RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that clinicians screen women for postpartum depression utilizing the EPDS while in the hospital in the first 2–3 days postpartum. Individuals with positive screenings considered within the context of one or more known risk factors should be provided secondary prevention efforts including psycho education, community resources and if warranted, professional assistance. A follow-up re-screening can be completed for all positive screens via the primary care provider or during the well-child visit approximately 1–2 weeks postpartum.11,17 It is recommended that individuals with 1) a positive screen and one or more risk factors, or 2) two consecutive positive screens, be further evaluated by a primary care physician or mental health professional.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Early screening and secondary prevention for PPD is beneficial to both mother and baby. As more women become accurately identified as having symptoms of PPD, the demand for secondary and tertiary prevention and treatment resources will increase. It will take a multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, family physicians, pediatricians, and mental health professionals to ensure the need is met. Future research examining how varying disciplines can work together to meet the needs of this population of mothers will aid coordination of efforts.