Key Takeaways
- Yes, many pediatric practices screen mothers for postpartum depression (PPD) at baby checkups, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening at the 1, 2, 4, and 6-month visits.
- Screening is a short questionnaire. It is not a diagnosis, and it helps start a conversation about how a new mother is feeling.
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says 'baby blues' usually fade within 2 weeks, while mood changes that are severe or last longer may be signs of PPD.
- PPD is treatable, usually with therapy, medication, or both, and new mothers are not at fault for having it.
- Keystone Rural Health Consortia screens for PPD as part of its pediatric and behavioral health services, and mothers in rural Pennsylvania can request an appointment online.
Why Do Pediatric Visits Include Postpartum Depression Screening?
It may surprise new mothers to be asked about their own feelings at a baby's checkup. There is a good reason. A mother's health and her baby's health are closely linked.
The AAP says perinatal depression, which includes depression during pregnancy and after birth, affects as many as 12 percent of women who are pregnant or new mothers. The AAP also estimates that about half of women who are depressed during and after pregnancy go undiagnosed and untreated. Left untreated, it can interfere with healthy bonding between parent and baby.
Because babies visit the pediatrician often in the first months, these visits give providers a chance to notice problems early. According to the AAP, screening is recommended at the 1, 2, 4, and 6 month infant visits, based on when PPD is most likely to occur.
What Does PPD Screening Involve at a Baby's Checkup?
PPD screening is usually quick and private. A new mother fills out a short questionnaire, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and then talks through her answers with her baby's provider.
Many mothers feel tired and overwhelmed after a baby arrives, so some brush off the questions. Providers repeat the screening at several visits because feelings can change from one month to the next. Answering honestly gives the care team the best chance to help.
How Screening Differs From a Formal Diagnosis
| Screening at a Baby's Visit | Formal Diagnosis | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A short questionnaire about mood, worry, and sleep | A full evaluation by a health care provider |
| What it tells you | Whether symptoms may need a closer look | Whether PPD or another condition is present |
| How long it takes | Short and simple | A longer conversation and follow-up |
| What happens next | A talk about the results and support options | A treatment plan, such as therapy, medication, or both |
NIMH notes that a provider can determine whether symptoms are due to perinatal depression or something else. A higher score on a screening is a reason to talk, not a label.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression: What Is the Difference?
Many new mothers feel weepy, worried, or worn out in the first days after birth. NIMH calls this the 'baby blues.' It helps to know how the baby blues compare with PPD.
| Baby Blues | Postpartum Depression | |
|---|---|---|
| How long it lasts | Usually the first 2 weeks after birth | Severe or lasting longer than 2 weeks |
| How it feels | Mild, short-lasting mood changes, worry, and exhaustion | Extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that make daily tasks hard |
| When it starts | Soon after birth | Most episodes begin within 4 to 8 weeks after birth |
| Does it improve without treatment? | Short-lasting, with no treatment usually needed | Generally does not improve without treatment |
Signs of Postpartum Depression to Know
According to NIMH's guide to perinatal depression, common symptoms include:
- A sad, anxious, or 'empty' mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Trouble sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble bonding with the baby
- Persistent doubts about the ability to care for the baby
Anyone with these symptoms should see a health care provider.
What Happens If a Screening Suggests a Concern?
A positive screening is not a failure. Pediatric providers can start with reassurance. The AAP says providers can explain that PPD happens to many new parents, that the mother is not at fault or a 'bad' mother, and that it is treatable. They can also connect mothers to community support and mental health services.
NIMH explains that treatment for perinatal depression usually includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Two evidence-based therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work, and a provider can explain the options, including for mothers who are nursing.
Help is also available at any hour:
- The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 1-833-852-6262.
- If a mother has thoughts of harming herself or her baby, she can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
- NIMH says postpartum psychosis, which can include seeing or hearing things that are not there, is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
How Pediatric and Behavioral Health Teams at Keystone Support New Mothers
Keystone Rural Health Consortia screens for PPD as part of its pediatric care services and behavioral health services. That means mothers can often raise concerns at the same visit where their baby gets care, which saves a trip.
If a screening raises a concern, the next step can include Keystone's behavioral health team. Keystone offers mental health counseling and telehealth appointments, so mothers who live far from an office can still connect with a provider. Mothers who want to talk with someone can request a behavioral health appointment online.
Get Postpartum Support From Keystone Rural Health Consortia
Pediatric visits are a chance to check on the whole family, not just the baby. PPD screening helps mothers get support early, and with treatment most women feel better.
If you are a new mother who feels low, anxious, or not like yourself, request an appointment with Keystone Rural Health Consortia for pediatric or behavioral health care. You can also explore the Keystone Rural Health Consortia home page to see all of the services available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is postpartum depression screening?
It is a short questionnaire that asks a new mother about her mood, worries, and sleep. Providers use the answers to see whether she may need support.
How often are mothers screened at pediatric visits?
The AAP recommends screening at the 1, 2, 4, and 6 month baby visits.
Is a postpartum depression screening a diagnosis?
No. A screening shows whether symptoms need a closer look. A health care provider decides whether PPD or another condition is present.
What are the signs of postpartum depression?
Signs include a sad or empty mood lasting 2 weeks or more, loss of interest, trouble sleeping, and trouble bonding with the baby.
Where can I find postpartum depression support near me?
Keystone Rural Health Consortia offers pediatric care, PPD screening, behavioral health counseling, and telehealth for families across rural Pennsylvania. You can also call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.
