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Parent mental health has tremendous impact on child development. Emotionally healthy parents are more likely to promote a nurturing and safe environment for their infant.  In turn, emotional problems can contribute to a less functional environment around an infant.  You can reduce the stigma by discussing the prevalence of mental health issues and remind parents of the importance of staying healthy for the child.  Although a birth of a baby should be considered a wonderful experience, it is important not to overlook the stress that often follows parenting a newborn, and the life changes that come with this responsibility.  This stress can take a toll on any parents’ mental health and their interactions with the child.  Depression, in particular, is relatively common in the postpartum period.  Around 10% of all new mothers experience at least various degree of postpartum depression.  It is important to screen for this and to help parents maintain as healthy an emotional state as possible.  Remember that the father’s mental health deserves attention too.  At each visit, the assessment should be (briefly) updated. read more