INTRODUCTION
In 2015, a tragic suicide at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC highlighted the urgent need for effective treatment pathways for postpartum depression The patient, who struggled to find help, left behind her husband and six-month-old child, leaving healthcare providers with a profound sense of failure This incident underscored the critical importance of establishing clear and accessible treatment options for women facing postpartum depression at Magee-Womens Hospital.
A collaborative team from Magee-Womens Hospital and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic has established a comprehensive care pathway for women experiencing postpartum depression This report outlines their research efforts and the methodologies employed to standardize depression screening tools, along with the creation of accessible resources aimed at supporting postpartum women.
ORGANIZATION INTRODUCTIONS
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers comprehensive healthcare services to the diverse population of Allegheny County, including men, women, and children As a leading facility, Magee accounts for over 55% of all births in the county each year and conducts more than 400,000 obstetrics-related appointments annually Additionally, Magee is home to a prominent research institution dedicated to pioneering advancements in women's health.
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC
The Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) in Pittsburgh, PA, is a leading provider of behavioral health services in Allegheny County and beyond As a premier academic psychiatric care facility, WPIC is affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry, emphasizing clinical care, research, education, and training for behavioral health professionals WPIC has broadened its services to include both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care across several hospitals in Allegheny County, including UPMC McKeesport, UPMC Mercy, UPMC Northwest, and Magee-Womens Hospital.
Because of an already ingrained relationship between Magee and WPIC, the development of a women’s behavioral health pathway is a collaboration of the two providers.
The Development Team
The establishment of a strategic planning team for a postpartum depression care pathway was crucial to engage all relevant stakeholders Initially formed between the administration of Magee-Womens Hospital and WPIC, the team included Chief Nursing Officers from both institutions Key participants also comprised the Chief Quality Officer of UPMC, UPMC Health Plan representatives, obstetricians, pediatricians, behavioral health providers, and emergency medicine professionals Additionally, nurses and physician-extenders were periodically invited to contribute clinical insights.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Postpartum depression, also referred to as postnatal depression or perinatal mood disorder, is defined by the World Health Organization as a non-psychotic depressive episode of mild to moderate severity that begins during or extends into the first year after childbirth Affecting approximately one in seven women, it is the most common medical complication following childbirth Alarmingly, maternal suicide linked to postpartum depression is the leading cause of death in women after giving birth, surpassing complications such as hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders.
Rates of mood disorders during pregnancy can reach nearly 70% among specific American subpopulations, including African American women, teenagers, single mothers, low-income women, and those on Medicaid Untreated mood disorders are linked to various obstetric complications, such as increased surgical deliveries, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth, negatively impacting both mother and baby Additionally, depression occurs twice as frequently in women compared to men, with 30% of new cases identified during pregnancy or childbirth.
Postpartum depression can manifest as major or minor depressive episodes within the first year after childbirth, often going unrecognized due to natural post-birth changes like altered sleep patterns, appetite loss, and decreased libido The significant drop in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone after delivery may contribute to these emotional challenges, leading to what is often described as "emotional overload." Many women may not seek treatment, mistakenly believing their feelings are a normal response to hormonal fluctuations Additionally, perinatal depression frequently remains unreported, as mothers navigate the substantial life changes that accompany new motherhood.
The stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders significantly contributes to the underreporting of postpartum depression Many mothers fear that seeking help may lead to their baby being taken away or being labeled as unfit parents This fear of judgment and societal perception often prevents them from addressing their mental health needs.
Many mothers experience an internal struggle when it comes to seeking help for postpartum depression, as societal expectations often dictate that they should feel happy after giving birth Research indicates that fewer than 20% of women diagnosed with postpartum depression have previously disclosed their symptoms to a healthcare provider, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for maternal mental health.
2015) Consequently, healthcare providers involved in perinatal care should be educated to screen for postpartum depression and refer patients to appropriate behavioral health services
Postpartum depression is a critical public health concern due to its profound effects on mothers, families, partners, and especially infants Research indicates that postpartum depression can lead to long-term emotional and developmental challenges for babies (O'Hara & McCabe, 2013; Murray & Cooper, 1997) Mothers experiencing depression often interact with their infants in ways that are withdrawn, intrusive, or unharmonious, which can result in infants being perceived as irritable, difficult to console, and less responsive to their mother's voice and communication These negative impacts can persist throughout a child's life (Murray & Cooper, 1997; American College of et al., 2016).
