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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.

Displaying records 21 through 40 (94 total).

Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center. 2023. Expand capacity to screen, assess, treat, and refer for maternal depression and related behavioral disorders. Chapel Hill, NC: Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center, 10 pp. (White House blueprint evidence to action briefs)

Annotation: This issue brief highlights Action 1.14 from the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, focused on expanding capacity to screen, assess, treat, and refer for maternal depression and related behavioral disorders. The document examines evidence-supported interventions for addressing perinatal depression, including universal screening protocols, psychiatric consultation services, and care coordination support. It presents current data on the prevalence and disparities in maternal mental health screening and treatment across different populations and geographic areas, with particular attention to racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors. The brief outlines specific state-level innovations being implemented to improve maternal mental health care, such as Illinois's DocAssist program and Montana's PRISM consultation line, and provides evidence-based measures for tracking progress in expanding behavioral health support services.

Keywords: Assessment, Coordination, Depression, Health care disparities, Maternal health, Mental health, Model programs, Postpartum depression, Referrals, Screening, State initiatives

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). 2023. Treatment and management of mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,

Cicatelli Associates. 2022. Training for community health workers to identify, support, educate and refer clients with maternal depression: Trainer's manual . New York, NY: Cicatelli Associates , 63 pp.

Annotation: This trainer's manual provides guidance for delivering a two-session training program to help community health workers identify, support, educate and refer clients with maternal depression. The manual includes step-by-step instructions for facilitating group activities, discussion prompts, and practice scenarios focused on client-centered communication skills, engagement techniques, and educational messaging. It contains detailed appendices with implementation guidance for remote delivery, handouts in English and Spanish, and mental health resources. The training emphasizes building rapport, normalizing discussions of maternal depression, and practicing skills through role-play.

Keywords: Community health workers, Depression, Education, Maternal health, Postpartum depression, Professional training

American Psychological Association. 2022. Postpartum depression: Causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Washington, DC.: American Psychological Association,

Annotation: This web page for parents explains the differences between "baby blues" and postpartum depression and anxiety. It identifies common symptoms such as loss of pleasure, anxiety, and irritability and discusses risk factors including hormonal changes, previous experience with depression, and financial or employment problems. The site provides recommendations for self-care and seeking professional help from licensed mental health providers or through crisis hotlines. This content is available in English, Chinese, French, and Spanish

Keywords: Patient education, Postpartum depression

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs . 2021. Addressing mental health in BIPOC communities: Key cultural considerations for MCH. Washington, DC: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs,

Annotation: This webinar focuses on maternal mental health within a cultural context, highlighting factors to consider when addressing the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in underserved communities. Culturally-sensitive approaches to MCH services that address postpartum depression and other mental health concerns are discussed by a variety of panelists during the hour-long video presentation.

Keywords: Access to care, Cultural barriers, Cultural factors, Health equity, MCH services, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum depression, Racial factors, Risk factors, Service delivery

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs; Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. 2021. Maternal mental heallth systems change and IMD exclusion waivers . ,

Annotation: This webinar (1) describes how systems changes in maternal mental health and substance use disorders can lead to increases in diagnosis and treatment rates; (2) identifies opportunities to use the "Medicaid Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion" to improve treatment of mental health and substance use disorders in MCH populations; and (3) discusses the process by which Virginia leveraged a Medicaid IMD waiver to improve access to care and treatment for reproductive age women.

Keywords: Access to care, Maternal health, Medicaid, Mental health, Model programs, Postpartum depression, Substance abuse, Virginia

Suplee PD, Janke J (Eds). 2020. Compendium of postpartum care. (3nd ed.). Washington, DC: Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses,

Annotation: This compendium provides information for nurses caring for women, infants, and families in any setting: hospital, birthing center, ambulatory care, or home. This revised reference manual provides evidence-based information and guidelines for postpartum care, and addresses the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of mothers, newborns, and families for the first three months following birth. Topics include an overview of postpartum care in the hospital, discharge planning and health teaching, early home care of the mother and infant, reorganization of the family unit, and breastfeeding. Also featured are the latest research and practice recommendations for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder secondary to birth trauma. References and a glossary are provided along with continuing education forms, questions, a participant evaluation form, patient handouts, and a post-text answer key.

