Postpartum depression: An opportunity for prevention

There is the opportunity to prevent a woman who exhibits significant risk factors for PPD from developing clinical postpartum depression (PPD), there is the opportunity for early identification of women who are symptomatic, refer them for treatment, thereby preventing worsening disease, and there is the opportunity to prevent the profound impact on the child of maternal depression that has been widely reported in the literature. The Centers for Disease Control Strategic Direction for Child Maltreatment Prevention, notes that PPD has individual, family and community level influences and impacts. Postpartum depression is a significant problem with adverse consequences for the mother, the child and the family. Effective interventions can be planned for women at high risk for postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosocial and psychological interventions are an effective treatment option for women suffering from postpartum depression.(Dennis & Hodnett, 2009)

Telephone based peer support can be effective in preventing postnatal depression among women at risk.(Dennis, 2003)

That may include providing psychosocial support through peer based telephone support or home visitation by trained community health workers who in turn are supported by health and mental professionals are part of a comprehensive, cost effective, community-based intervention strategy.

Healthy Families is a national program model that provides education, resources and support for vulnerable families at risk for poor parenting outcomes, which are the same risk factors that place a woman at risk for postpartum depression. An innovative Healthy Families program model will be discussed in light of the evidence.