Postnatal depression is often stigmatized, making it challenging for women to seek the care they need Key barriers include the pressure to meet societal expectations of motherhood, difficulty expressing feelings about their experiences, and a lack of understanding of postpartum depression among both support systems and healthcare providers Additionally, many women struggle to identify symptoms of depression and fear being labeled as incompetent or burdensome to their families Addressing these modifiable barriers is crucial when designing effective interventions for postpartum care.
CURRENT RESOURCES AND PROCEDURES AT MAGEE-WOMENS HOSPITAL
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features a specialized outpatient behavioral health clinic focused on the treatment of pregnant and postpartum women, staffed with 1.3 FTE clinicians and 0.5 FTE psychiatric MDs (O’Toole, 2014) While the clinic permits mothers to bring their children to appointments, it faces challenges such as long wait times—sometimes up to two weeks—and limited resources, making it difficult to determine the exact number of new mothers receiving assistance.
Magee-Womens Hospital features an outpatient clinic dedicated to screening newly postpartum patients for postpartum depression utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Additionally, patients are assessed during pregnancy to detect existing depression and establish a baseline for postpartum evaluation.
Patients who score above 14 on the behavioral health screening scale receive a consultation for referrals to appropriate services At Magee, some pediatricians screen mothers during pediatric appointments, but there are concerns regarding the management of positive screenings, as pediatricians cannot document or refer mothers since they are not their direct patients Currently, there is a lack of standardized procedures for obstetricians, family physicians, and midwives to screen for and provide ongoing care for postpartum depression.
At Magee-Womens Hospital, screening tools and procedures differ significantly among various practices and providers To address this inconsistency, the development team aimed to establish a standardized screening process across all Magee entities This initiative is crucial, as the current lack of uniformity and clear pathways to behavioral health care highlights the necessity for a comprehensive program.
CURRENT RESOURCES AND PROCEDURES AT WPIC
WPIC offers Adult Partial and Intensive Outpatient Programs that serve both pregnant and postpartum women, as well as the general population, focusing on depression and anxiety However, WPIC does not provide a separate program tailored specifically for postpartum depression, highlighting a need for specialized services in this area.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN PITTSBURGH AND ALLEGHENY COUNTY
re:Solve Crisis Network, operated by WPIC and UPMC, offers 24/7 mental health crisis intervention services to residents of Allegheny County With a dedicated team of 130 trained professionals, including clinical psychiatrists and peer support staff, re:Solve provides various intervention options such as phone counseling, a walk-in clinic, inpatient services, and mobile counseling to patients in their homes The mission is to help individuals identify their current mental health situations and connect them with appropriate community resources While both Magee and WPIC utilize re:Solve's services as needed, it is important to note that re:Solve focuses solely on crisis intervention and does not offer long-term care, particularly for women, many of whom may reside outside Allegheny County.
BEST PRACTICES – COUNCIL OF WOMEN’S AND INFANTS’
The Council of Women’s and Infants’ Specialty Hospitals, known as CWISH, is an organization of 13 non-profit hospitals across the United States, led by Maribeth McLaughlin,
The Council of Women’s and Infants’ Specialty Hospitals (CWISH), established in 1991, consists of 13 non-competing hospitals that collaborate to coordinate financial and operational data, collectively managing over 113,000 annual deliveries in the U.S Each hospital within the CWISH network employs unique methods and resources for addressing postpartum depression care As a progressive consortium, CWISH hospitals are at the forefront of innovative practices and programs, serving as valuable resources for the development team in crafting effective program ideas.
Figure 1 highlights the resources available at each CWISH hospital for addressing postpartum depression, including hotline services, crisis intervention, group therapy, outpatient behavioral health, inpatient care specifically for postpartum issues, and tailored mother and baby interventions Although there is no standardized clinical care plan for postpartum depression, a combination of these services can effectively assist women in accessing the necessary care within the hospital system (Doucet, Letourneau, & Blackmore).
