Postpartum Depression - Should All New Moms Be Screened?

Time magazine has an article debating whether all new moms should be screened for postpartum depression (PPD). A new law, which passed the Senate and is heading for the House, will mandate the funding of research, education and public-service announcements against PPD along with services for women who have it. Those against the law beleive it will be an opportunity for doctors to over-prescribe new moms.

I was fortunate enough not to experience clinical PPD. During MacBaby's first month of life, in between streches of adoring my newborn, I cried plenty and yelled at MacDad for no good reason. I attribute this to extreme fatigue. But, I never contimplated jumping out of a window.

Screening, though, seems like the correct thing to do. While my familiarity with the condition extends only to a public war of words between Tom Crusie and Brooke Shields and what the Parents as Teachers Lady and Nutbag Lactation Lady told me (it's chemical, not character, repeated 3x), those suffering PPD need the support of their medical advisors. The first forray into motherhood (and I'd imagine the second and third) is taxing enough, I couldn't imagine taking care of a newborn while battling depression as well. So, yes, I'm for the Mothers Act!