5.10.3
The Postpartum Visit
When the expectant mother has delivered, the Home Visitor will inform the Health Department and help coordinate the postpartum visit within the first two weeks of birth to ensure the wellbeing of the mother and child. In addition, Health and Mental Health Consultants will visit as soon as possible to provide additional assessments and support as needed. Additional follow-up visits are only held if there is a concern.
The Home Visitor works with the Registered Nurse to schedule the Postpartum Visit, within the first two weeks of the baby’s birth. The postpartum visit must be scheduled within two weeks of birth, but not necessarily held within 2 weeks.
Prior to the postpartum visit, the Home Visitor prepares a child file and gathers the relevant forms to enroll the new infant in Early Head Start. For more information, refer to the SOP Preparing for the Enrollment Meeting.
During the visit:
- The Registered Nurse and Mental Health Consultant will cover a variety of topics related to the health of the family, including safety, infant and well child care, referrals, nutrition, family relationships, and family planning. Families will receive a copy of the book, “What to Expect the First Year” as well as other educational resources.
- The Registered/Nurse completes the Postpartum Health Visit form during the visit and enters information from the postpartum health visit in ChildPlus.
- The Registered Nurse will do an informal assessment for postpartum depression. If the mother exhibits signs of depression, you may want to schedule a time to administer the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or refer the mother for treatment. The Registered Nurse will consult with the Mental Health Specialist if the mother is exhibiting signs of depression.
- The Home Visitor will change the enrollment status from the prenatal woman to the new infant. For instructions, refer to the SOP Conducting the Enrollment Meeting.
Administering the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is administered both prenatal and postpartum to assess expecting mothers/mothers for depression.
If the EPDS is to be administered postpartum:
- The Home Visitor schedules a follow-up visit for eight weeks after delivery.
- Prior to the follow-up visit, print the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Formster | English.
- Unless she is non-English-speaking or has difficulty reading, have the mother take the EPDS herself, while reflecting on the past seven weeks. Avoid the possibility of the mother discussing her answers with anyone while doing the screening.
Scoring:
- If the mother’s score is under 10, no further action is required.
- If the score is between 10 and 12, wait two weeks and repeat the EPDS. If the score remains the same or increases, contact the Disabilities and Mental Health program to schedule a home visit.
- If the score is 13 or higher, contact the Disabilities and Mental Health program to schedule a home visit.
Note: The screening process can be repeated any time there is a concern within the baby’s first year.