Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems in the postpartum period.
It is very important to systematically address the mother’s mental health and social well-being. Psychosocial interventions should be part of every postnatal visits, along with referral to a qualified professional to address conditions that require more intensive support, through strategies such as psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy.
Postnatal and early childhood services are important avenues for providing interventions for the prevention and treatment of maternal mental health problems. In addition, these interventions should also include the father, partner or caregiver in order to address risk factors that affect maternal and child health, such as violence or lack of father involvement in child care.
