According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 400,000 infants are born to mothers who are depressed each year.  Perinatal depression is the most underdiagnosed obstetric complication in the United States.  The Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) 

released its latest brief on the topic of maternal mental health, titled “Supporting Maternal Mental Health in Public Health Nutrition Practice.”  The brief provides suggestions for Public Health Nutritionists (PHNs) and how they can positively impact maternal mental health.  The author suggests that PHNs work with mental health professionals to provide the best support for mothers and their families.

PHNs can use this brief to learn more about the topic of maternal mental health and how programs already implemented have provided screening and training .