Both Twin Cities papers recently printed a short article about the American Academic Pediatrics (AAP)’s recommendation that new mothers be routinely screened for depression by their infant’s pediatrician. The Star Tribune's article stated “Depression isn’t just bad for moms: It can also harm their babies.”

Fortunately, Minnesota’s public health programs are already there. Since last January, pediatricians can be reimbursed for screening mothers during infant check-ups. Although the state policy only applies to Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, indications are that many private insurers are generally supporting the practice as well.

The AAP report and recommendations are important, though, as they increase health care provider and public attention to the potentially harmful effects of maternal depression on both mothers and babies. This is still news to a lot of people—as it once was for me. Though once I stopped to think about what depression looks like—an inability to engage and find enjoyment in life—I could see how detrimental that would be to infants who are nearly totally dependent on their parents’ responsiveness for their emotional and physical survival and growth.

The Academy recommended that severely depressed women be referred to experts for treatment. As I’m learning, screening is just the first step in a chain of events that must occur to help families. Once possible depression is identified, referrals to competent providers who can address both the mother and child are critical. In addition, for those families whose depression is compounded—and perhaps precipitated—by other stressful events in their lives, including low income and domestic violence, other supports need to be in place. Otherwise, gains made in treatment may not be maintained to foster optimal child development.

The Academy’s recommendation—following a similar recommendation by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists—is an important development. Now, we need to work to ensure that supportive policies and practices are in place to increase the number of children who escape this avoidable harm to their future well-being.