Postpartum Depression Screening Practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Opportunities for Improvement.

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of postpartum depression (PPD) screening practices for mothers with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), identify gaps in PPD screening, and provide potential solutions for improved screening.

Background: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine screening for PPD at the first, second, 4th, and 6th months of well-child visits. However, mothers of premature or critically ill infants in the NICU often miss this screening. NICU mothers and parents are at high risk of developing PPD due to the many stressors and traumas experienced during the NICU stay. Missed screening for PPD and delayed diagnosis and treatment lead to poor long-term parental mental health and a defragmented family system.

Methods: Using the PRISMA model, the authors identified 30 articles that support the need for PPD screenings in the NICU, for all at-risk families. Barriers to implementing PPD screening in the NICU were identified and discussed.

Findings: Several gaps were revealed regarding PPD screening in the NICU, such as cultural barriers, diverse populations, and a need for staff education regarding PPD identification, treatment, and referral. Furthermore, encouraging mothers and non-birthing partners to engage in transparent communication was also identified to improve care.

Conclusion: It is crucial for the NICU team to actively involve the mother, father, or non-birthing partners in the process of education, training, and assessment. By doing so, they can empower families with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their infants, aiding in confidence and inclusion and decreasing the risk for PPD during this critical time.