°Educate patients and encourage childbirth classes.
°Look for, ask about & screen for postpartum mood disorders. (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)
°Know to whom and when to refer these women.
°Be assertive in encouraging treatment and support.
°Continuing education is needed for all staff who care for pregnant and postpartum women.
For
Doctors and office staff:
°Present information on postpartum mood disorders and how to identify them (poster).
°Start conversations – ask how they are doing.
°Watch body language – anxious, fidgety, full of questions.
°Help partner identify role in helping new mom if she is affected (family pledge card).
°When concerned, know who to refer them to.
For
Nurses, Childbirth Educators & Social
Workers:
