Digital health support for pregnancy and breastfeeding: insights from the “Women and Maternity: Development of a Nutritional Education Project - MATER” app

F. Sottotetti,¹ I. Bianco,¹ M. Cremaschi,² D. Chieregato,² G. Volontè,² F. Loperfido,¹ D. El Masri,¹ B. Maccarini,¹ C. Ferrara,¹ H. Cena,^1,3 R. De Giuseppe¹ | ¹Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia; ²Department of Computer Science, Systems, and Communication, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan; ³Clinical Nutrition Unit, General Medicine, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy

Digitalising a Lifestyle Educational Intervention within the First 1000 Days window¹ is addressed through the MATER app, a user-centred tool designed to increase women’s awareness of healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy and breastfeeding.² The app combines evidence-based micro-learning content, interactive and gamified modules, and self-monitoring features to support nutrition and behaviour choices over time. Building on evidence that digital health can reduce access barriers and strengthen communication, MATER aims to provide continuous, low-threshold support that complements routine care. The app will be tested through a pilot study assessing usability, user engagement, and preliminary effects on maternal knowledge and health-related behaviours. By embedding digital education into antenatal and postnatal pathways, MATER seeks to foster women’s empowerment and contribute to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.