Pertussis and PPD

“I think that most people believe that it’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed,” said Dr. Michael Brady,   (The Columbus Dispatch LINK),  chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.


Dr. Brady was quoted in The Dispatch last week in an article discussing The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report that pediatricians may vaccinate parents and caregivers for whooping cough (pertussis) when they’re in the office with their kiddos.


For in the best interest of the patient (the child), treating the parent can lead to better health outcomes. Absolutely! Super! Agreed.


Parents are busy and sometimes forgo their own routine preventative care, but rarely do they miss those well checks for their children. As an advocate for moms, I say don’t forget to take care of you! But as a busy mom myself, I too am guilty of sometimes putting the health care needs of my kids ahead of my own.


Back in 2010, the AAP similarly recommended that pediatricians screen moms for postpartum depression (PPD) and related disorders, using similar logic stated now in the pertussis vaccination report.


Pediatricians are the care providers who see moms:
~often the first one following baby’s arrival
~typically more than any other medical care provider in baby’s first year.


And since this means they’re also seeing the 1 mom in 5 who’s struggling with a postpartum mood/anxiety disorder, they’re in a unique position to help. 


Help her to know that she’s not a failure. Postpartum disorders are not character flaws: rather, a treatable illness. She deserves support and care in order to best care for her baby.


Help her know she’s not alone. Help connect her to those who can help her get better. So she can be the mom she wants to be.


Help her see that getting resources and treatment will make it easier – and more enjoyable – to care for her baby and her family.


I hope Dr. Brady's colleagues agree that, in the interest of their young patients, they can address health issues of parents. 


Then perhaps we'll see more discussion of postpartum depression and related disorders in the pediatric setting.  A recent outreach project of the Franklin County Maternal Depression Task Force found that only about 26% of greater Columbus pediatric practices who returned survey data are discussing postpartum mood issues with the families in their care. Sadly, the vast majority of the 234 practices contacted didn’t respond at all. My fingers are crossed that the low response rate means that they are screening, talking with moms and essentially have it covered. But in talking with the hundreds of mothers through POEM each year, I doubt it.  Yes, there are some wonderful local pediatricians who routinely refer to POEM and we think they're pretty amazing.  So do the mothers who get help, and get better.


The Task Force, of which POEM is proud to be an active member, isn’t giving up on the next steps in the outreach project. This year we’ll continue to work to engage pediatricians and other care providers in hopes of enlisting their participation in supporting moms – and thusly, families.


But as a community, we all need to chip in. If your pediatrician doesn’t mention postpartum mood issues and the availability of resources, ask “Why not?”


And if you’re one of the moms who found POEM or other resources because of your pediatric practitioner, say “Thank you. You make a difference.”