Keywords: Home visiting, Infant care, Maternal mental health, Mental health services, Nursing services, Postpartum care, Postpartum depression, Postpartum women, Puerperal disorders, Resources for professionals

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 2020. Identifying maternal depression: Missed opportunities to support moms. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 2 pp.

Annotation: This tip sheet describes how women with maternal depression can be identified and supported by states, health care providers, families, and friends. It defines and describes the symptoms of postpartum depression (vs. the "baby blues"); includes a map comparing rates of reported symptoms of depression after birth; and a link to additional resources.

Keywords: Maternal mental health, Postpartum depression, Screening, Social support, Statistics

Postpartum Support Virginia. 2020. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: Signs and symptoms of depression. Fredericksburg, VA: Postpartum Support Virginia, 13:00:00

Annotation: This fact sheet from Postpartum Support Virginia focuses on the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, which it says affects 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. It emphasizes that while it is normal to feel moody and tired after having a baby, postpartum depression is more severe and can impede functioning. The document lists numerous potential symptoms, including sadness, exhaustion, changes in sleep and appetite, unexplained aches and pains, irritability, difficulty concentrating, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feeling disconnected from the baby, guilt, hopelessness, and intrusive thoughts about self-harm or harming the baby. The fact sheet encourages women experiencing these symptoms to ask for help and talk to their healthcare providers, who can screen for postpartum depression and provide resources for recovery. It emphasizes that postpartum depression is common, is not the mother's fault, and is treatable.

Keywords: Patient education, Postpartum care, Postpartum depression

O'Connor E, Senger C, Henninger M, Gaynes BN, Coppola E, Soulsby Weyrich M. 2019. Interventions to prevent perinatal depression: A systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 245 pp. (Evidence synthesis; no. 172; AHRQ publication; no. 18-05243-EF-1)

Annotation: This systematic review examines the benefits and harms of primary care-relevant interventions to prevent perinatal depression (i.e., depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression). Sources consulted for the review include MEDLINE, PubMED, PsyINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; references of relevant publications and government web sites were also searched. The review looked at publications published in English between January 1, 2012, and February 6, 2018. The evidence review concluded that counseling interventions can be effective in preventing perinatal depression; a variety of other intervention approaches provided some evidence of effectiveness, but lacked a robust evidence base and need further research.

Keywords: Evidence based medicine, Intervention, Literature reviews, Maternal health, Mental health screening, Postpartum depression, Pregnancy, Women's health

DC Collaborative for Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care, Children's National Health System. 2018. Perinatal mental health toolkit for pediatric primary care: Overview and primer. Washington, DC: DC Collaborative for Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care , 27 pp.

Annotation: This toolkit is designed to help pediatric primary care providers (PPCPs) integrate mental health promotion and screening into their practice. Developed by the DC Collaborative for Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care, the toolkit provides information and resources to support PPCP’s in screening caregivers for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, such as postpartum depression, during well child visits. Included is a summary of mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum; the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale screening tool (in English and Spanish), implementation and planning tools, and a detailed list of perinatal mental health resources.

Keywords: Mental health, Pediatric care, Perinatal care, Postpartum depression, Primary care, Screening, Service integration

Stone K. 2018. Postpartum progress. Postpartum Progress, Inc.,

Annotation: This website provides content from the Postpartum Progress blog focused on maternal mental health, postpartum depression, and perinatal mood disorders. Founded in 2004 by Katherine Stone, the site includes posts from the blog, a downloadable mental health checklist available in multiple languages, and a list of support organizations worldwide. The nonprofit arm of Postpartum Progress has merged with Postpartum Support International, which continues to offer support services, including a helpline for mothers in need.

Keywords: Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum depression

Lorenzo SB, Wilhite BC. 2017. Depression during and after pregnancy: Resources for families (2nd ed., upd.). Washington, DC: National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health, 1 p.

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. 2017. Centering women in the postpartum period: Heather. Washington, DC: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs,

Annotation: This short video features an interview with Heather-- a new mother who experienced postpartum depression after giving birth to twins. She describes her health complications, both physical and emotional, including her sadness when she was unable to sustain breastfeeding beyond 5 weeks.

