Support for Post-Partum Depression

Charting Pediatrics

Bringing a baby into this world is the start of many significant changes, yet one change that some families may not anticipate is post-partum depression (PPD). This condition affects more than the parent’s wellbeing, it can impact children and other family members too. About one in five new parents experience mood or anxiety concerns during pregnancy or after delivery, making maternal mental health conditions the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. While 80% of them will fully recover, setting them up for success can start in the pediatric primary care setting.

To understand how primary care providers can help support parents with post-partum depression, we are joined by two experts for this episode. Celeste St. John-Larkin, MD, specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is an associate professor of child psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also The Anschutz Chair in Perinatal Mental Health. Kelly Glaze, PsyD, is a psychologist at Children’s Colorado and an assistant professor of child psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• How long parents are at risk of PPD after birth
• The difference between PPD and baby blues
• How primary care pediatricians can support the adults alongside their kids
• How to navigate support after giving birth

For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.