The literature shows that a mother's depression may be transferred biochemically to her baby in the womb or later through compromised bonding and care giving. Knowledge of the devastating effects of mothers' depression on babies presents an urgent need to incorporate into prenatal care and public health programs methods to identify women at risk for depression and intervene early. Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory is a checklist to help maternity care providers identify women whose depression may interfere with mothering. Healthy fathers and siblings can nurture the baby and support the mother emotionally. However, if a mother's depression is lasting or severe, the entire family may need support.
Experts recommend music and massage therapy for both parents and children.
These stress-relieving measures may enable mothers to be more receptive to parenting coaching and help babies respond to improved interactions. Drug therapies must consider effects on the breastfeeding infant. A trial of parent-toddler psychotherapy found that the intervention prevented an IQ decline exhibited by depressed 3 year olds who received no therapy. More research is needed to identify effective prevention, screening and treatment of depression in mothers and young babies. A checklist to identify women at risk for developing postpartum depression.