Blue Cross of California announced yesterday that it has launched a Maternity Depression Program that provides new moms depression screenings, education, and support to help them obtain behavioral health treatment during and post-pregnancy. Here are the details from the press release:

THOUSAND OAKS, CA – Motherhood is often characterized as a magical experience for women with only a fading reference to the “baby blues.” However, according to the National Mental Health Association, in the first three months after childbirth, 14.5 percent of women may become withdrawn, unresponsive, or exhibit negative behavior toward their infant. Mothers experiencing these conflicting feelings may be suffering from Postpartum Depression (PPD) which once diagnosed can be treated. Blue Cross of California (Blue Cross) has launched a Maternity Depression Program that provides new moms depression screenings, education, and support to help them obtain behavioral health treatment during and post-pregnancy.

The Maternity Depression Program is designed to provide information and screening tools to all Blue Cross members who are new mothers while simultaneously identifying members who are at high risk for depression. Since May 2007, Blue Cross has mailed more than 13,000 educational packets to new mothers.

Members who screen positive are encouraged to either share the results with their physician More >