Postpartum psychiatric illness: the role of the pediatrician.

PPD occurs in 10% to 20% of postpartum women. Maternal depression can affect a child's development significantly. Pediatricians can screen for maternal psychiatric illness with little effort; of all the health care professionals, they may be in the best position to do so. Pediatricians can help affected mothers obtain appropriate treatment and help mobilize social resources. This simple process can minimize morbidity to pediatric patients.