Breastfeeding Grand Rounds

Maternal Depression and Breastfeeding

Originally broadcast August 2, 2007

Speakers:

Ruth Lawrence, MD
Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, and author of "Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession"

Renee Samelson, MD, MPH
Associate Medical Director, Division of Family Health, NYS Department of Health, Associate Clinical Professor, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Albany Medical College

Margaret Spinelli, MD
Director, Maternal Mental Health Program
NYS Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Moderator: Mary Applegate, MD, MPH
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, University at Albany School of Public Health, Director, NYS Preventive Medicine Residency Program

Depression affects one in ten women during pregnancy and postpartum. This broadcast will feature a discussion with Psychiatrist Margaret Spinelli, Perinatologist Renee Samelson, and Neonatologist Ruth Lawrence about what we can do to support both optimal treatment for women with depression and optimal nutrition for newborns, i.e. breastfeeding. The discussion will cover the epidemiology, screening, and treatment of prenatal and postpartum depression, the challenges of obtaining mental health services, the effect of perinatal depression on pregnancy outcome and early parenting, and strategies that enable mothers with depression to safely and successfully breastfeed.

Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of screening for depression
  
  
• Describe how women with depression can be safely and effectively treated during pregnancy and post partum
• Explain that women with depression can safely and successfully breastfeed

Major support for this program comes from the NYS Department of Health and the USDHHS Maternal and Child Health Bureau.