Hospital for Women and Babies
Hospital for Women and Newborns (San
Figure 1: Summarization of CWISH Hospital postpartum depression treatment programs
1 Hotline refers to a direct phone line set up specifically for emergency situations, will triage and refer women to appropriate resources
2 Crisis intervention services refers to 24/7 emergency services that provide short-term interventions
3 Outpatient Behavioral Health services refer to services that patients can attend and return home the same day, typically group or individual therapy sessions
4 Inpatient Behavioral Health services refer to any hospital program that admits the woman for at least an overnight stay
5 Mom/baby services refer to inpatient or outpatient programs that allow the mother to include the infant in treatment
PHARMACOTHERAPY
While behavioral therapy and counseling can help many women overcome depression, an estimated 1.8%-3.8% may still need medication (Marchocki, Russell, & Donoghue, 2013) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the primary antidepressants prescribed for pregnant women due to their extensive research and proven safety for both mothers and fetuses (Marchocki et al., 2013) Although some women discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy out of fear for their baby's health, it is crucial to consider the risks of untreated mental health issues Research indicates that only 26% of women who continued their antidepressant medications during pregnancy experienced relapse, compared to 68% of those who stopped (Marchocki et al., 2013) Additionally, misconceptions about breastfeeding while on antidepressants often deter women from continuing their treatment.
When prescribing SSRIs to pregnant women, decisions should be made on an individual basis, ensuring that all healthcare providers possess accurate knowledge about the implications of medication use during pregnancy (Bascom & Napolitano, 2016; Marchocki et al., 2013).
SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS
Utilizing a depression screening tool at various stages during pregnancy and the postnatal period is essential for identifying and diagnosing postpartum depression These tools enable healthcare providers to effectively assess a woman's mental health, leading to improved understanding and more accurate diagnoses.
SCREENING TOOLS
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), introduced in 1987, is a prominent screening tool for identifying probable and possible postpartum depression Its implementation has significantly enhanced detection rates, rising from 6.3% to 35.4% compared to routine medical assessments (Evins et al., 2000) Additionally, administering the EPDS during pregnancy can help identify patients at risk for postpartum depression (Cox, Holden, & Sagovsky, 1987; Dennis).
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a versatile screening tool that can be self-administered or utilized by clinicians, family members, or friends Comprising 10 questions, it takes less than five minutes for women to complete, focusing on their feelings over the past week Responses are scored from 0 to 3, yielding total scores between 0 and 30 Additionally, the EPDS has been translated and validated in various languages, making it accessible for diverse populations.
Shakespeare, Price, & Gray, 2009) The questions range from “have you been able to sleep?” to
“have you been able to find enjoyment in daily activities?” Figure 2 shows a completed example:
Figure 2: Completed example of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale play a crucial role in identifying postpartum depression However, several obstacles hinder effective and timely screening, which will be addressed later (Dennis & Chung-Lee, 2006).
STANDARDIZED SCREENING TIMES
Postpartum depression screening is recommended during a mother's first postpartum office visit and her infant's first well-child visit, necessitating that healthcare providers, including obstetricians, family physicians, midwives, and pediatricians, are properly trained to identify and refer affected women The Public Awareness Campaign for Perinatal Mood Disorders, led by The Perinatal Foundation, emphasizes that "You Can’t Tell by Looking," highlighting the need for screening tools to accurately diagnose depression rather than relying on visual assessments A study in the United Kingdom revealed that among mothers screened for postpartum depression, only a fraction were identified as needing support.
7% were perceived to be depressed by the health care team without a screening tool (Gjerdingen
It is essential to screen patients for postpartum depression four to six weeks after childbirth, as symptoms may not manifest until later (Gjerdingen & Yawn, 2007; Evins et al., 2000) While over 75% of women experience the "baby blues" within one to two days postpartum, these short-lived feelings of mild anxiety and depression typically resolve within ten days and should not be confused with postpartum depression.
The development team has determined that women will first be screened for postpartum depression during their postpartum office visit, typically conducted by an obstetrician or nurse midwife Research from the University of Minnesota indicates that consistently utilizing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) during these visits significantly raised the diagnosis rate of postpartum depression from 3.7% to 10.7% (JABFM, 2007).
