Postpartum Screening

One of the pivotal parts of our two week visit is a postpartum depression assessment. It is well know that about 10% of new moms suffer from postpartum depression. This can develop as early as days after birth, or as late as a year after birth. Moms can feel sad, anxious, depressed, poorly bonded to the baby, apathetic about the baby and/or life, distracted, overwhelmed and a number of other emotions. Moms may be very tearful and emotional, and are generally poorly able to negotiate daily tasks. When we see your baby at their two week visit, we will also assess you with a questionnaire for postpartum depression. As pediatricians, we cannot treat you, but as we see you earlier than your OB, we are in an excellent position to screen you for postpartum depression. We can refer you to therapists and/or counselors, as well as back to your OB/Gyn, who may opt to treat you with medication.