The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and that 50% of these cases go untreated. Supporting maternal mental health is an important part of a pediatric provider's role - both because of our access to families in the early years AND because we know that postpartum depression and anxiety impact the safety and health of both the mother and child. Asking about how a parent is doing starts by acknowledging how normal these feelings are.

In your next visit, try:

1. Providing information about how common postpartum anxiety and depression are (you can use the Sparks videos as well).

2. Making space for parents to tell you how they are feeling with an open-ended question, like "How are you managing things?" or "Are you taking care of yourself, too?"

3. Emphasizing the importance of a parents follow-up care, like their 6 week postpartum visit, and ongoing routine care.

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