Maternal postpartum depression: risk factors, impacts, and interventions for the neonatal ICU and beyond.

Shovers, Samuel M; Bachman, Sara S; Popek, Leah; Turchi, Renee M

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Postpartum depression (PPD) negatively impacts caregivers, infants, siblings, and entire families. Mothers with infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) face additional risk for PPD, coupled with risk factors extending beyond a NICU admision a NICU admission. The novelty of this review is the focus on maternal PPD for mothers with infants admitted to the NICU. Interventions aimed at limiting and preventing PPD in this population include: prenatal and postpartum PPD screening, PPD symptom awareness and monitoring, and trauma-informed care. RECENT FINDINGS PPD, the most frequent complication of childbirth, affects approximately 10-15% of mothers worldwide. Prevalence rates increase to 40% for mothers whose infant is admitted to the NICU. PPD can affect maternal and child health across the life course and predispose future generations. Prevalence rates are higher for racial and ethnic minorities, immigrant and refugee populations, and mothers in rural locations. Trauma-informed care is suggested at individual and organizational levels, leading to better care for those with and without a trauma history. SUMMARY Increasing PPD symptom awareness, screening for PPD, and connections with resources should begin during prenatal visits. Care teams should discuss barriers to resources for mothers, children, and families to improve access and support.