health concerns
- Support for individuals experiencing loss
- Specific resources for fathers
Why We Love It:
PSI is globally recognized for its expertise in perinatal mental health. This app connects users directly to their extensive support network and resources. It also maintains the strongest privacy stance of all apps reviewed, collecting no user data.
Available On: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
4. Peanut
Rating: 4.4/5 (Apple App Store), 3.8/5 (Google Play)
Peanut functions as a social networking platform specifically for mothers, helping them build supportive connections with others in similar life stages.
Key Features:
- Location-based matching with other mothers
- Interest-based groups and communities
- Discussion forums and meetup organization
- Live audio conversations (Peanut Pods)
- Q&A sessions with experts
- Pregnancy tracker and registry builder
Why We Love It:
Research by Peanut indicates that a significant majority of mothers feel current social support systems are inadequate. This app directly addresses the isolation many new mothers experience by facilitating meaningful connections with peers.
Available On: iOS and Android
Cost: Free with optional premium subscription
5. Calm Mama
Rating: 5.0/5 (Apple App Store)
Calm Mama offers specialized hypnosis and meditation programs exclusively designed for mothers, with guidance from a trauma-informed hypnotherapist.
Key Features:
- Meditations specifically created for mothers
- Community space for connection and support
- Daily affirmations and self-care reminders
- Personalized themes based on child's age
- Consistent support through daily notifications
Why We Love It:
This app's trauma-informed approach helps mothers regulate their nervous systems and rediscover fulfillment in motherhood, with content that adapts to your child's development.
Available On: iOS
Cost: Free download with in-app purchases ($1.99/month or $14.99/year)
6. Happify
Rating: 4.5/5 (Apple App Store), 3.5/5 (Google Play Store)
Happify is a science-backed mental wellness app that uses games and activities to help users reduce stress, build resilience, and cultivate a more optimistic outlook. Grounded in principles from positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), it offers personalized tracks designed to support emotional well-being.
Key Features:
- Evidence-based activities and games for stress reduction.
- Personalized tracks tailored to emotional needs.
- Progress tracking to monitor mental health improvements.
- Techniques developed by leading experts in psychology and mindfulness.
Why We Love It:
Happify’s research-backed approach provides users with engaging, interactive ways to manage stress and boost their mood. Studies suggest that consistent use can lead to significant improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Free with limited features; premium subscriptions available (monthly, yearly, lifetime plans)
7. Calm
Rating: 4.8/5 (Apple App Store), 4.4/5 (Google Play Store)
Calm is a leading meditation and relaxation app designed to improve sleep, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness. It offers a vast library of guided meditations, breathing exercises, and Sleep Stories narrated by celebrities. While not specifically designed for maternal mental health, its focus on sleep and stress reduction makes it a useful tool for new and expectant mothers.
Key Features:
- Sleep Stories narrated by celebrities for better sleep
- Guided meditations and mindfulness exercises
- Breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and stress
- Content covering women's health, including postpartum topics
Why We Love It:
Calm’s research-backed mindfulness techniques help users manage anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce stress—key concerns during pregnancy and postpartum. While it could benefit from more pregnancy-specific content, it remains a valuable tool for overall well-being.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Free trial available; subscription required for full access
8. Baby2Body
Rating: 4.7/5 (Apple App Store), 4.3/5 (Google Play Store)
Baby2Body is a holistic wellness app designed to support women from preconception through postpartum recovery. It offers personalized fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness coaching powered by AI. With expert-verified guidance, Baby2Body ensures safe and effective support tailored to every stage of motherhood.
Key Features:
- AI-powered wellness coaching available 24/7
- Personalized fitness and nutrition plans for each stage of motherhood
- Guided meditations and mindfulness exercises for mental well-being
- Pregnancy tracking and baby development insights
Why We Love It:
Baby2Body integrates physical, nutritional, and mental well-being support, making it a comprehensive tool for mothers. Its AI wellness coach, Bella, provides instant guidance, complementing Phoenix Health’s therapy services by encouraging healthy habits and self-care.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Free with limited features; premium subscription available for full access
9. Mindful Mamas
Rating: 4.9/5 (Apple App Store), 4.6/5 (Google Play Store)
Mindful Mamas is a mindfulness and self-care app designed exclusively for mothers at every stage of their journey. With expert-guided meditations and daily affirmations, it helps moms reduce stress, manage anxiety, and prioritize emotional well-being.