Keywords: Childbirth, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum depression

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs . 2017. Centering women in the postpartum period: Dr. Handler. Washington, DC: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs,

Annotation: This short video features an interview with Dr. Handler-- a health practioner who emphasizes the importance of the postpartum period in a woman's life. She explains how this period is pivotal on the prenatal--interconception-well woman continuum, pointing out that new mothers often don't receive the care and attention they need. She briefly discusses new models of care that would focus on the physical and mental health of both mother and infant.

Keywords: Maternal health, Postpartum care, Postpartum depression, Women's health

Frazier TL. 2015. Maternal depression: Implications for parents and children and opportunities for policy change. Boston, MA: Community Catalyst, 10 pp.

Annotation: This paper examines the effects of maternal depression on maternal health, parenting, and child development as well as the policy options that could reduce the burden of disease for affected families and system-level health care costs. Topics include the scope of maternal depression, the prevalence of depression among mothers with infants by socioeconomic status and severity, consequences of untreated depression, the need for a two-generation approach, and the importance of health coverage.

Keywords: Child development, Costs, Depression, Health care systems, Health insurance, Infant health, Intervention, Maternal health, Mothers, Parenting, Policy development, Postpartum depression

Every Child Succeeds. 2014. Moving beyond depression: Greater success for new mothers in home visiting. Cincinnati, OH: Every Child Succeeds, 1 v.

Annotation: This website describes a comprehensive, focused, and integrated approach to identifying and treating depression in mothers participating in home visiting programs. The program involves three phases instituted over two years: (1) on-site training of home visitors in identification of maternal depression and role in the program, (2) training of therapists in Cincinnati in in-home cognitive behavioral therapy, and (3) ongoing training and support of therapists. Information about maternal depression, the program's research base, a training calendar, and additional resources about postpartum depression and postpartum support are included.

Keywords: , Behavior change, Cognitive therapy, Comprehensive programs, Depression, Home visiting, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum care, Therapeutic programs, Training

Johnson K, Ammerman RT, Van Ginkel JB. 2014. Moving beyond depression: An effective program to treat maternal depression in home visiting–Opportunities for states. Cincinnati, OH: Every Child Succeeds, 19 pp.

Annotation: This brief describes a program that uses in-home cognitive behavioral therapy to treat maternal depression as an added component for home visiting programs. Topics include the impact of maternal depression on women, children, and families; the program's research and results, return on investment, design, and implementation; and opportunities and potential roles for states and home visiting programs.

Keywords: Behavior change, Cognitive therapy, Comprehensive programs, Costs, Depression, Financing, Home visiting, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum care, State programs, Therapeutic programs, Training

U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2014. Depression in mothers: More than the blues–A toolkit for family service providers. Rockville, MD: U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 13 pp.

Annotation: This toolkit contains information and strategies for family health providers to use in working with mothers who may be depressed. It includes facts about depression; screening tools for more serious depression; and referrals, resources, and handouts for mothers who are depressed.

Keywords: , Depression, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum care, Screening

Klebanov PK. (2013). Variation in home visiting of the first three years of life: Links to family characteristics, aspects of home visits, and child outcomes. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University and Columbia University, 44 pp.

Annotation: This paper, which focuses on the Infant Health and Development Program, a randomized multisite study of 985 low-birthweight infants and their families, examines the following three questions: (1) What are the different patterns of home visits? (2) Which child, maternal, and family demographic characteristics and qualities of the home visit are associated with these home-visitation patterns? (3) Are higher frequency patterns of home visits associated with positive effects for children's cognitive and behavioral outcomes and mothers' depression, social support, and knowledge of child development? The authors also examine the significance of the home environment. The paper includes a literature review and a description of the study method, measures, data analysis, and results.

Keywords: Behavior disorders, Behavior problems, Child behavior, Cognitive development, Depression, Early childhood development, Families, High risk groups, Home visiting, Infant development, Infants, Low birthweight infants, Low income groups, Mothers, Parent support programs, Postpartum depression, Programs, Young children
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The MCH Library is one of six special collections at Georgetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. The library is supported through foundation, private, university, state, and federal funding. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by Georgetown University or the U.S. Government. Note: web pages whose development was supported by federal government grants are being reviewed to comply with applicable Executive Orders.