The second recommended screening opportunity for depression occurs during infant well-child visits with primary care providers or pediatricians, as suggested by Earls et al (2010) These visits, which take place regularly during the first year of life, allow providers to observe both the mother and child together Despite advocacy from many physicians for depression screening in pediatric settings, the National Survey on Early Childhood Health (CDC, 2009) revealed that approximately 86% of parents reported not being screened for depression during their child's well-child appointments.
STANDARDIZED SCORING
A score of 13 or higher on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) is widely recognized as the threshold for identifying probable depression in women, correlating to a score of 20 or more on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, which suggests a significant likelihood of a major depressive episode Research published in the International Review of Psychiatry Journal indicates that a score above 13 on the EDPS accurately identifies 86% of women diagnosed with major or minor depression Additionally, a score of 10 or above on the EDPS suggests the presence of possible depression.
Responses other than 0 for question number 10 of the EDPS raise significant concern and necessitate immediate intervention (Gjerdingen & Yawn, 2007) This question, which inquires whether the individual has frequently contemplated self-harm, highlights the critical need for support for anyone who answers "yes, quite often."
“sometimes,” or “hardly ever” should be referred for an immediate behavioral health intervention, as this indicates suicidal thoughts or behaviors (Evins et al., 2000).
BARRIERS TO SCREENING
SUMMARY OF NEED
Developing a comprehensive program for postpartum depression is essential, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and education A key objective is to ensure care continuity for patients beyond the postpartum period Research indicates that the lack of standardized screening processes at Magee and WPIC practices contributes to underdiagnosis and ambiguity in treatment options for women.
IDENTIFYING GOALS
The strategic planning and development team at Magee has established four primary goals for the creation and execution of a postpartum depression treatment pathway: enhancing identification and access, conducting thorough evaluations, providing effective treatment, and delivering education to improve outcomes A model illustrating these goals and expectations is presented in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Proposed goals for wellness center program
PHASE 1: IDENTIFICATION OF DEPRESSION AND ACCESS TO TREATMENT
To enhance the identification of postpartum depression and improve access to treatment services, three key strategies have been identified The first strategy involves focusing on postpartum care sources and standardizing screening protocols Key stakeholders in this initiative include Magee-Womens Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and Children’s Community Providers By standardizing the screening process, more patients suffering from postpartum depression can be effectively identified, ensuring they have a clear pathway to receive necessary treatment.
To enhance patient identification and access, implementing two essential phone services is crucial The first service is a 24-hour crisis hotline designed for crisis intervention and triage, ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of care Managed by trained clinicians, this warm line offers quick triage and referrals to community services while addressing the unique needs of the population (O’Toole, 2014) The second service is a TIPS line, operational from 9 AM to 5 PM, allowing healthcare providers to consult with one another for advice regarding patient treatment plans.
Magee-Womens Hospital has implemented an open access outpatient behavioral health clinic to enhance in-person access to care, primarily benefiting the Oakland and Allegheny County regions While this clinic serves as a crucial resource, it may not extend its reach to patients outside these areas Additionally, the re:Solve crisis intervention mobile unit offers another vital in-person care solution for those in need.
LEVEL OF CARE EVALUATION
The evaluation services include both emergency/crisis options and outpatient care When a woman in crisis contacts the re:Solve hotline, an emergency evaluation team is dispatched to assess her situation This mobile unit determines the necessary level of care and directs the patient to suitable community resources for treatment.
The outpatient evaluation options include a walk-in clinic at Magee, potential satellite sites, and telemedicine services for biopsychosocial assessments Telemedicine will offer patients a comprehensive overview of treatment options The proposed walk-in clinic will be staffed by a nurse, counselors, and a psychiatrist to triage, assess, and diagnose women Initially, the clinic will provide counseling sessions until patients establish care with a permanent provider or twelve months postpartum, focusing on individual psychotherapy and medication management (O’Toole, 2014).
