OBJECTIVE

To assess and characterize health education regarding postpartum depression (PPD) received by recently delivered women during their postpartum hospital stay.

DESIGN

Mailed, self-administered survey.

SETTING

All 121 hospitals in Ohio that provide obstetric and postpartum care.

PARTICIPANTS

Nurse managers for obstetric services, 90 (74%) of whom returned surveys.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Types of postpartum education provided, format of postpartum depression education delivery, attitudes regarding postpartum depression education.

RESULTS

Most hospitals (89.7%) educate newly delivered women about PPD, most often by passive methods. Specific educational programs were offered by only 14% of hospitals. Most PPD education was provided during hospitalization after delivery; however, 50% of respondents felt that it should be provided at every possible opportunity.

CONCLUSION

PPD education is one of several topics covered during hospitalization for newly delivered mothers. Health providers of all disciplines should be involved in educating a new mother about PPD.