Key Features:
- Guided meditations tailored for the emotional challenges of motherhood
- Daily affirmations to foster self-compassion and confidence
- Short “mini-pauses” for quick self-care during busy days
- Sleep-focused meditations to improve rest and relaxation
Why We Love It:
Mindful Mamas is designed specifically for mothers, offering quick and effective mindfulness practices that fit into even the busiest schedules. It’s a perfect complement to Phoenix Health’s therapy services, helping moms integrate self-care into their daily lives.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Free with limited features; premium subscription available for full access
10. Poppyseed Health
Rating: 4.8/5 (Apple App Store)
Poppyseed Health provides 24/7 access to doulas, midwives, and nurses through text-based communication, offering real-time support for pregnancy, postpartum, and miscarriage-related concerns. Unlike traditional therapy or medical appointments, this app ensures immediate, expert-backed responses for a wide range of perinatal needs.
Key Features:
- On-demand chat support with experienced doulas, midwives, and nurses
- Guidance on birth and postpartum planning, lactation, and infant care
- Support for mental health, labor comfort measures, and pregnancy loss
Why We Love It:
Poppyseed Health is a game-changer for those who need immediate, expert-led perinatal support. Its real-time text-based assistance makes it an excellent supplement to Phoenix Health’s therapy services, especially for clients seeking reassurance between sessions.
Available on: iOS
Cost: Pay-per-chat or monthly subscription for unlimited access
11. Mysha
Rating: 4.7/5 (Apple App Store)
Mysha is a community-driven app designed to connect new and expectant parents through small, moderated support groups ("pods"). By fostering meaningful peer connections, Mysha helps parents navigate the challenges of early parenthood while reducing feelings of isolation.
Key Features:
- Small, moderated pods based on due dates and location for close-knit support
- Specialty pods covering various parenting topics
- Access to parenting resources, events, and expert-led discussions
- Annual membership model with local and virtual tiers
Why We Love It:
Mysha excels in creating a strong sense of community among parents, making it a great complement to professional mental health support. Phoenix Health users who seek peer connection alongside therapy may find this app particularly beneficial.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Annual membership with tiered pricing
12. Headspace
Rating: 4.8/5 (Apple App Store) 4.4/5 (Google Play Store)
Headspace is a highly acclaimed mindfulness app offering guided meditation and relaxation exercises, with specific content tailored for pregnancy and postpartum mental health. It helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and manage anxiety, with tailored programs for new parents and expecting mothers.
Key Features:
- Pregnancy and postpartum-specific mindfulness meditations
- General stress relief and sleep improvement programs
- Guided exercises for body and mind relaxation
- Evidence-backed resources for managing perinatal anxiety
Why We Love It:
With its focus on reducing stress and improving sleep, Headspace is a perfect companion for Phoenix Health users looking to integrate mindfulness into their self-care routines. Its pregnancy and postpartum content is especially valuable for new mothers managing their mental health.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Subscription-based with a free trial period
13. Worry Watch
Rating: 4.6/5 (Apple App Store)
Worry Watch is an app designed to help users manage anxiety through structured journaling and guided coping techniques. With its focus on cognitive science, it provides a comprehensive tool for tracking worries, understanding triggers, and practicing effective coping strategies.
Key Features:
- Guided anxiety journaling and reflection
- Coping techniques, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and grounding exercises
- Mood journal and tracker to identify worry patterns
- Available offline for convenience
Why We Love It:
For Phoenix Health users struggling with anxiety, Worry Watch offers structured support through journaling and cognitive techniques. It's a great supplement to therapy for managing anxiety and tracking progress.
Available on: iOS
Cost: Paid subscription with premium features
14. Woebot
Rating: 4.7/5 (Apple App Store), 4.3/5 (Google Play Store)
Woebot is a unique AI-powered chatbot designed to provide personalized mental health support, using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based practices. It offers round-the-clock support with a specific version aimed at maternal health.
Key Features:
- AI-powered chatbot offering 24/7 support
- Evidence-based therapeutic techniques (CBT, IPT, DBT)
- Maternal health-specific version addressing perinatal needs
- Mood tracking, gratitude journaling, and mindfulness exercises
Why We Love It:
Woebot’s continuous, therapeutic support makes it a standout for Phoenix Health users, particularly those seeking on-demand assistance. The maternal health-specific version is particularly relevant for new mothers managing postpartum mental health.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Free with access code from partner organizations
15. Youper
Rating: 4.8/5 (Apple App Store), 3.9/5 (Google Play Store)
Youper uses an AI chatbot to guide users through their emotional health, utilizing CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness to help reduce anxiety and improve mood. It offers personalized plans based on users' emotional health assessments.
