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Although pediatric clinicians are encouraged to screen for postpartum depression (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Aug 29 2005), they may not be as attuned and responsive to manifestations of maternal anxiety (characterized by apprehension, uncertainty, and irrational fear). Researchers examined postpartum anxiety in 1123 breastfeeding mothers (primarily white, educated, and middle class) enrolled in a randomized trial of two post-hospital discharge care models. Mothers were interviewed in person during the postpartum hospital stay and by telephone at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months using standardized screening questionnaires for anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory) and depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Survey).
At the hospital interview, …