NPR (1/15, Chatterjee) reports that “an estimated 1 in 7 pregnant women and new mothers become clinically depressed during pregnancy or postpartum” across the US, but their obstetricians “often lack the skills to address this common problem,” which results in few women getting “a diagnosis or treatment.” However, “a statewide program in Massachusetts offers support to obstetricians and gynecologists in screening for and treating depression in pregnant women and new moms.” Nancy Byatt, founding medical director of the program known as the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Moms (MCPAP for Moms), “says she developed the program after doctors told her they didn’t know how to help pregnant and new moms recover from depression, and that they needed a ‘lifeline’ to support them.”
Related Links:
— “‘A Lifeline’ For Doctors Helps Them Treat Postpartum Depression , “Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, January 15, 2020