How Does Postpartum Depression Screening Work? A Guide for Birth Workers
Why Birth Workers Play a Key Role in Postpartum Depression Screening
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 1 in 8 mothers in the United States, but Black mothers face an increased risk of developing more severe symptoms and are less likely to receive treatment (Gavin et al., 2005). For birth workers like doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants, understanding the postpartum depression screening process is essential to ensuring that Black mothers get the mental health support they need.
By understanding how screening works, birth workers can advocate for mothers, encourage early intervention, and connect mothers to resources like the Black Girls Mental Health Collective (BGMHC). This guide will walk you through how postpartum depression screening works, why it matters for Black mothers, and how you can play an essential role in supporting maternal mental health.
1. What is Postpartum Depression Screening?
Postpartum depression screening is a process used to identify mothers who may be experiencing symptoms of depression after giving birth. Screening is a preventative measure designed to detect depression early, even before the symptoms become severe. It is not a diagnosis but a first step in connecting mothers to mental health support.
How Screening Works
Screening Tools: Mothers complete a brief questionnaire designed to identify common signs of postpartum depression.
Types of Tools: The most widely used tool is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a 10-question survey that mothers complete in less than 5 minutes.
When Screening Happens: Screening typically occurs during prenatal visits, postnatal checkups (around 6 weeks postpartum), and during pediatric visits for the baby.
Why Screening Matters
Early detection leads to faster treatment and recovery.
Screening helps mothers recognize that their mental health is just as important as their physical health.
It reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health support, especially for Black mothers who face cultural pressures to be "strong" and self-reliant (Kozhimannil et al., 2011).
As a birth worker, you can encourage mothers to ask for PPD screening during doctor visits and connect them with organizations like Black Girls Mental Health Collective, where mothers can access screenings and culturally competent mental health care. Learn more here.
2. The Most Common Screening Tools for Postpartum Depression
There are several tools used to screen for postpartum depression, but some are more common than others. Birth workers should be familiar with these tools so they can explain the process to mothers and reduce any fears or misconceptions.
1. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The EPDS is one of the most commonly used tools worldwide. It consists of 10 simple questions that ask mothers about their feelings over the past week. Each question is scored from 0 to 3, with a maximum score of 30. Scores over 10 suggest the possibility of postpartum depression, and further assessment is recommended.
2. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is a broader depression screening tool that can be used for postpartum depression. It has 9 questions and focuses on feelings of hopelessness, sleep issues, and changes in appetite.
3. Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS)
The PDSS is a more in-depth tool with 35 questions that evaluate seven key areas of postpartum mental health, including anxiety, self-harm thoughts, and emotional lability.
How Birth Workers Can Support the Screening Process
Educate Mothers: Explain the purpose of screening tools and how they work.
Normalize Screening: Let mothers know that postpartum depression is common and treatable.
Refer to Culturally Competent Care: If a mother shows signs of depression, direct her to the Black Girls Mental Health Collective, where she can receive culturally competent care and emotional support. Learn more here.
3. What Happens After a Postpartum Depression Screening?
Once a mother completes a postpartum depression screening, the next steps depend on her score. Birth workers play a vital role during this stage by offering emotional support and helping mothers understand the process.
Possible Outcomes of Screening
Low Risk (Score Below 10): If the score is low, no immediate action is needed, but mothers are encouraged to monitor their mental health.
Moderate Risk (Score 10-12): Mothers may be asked to complete a follow-up screening or speak with a provider.
High Risk (Score 13 or Higher): If the score is high, the provider may recommend further evaluation by a mental health specialist or a referral to a mental health provider.
Next Steps for Mothers with High-Risk Scores
Referral to a Therapist: Mothers may be connected to therapists specializing in postpartum depression.
Access to Counseling or Therapy: Mothers can receive support from organizations like the Black Girls Mental Health Collective, which provides therapy and counseling for Black mothers. Learn more here.
Follow-Up Appointments: Providers may schedule follow-ups to monitor progress.
How Birth Workers Can Help
Be Present: Offer reassurance to mothers as they await follow-up recommendations.
Encourage Follow-Through: Remind mothers that it’s okay to seek therapy or counseling.
Make Referrals: Direct mothers to the Black Girls Mental Health Collective, which offers support groups, therapy, and counseling for Black mothers experiencing postpartum depression.
4. Barriers to Screening for Black Mothers
Unfortunately, Black mothers face unique challenges in accessing postpartum depression screening. Birth workers must recognize these barriers and find ways to address them.
Common Barriers
Lack of Access to Culturally Competent Providers: Many providers lack the cultural competency needed to recognize the unique struggles of Black mothers.
Medical Racism: Black women’s health concerns are often dismissed, which means they may not receive proper screening or follow-up.
Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: The "strong Black woman" stereotype pressures Black women to avoid showing vulnerability.
How to Overcome Barriers
Advocate for Screening: Encourage mothers to request screenings during every checkup.
Support Through Education: Normalize conversations about mental health to reduce stigma.
Refer to Black-Centered Resources: Direct mothers to the Black Girls Mental Health Collective, where they can receive culturally competent support. Learn more here.
5. How Black Girls Mental Health Collective Supports Screening for Black Mothers
The Black Girls Mental Health Collective (BGMHC) provides Black mothers with culturally relevant mental health resources, including postpartum depression screenings, counseling, and support groups. BGMHC aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community and ensure mothers receive the care they deserve.
Services Offered by BGMHC
Postpartum Support Groups: Spaces where Black mothers can discuss mental health in a safe, culturally aware environment.
Therapy and Counseling: Access to licensed clinicians trained to support Black mothers during the postpartum period.
Educational Resources: Tools and guides for birth workers and mothers on postpartum mental health and how to navigate screening.
The Black Girls Mental Health Collective believes that every mother deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Learn more about their services or schedule a consultation here.
Conclusion: Screening is the First Step Toward Healing
Postpartum depression screening is a simple but powerful tool that helps identify mothers in need of mental health support. Birth workers have a vital role in educating mothers, normalizing the process, and connecting them with culturally competent care. By understanding screening tools like the EPDS and PHQ-9, birth workers can better advocate for Black mothers during this vulnerable time.
The Black Girls Mental Health Collective (BGMHC) provides a wide range of mental health resources to support Black mothers, including postpartum depression screenings, therapy, and support groups. If you’re a birth worker or a mother seeking culturally competent mental health support, don’t hesitate to reach out to BGMHC.
Take the first step toward postpartum wellness. Visit Black Girls Mental Health Collective and discover how their culturally competent care can make a difference.
Sources:
Gavin, N. I., Gaynes, B. N., Lohr, K. N., Meltzer-Brody, S., Gartlehner, G., & Swinson, T. (2005). Perinatal depression: A systematic review of prevalence and incidence. Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Kozhimannil, K. B., Trinacty, C. M., Busch, A. B., Huskamp, H. A., & Adams, A. S. (2011). Racial and ethnic disparities in postpartum depression. Psychiatric Services.