ABSTRACT

As we strive to better identify families affected by postpartum mental illness, it is well recognized that pediatricians and family medicine providers in the primary care medical home plays a significant role. Pediatricians and family medicine providers have regular and consistent interaction with new mothers during several routine well-child checks that should occur throughout an infant's first year of life. Pediatricians who serve US military families are responsible for caring for children of current or retired service members. Military pediatricians, many whom have deployed themselves, have already been at the forefront of identifying how deployment affects children and families. Pediatricians serving this unique population are subject matter experts regarding military childhood stress. Military pediatricians can assist in a "warm hand-off" to base and community partners. Some pediatric physicians do not perform screening for signs of psychiatric comorbidity but rely on their clinical observation skills.