Maternal Depression

ADDRESSING MATERNAL DEPRESSION

CHDI worked for several years to help pediatric primary care providers effectively identify and address maternal depression.

Early identification is critical because untreated maternal depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders imposes serious complications for the health and development of exposed children. Mothers play a critical role in their children's early brain development. By three years of age, 80% of brain growth is complete, highlighting the need to address factors that impede optimal development as early as possible.

IMPACT Publication
CHDI released the IMPACT publication, Addressing Maternal Mental Health in the Pediatric Medical Home in November 2014. The report includes:

• A review of the current literature on maternal depression and mental health disorders
• Information on how maternal mental health affects child health and development
• An analysis of the interventions and initiatives offered in the State
• A discussion of the role of child health providers in maternal depression screening
• Recommendations for further action at the State level

The 2014 IMPACT updates CHDI's 2008 IMPACT titled Addressing Maternal Depression, Opportunities in the Pediatric Setting. Since the publication of the initial IMPACT, practice and policy changes combined with increased awareness of the effect of maternal depression have contributed to statewide improvement in early detection and treatment for mothers as well as interventions for children.

Pediatric Provider Training
From 2014 - 2021, CHDI delivered free training to nearly 500 child health providers on maternal depression through our Educating Practices program.  The program has since transferred to Connecticut Children's. 

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