Postpartum depression: What pediatricians need to know

PPD is a treatable and underrecognized illness that affects 10% to 20% of new mothers and may have significant repercussions for the health and well-being of women and their children. Pediatricians may help mothers to identify, cope with, and seek treatment for PPD by routinely screening new mothers for depression, identifying high-risk maternal attitudes and behaviors, providing referrals to mental health specialists, and assisting with the risk-benefit analysis of medication treatment during breastfeeding. By becoming actively involved, pediatricians can help their pediatric patients.