Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening new mom's for postpartum depression (PPD) at each of their newborn's first couple well baby checks. We use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire to screen for PPD. At the Children's Clinic, we ask that new mom's fill out the questionnaire at the 2-week and 2-, 4-, and 6-month check ups.
Why are we screening moms for this at their childs' doctor's appointments? Besides wanting mom's to be healthy and happy, we recognize that new mom's may make more time for frequent appointments with their baby's healthcare provider than with their own. Additionally, PPD can impact kids, too. Studies reveal that postpartum depression can increase risk of missed care for kids, discontinuation of breastfeeding, and other serious issues that could impact your child's health. We want to identify risk factors for PPD and help connect mom's to their primary care docs so that both mom's and baby's health are both being cared for.
How to complete the form:
When scheduling your child's 2-week and 2-, 4-, and 6-month well child visits, we will give you an "arrival time" for your appointment that gives you sufficient time to complete this important questionnaire before being called back by the nurse.
If you prefer, you may download the form below and then complete it prior to your child’s visit. Please make sure to bring the completed screening to your appointment.
Download: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Questionnaire
After you have carefully completed the questionnaire, the results will be scored and reviewed by your child's nurse and provider. Should the results of the screening indicate PPD, we will help you schedule an appointment with your PCP or OB-GYN to receive care.
Why are we screening moms for this at their childs' doctor's appointments? Besides wanting mom's to be healthy and happy, we recognize that new mom's may make more time for frequent appointments with their baby's healthcare provider than with their own. Additionally, PPD can impact kids, too. Studies reveal that postpartum depression can increase risk of missed care for kids, discontinuation of breastfeeding, and other serious issues that could impact your child's health. We want to identify risk factors for PPD and help connect mom's to their primary care docs so that both mom's and baby's health are both being cared for.
How to complete the form:
When scheduling your child's 2-week and 2-, 4-, and 6-month well child visits, we will give you an "arrival time" for your appointment that gives you sufficient time to complete this important questionnaire before being called back by the nurse.
If you prefer, you may download the form below and then complete it prior to your child’s visit. Please make sure to bring the completed screening to your appointment.
Download: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Questionnaire
After you have carefully completed the questionnaire, the results will be scored and reviewed by your child's nurse and provider. Should the results of the screening indicate PPD, we will help you schedule an appointment with your PCP or OB-GYN to receive care.
