Prevention of Postpartum Depression There are several different viable prevention methods for postpartum depression. As with most illnesses, knowledge about the disease and risk factors can greatly aid in establishing preventative behaviors. The American Academy of Pediatrics focus on the use of repeated mental health screenings during pregnancy and postpartum to both prevent the onset of, and provide early diagnosis of maternal depression (Chaudron et. al., 2004). These screenings are not routinely administered, but when utilized, it is executed by physicians or nurses during the neonate’s 1-month, 2-month, and 4-month check-ups (Chaudron et. al., 2004). A study of the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group database of nearly 17,000 women found that women who received a psychosocial or psychological intervention after delivery were significantly less likely to develop postpartum depression compared with those receiving standard care (Dennis & Dowswell, 2013). These interventions include home visits by public health nurses or midwives, telephone support, and interpersonal therapy (Dennis & Dowswell, 2013). …show more content…
In general, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased access to maternity health care through expanded health insurance coverage, and making maternity coverage a minimum standard for all insurance plans (“APA Public Interest…” 2013). Specifically, Section 2952 of the Patient Protection and the ACA covered research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) into postpartum depression in the context of of: basic research on symptoms and causes of both postpartum depression and psychosis; epidemiological studies and investigations into public awareness; and development of an array of diagnostic tools and treatments to increase availability and accessibility to services for women with the illness (“APA Public Interest…”