Postpartum Depression: Who is Checking In with Supermom?

One in seven women in the United States experience postpartum depression (PPD). However, despite general awareness of this condition many cases are not identified or treated. Left untreated, postpartum depression may become severe, affecting not only the mother, but also her family—most notably her child’s development and health. A major question is who will screen women for PPD? Medical professionals may or may not ask a new mother about depressive symptoms (either formally via questionnaire or informally in conversation), and mothers may or may not answer these questions truthfully. This research evaluated the current state of PPD screening in Harrisonburg, Virginia, by surveying local mothers who have experienced PPD as well as local medical professionals (pediatricians, ob-gyns, midwives, primary care physicians, and nurses). It was found that PPD screening procedures can be improved in Harrisonburg.