The development team discussed telemedicine services for diagnosis and triage, but the UPMC Health Plan currently does not reimburse for home-based telemedicine, unlike some competitor plans Initially, the team believed that offering these services would benefit patients; however, after extensive discussion, they concluded that it was not a top priority For women experiencing postpartum depression, the opportunity to attend in-person appointments can encourage socialization and improve their well-being, which could be undermined by allowing them to stay at home.
TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Two treatment options are available: outpatient services and intensive outpatient/inpatient care Outpatient treatment includes individual psychotherapy, medication management, and group therapy; however, WPIC currently lacks group therapy specifically for mothers and women, focusing instead on depression and psychosis WPIC has expressed willingness to create tailored classes for mothers if the project attracts enough participants Future plans include expanding group therapy facilities to accommodate patients with their infants or partners.
The proposed mother-baby day hospital model for intensive outpatient and inpatient services is gaining traction due to its effectiveness in behavioral health treatment, particularly for mothers experiencing depression This partial-hospitalization approach allows mothers and their infants to participate in high-intensity therapy sessions together, fostering essential bonding during the critical early months of development Adopting the “Circle of Security” therapy model, the day hospital will operate five days a week for five hours daily, offering a comprehensive program that includes group psychotherapy, parenting education, individual therapy, case management, pharmacotherapy, and family therapy, with an expected length of stay of three to four weeks However, this initiative is currently on hold until adequate funding and space are secured.
An intensive outpatient treatment program designed for postnatal mood disorders offers a realistic solution within the constraints of physical space and funding This program typically includes sessions lasting three to four hours, three to four days a week, totaling a recommended 30 hours It serves as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization, particularly for severe cases, as it allows mothers to maintain crucial bonding time with their infants When possible, it is ideal for both mother and infant to participate in the intensive outpatient treatment together.
CONTINUOUS EDUCATION AND OUTCOMES
Enhancing education and outcomes for women experiencing depression is a key objective across all care levels By offering more frequent educational resources to patients, families, and healthcare providers, we can help reduce the social stigma surrounding postpartum depression that many women encounter.
The development team prioritized prevention education to enhance awareness of depression signs and symptoms among women and families during pregnancy, aiming to identify at-risk patients early UPMC has introduced an educational video tool, EMMI, for obstetrics offices, which is shown to patients on tablets during appointments throughout their pregnancy Additionally, Magee-Womens Hospital provides a booklet titled Great Expectations to all expectant mothers, detailing what to anticipate during and after childbirth, along with information on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), risk factors, and resources for postpartum depression It's crucial to recognize that fathers can also experience postpartum depression, and their involvement in educational efforts is strongly encouraged.
Educating healthcare providers on the latest research and resources is crucial for effectively guiding patients toward accurate diagnosis and care To support this, the development team is organizing a Continuing Medical Education lecture focused on new screening, treatment plans, and recommendations Additionally, a virtual webinar is accessible to staff at any time, offering insights on managing patients with postpartum depression and outlining available resources.
CARE CONTINUATION
The Magee-Womens Hospital program aims to provide essential support to women during the critical postpartum period, specifically between six to twelve months after childbirth Continuity of care is crucial for effectively managing and recovering from postpartum depression, with individual psychotherapy, particularly interpersonal psychotherapy, being a clinically recommended approach for treatment.
Interpersonal psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that addresses the impact of depression on personal relationships, making it particularly effective for postpartum depression, which can disrupt social connections after childbirth This method equips patients with tools for recovery and reduces the risk of relapse Similarly, cognitive-behavioral therapy emphasizes short-term goals and practical strategies to solve problems, offering another valuable option for those seeking support in managing their mental health.
To ensure effective care for postpartum depression patients, establishing connections with local behavioral health providers was essential The close proximity of Magee and WPIC facilitated this goal for patients in Allegheny County Consequently, the team recognized the need to expand the program to other UPMC hospitals to better meet the needs of their patients.
PLANNED IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPANSION
The program's implementation will occur in stages, starting with standardized screening, followed by a triage call line and a walk-in clinic The team anticipates that routine screening will lead to an increase in depression diagnoses, necessitating a clear pathway to care However, the initiation of any initiatives is contingent upon the establishment and staffing of the walk-in clinic with qualified practitioners who can provide treatment and resource guidance for women Consequently, the project is currently paused until the walk-in clinic is fully operational.