Key Features:
- AI-driven emotional health assistance
- Mood tracking, emotional assessments, and personalized plans
- CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based interventions
Why We Love It:
Youper provides personalized emotional health support through AI, making it an excellent option for those who want continuous, guided self-care. Its use of evidence-based therapy is highly beneficial for those struggling with anxiety or depression.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Annual subscription with a 7-day free trial
16. Moodfit
Rating: 4.7/5 (Apple App Store), 4.1 (Google Play Store)
Moodfit is a mental health fitness app that offers tools for tracking mood, managing stress, and improving overall emotional resilience. It incorporates CBT principles, mindfulness exercises, and lifestyle tracking to provide a holistic approach to mental health.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive toolkit for mood management
- Mood tracking, gratitude journaling, and breathwork exercises
- Lifestyle tracking to understand how sleep, nutrition, and exercise affect mood
Why We Love It:
Moodfit’s holistic approach to mental health, incorporating lifestyle factors like sleep and exercise, makes it an ideal tool for Phoenix Health users who want to understand how their daily habits affect their emotional well-being.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Free version with in-app purchases
17. SuperBetter
Rating: 4.2/5 (Apple App Store), 4.7 (Google Play Store)
SuperBetter uses gamification to help users build resilience and overcome challenges, with a unique focus on mental health. It encourages users to adopt a “gameful mindset” to tackle real-life challenges and improve social-emotional skills.
Key Features:
- Gamified approach to building resilience and achieving goals
- Challenges and quests to boost mental health
- Focus on building social-emotional skills through playful strategies
Why We Love It:
SuperBetter’s engaging, gamified approach can be a fun and motivating way for Phoenix Health users to build resilience, especially for those who may find traditional mental health apps less engaging or too formal.
Available on: iOS, Android, and Web
Cost: Free version with premium option
18. Wysa
Rating: 4.9/5 (Apple App Store), 4.6 (Google Play Store)
Wysa is an AI-powered chatbot designed to help users manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It offers emotional support and evidence-based therapy, including CBT and DBT, and is clinically validated for improving mental health outcomes, particularly among prenatal and postnatal women.
Key Features:
- Emotionally intelligent AI chatbot with CBT, DBT, and mindfulness
- Journaling, mood tracking, and goal-setting features
- Clinical validation for reducing depression in maternal populations
Why We Love It:
Wysa’s clinical evidence and focus on maternal mental health make it an excellent tool for Phoenix Health users. The app’s use of therapeutic techniques and its 24/7 availability make it an ideal resource for those seeking accessible, on-demand support.
Available on: iOS and Android
Cost: Free version with premium subscription and coaching options
Privacy Considerations: Protecting Your Mental Health Data
When selecting a mental health app, privacy should be a top priority. Here's how the apps compare on data protection:
- Connect by PSI stands out with its commitment to not collecting or sharing any user data.
- Sanvello emphasizes HIPAA compliance for health information protection.
- MindShift CBT doesn't share user data with third parties and encrypts data during transit.
- Peanut may collect and link more extensive personal data, including location and user content.
Always review privacy policies before use to understand what data is collected and how it's utilized. Opt for apps from reputable developers with transparent data handling practices.
Complementing Professional Support
While these apps provide valuable tools and resources, they work best as complements to professional mental health care when needed. For mothers experiencing significant or persistent mental health challenges, connecting with qualified professionals remains essential.
At Phoenix Health, we specialize in online therapy services tailored to the unique mental health needs of mothers throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. The apps discussed in this guide can serve as powerful supplements to professional therapy, providing daily support between sessions.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Maternal Mental Health Journey
The transition to motherhood presents both extraordinary joys and unique challenges. By combining technological support through these apps with professional guidance when needed, mothers can prioritize their mental well-being and thrive during this transformative life chapter.
Remember that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Your mental health directly impacts your ability to care for your child and yourself. The right support tools can make a significant difference in your maternal journey.
If you're experiencing significant mental health challenges during pregnancy or the postpartum period, reach out to Phoenix Health today to connect with our specialized online therapy services.
This article was last updated on March 22, 2025. App availability, features, and pricing may change over time. Please check current information before downloading.