The proposed walk-in clinic at Magee-Womens Hospital aims to provide essential services for mothers and their infants, necessitating a larger, regulated space Despite multiple drafted plans, the hospital faced challenges in securing an appropriate area without funding for renovations, leading to a pause in the project This delay coincided with a leadership transition among key stakeholders, further complicating the implementation process.
EXPANSION TO SATELLITE SITES AND FUTURE PLANS
To effectively address the needs of patients across a vast geographic area, UPMC's development team focused on expanding services beyond the Oakland/Allegheny County region Recognizing the importance of accessibility, they selected four UPMC campuses—UPMC Hamot in Erie County, UPMC Northwest Hospital in Venango County, UPMC Horizon Hospital in Mercer County, and UPMC Altoona Hospital in Blair County—to replicate the successful Magee/WPIC model This initiative aims to reduce the necessity for patients to travel to Oakland by establishing walk-in behavioral health clinics in partnership with local hospitals Additionally, the re:Solve crisis team will utilize a crisis call line to efficiently triage patients to the appropriate facilities, ensuring comprehensive care across the network.
To ensure seamless care continuity in behavioral health services, it is essential to investigate local behavioral health clinics, hospitals, and physician practices, while also fostering relationships with available providers in the community.
PROPOSED METRICS TO MEASURE SUCCESS
This initiative aims to enhance resources for women facing postpartum depression, improving treatment access and mitigating its negative impacts on mothers and their babies The development team has established a plan for 24/7 support for critical situations, although access alone is not a defined success metric While a specific population for data collection was not identified, understanding the number of patients currently screened and diagnosed is essential for establishing a baseline for measuring success The proposed study groups include women with a history of depression, those with risk factors such as obstetric complications, individuals who took over a year to conceive, first-time mothers, and a random sample.
The development team recognized the Emergency Department (ED) as a primary source for patients experiencing postnatal depression While the ED can be suitable for women facing severe psychoses or suicidal thoughts, the team aims to reduce the number of lower acuity patients visiting the ED by providing readily accessible crisis services, a walk-in clinic, and a telephone triage center.
Depressed mothers are nearly 20% more likely to seek care at Emergency Departments, often resulting in costly and unnecessary visits Research suggests the need to monitor the frequency of ED visits related to depression and suicidality among pregnant and postpartum women, as well as to assess the current incidence rates.
The implementation of the program is expected to increase the volume of patients at the walk-in behavioral health clinic and re:Solve services, while also reducing emergency department utilization, indicating improved resource use by patients By adding staff to the behavioral health clinic, we aim to decrease appointment wait times Additionally, providers will receive education on available resources and standardized screening times, which will enhance the diagnosis rates among women To further support this initiative, targeted advertising and marketing will be developed to promote the clinic’s services and resources specifically for postpartum women.
The anticipated rise in pharmacotherapy during pregnancy is driven by enhanced screening processes, which will identify more women at risk As a result, there will be a greater likelihood of prescribing antidepressants when necessary to prevent postpartum depression.
Identifying a group of women committed to long-term research could provide valuable insights into the development and attachment dynamics between infants and their mothers By tracking infants for up to 18 months, researchers can effectively assess the long-term impacts of maternal depression on child development.
CONCLUSION
Standardizing screening and establishing a care pathway for postpartum depression are essential for enhancing women's mental health This prevalent yet often under-diagnosed condition necessitates a comprehensive intervention that addresses barriers to screening and treatment By implementing routine, unbiased screenings for all women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, we aim to significantly increase the diagnosis rates of postpartum depression This initiative not only seeks to improve women's mental health outcomes but also anticipates better infant health, reduced suicidality, and increased utilization of crisis services and clinic appointments.
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can significantly impact women's lives By fostering awareness and open discussions about this issue, we can help diminish the stigma surrounding it Our program aims to educate women during the prenatal phase, effectively preventing the worsening of postpartum depression We strive to offer a vital resource for women, even before they recognize their need for support, empowering them during times of uncertainty and fear This initiative not only enhances women's health by amplifying their voices but also raises awareness and establishes a clear treatment pathway for those affected.
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