Conclusions and projections

Perinatal depression is one of the most underestimated public health issues, despite its serious consequences for the mother, the baby, and the family environment.

The evidence presented throughout the presentation underscores the urgent need to raise awareness among healthcare personnel, especially those in direct contact with pregnant or postpartum women: gynecologists, pediatricians, general practitioners, nurses, and psychologists.

It is essential that these professionals not only recognize the symptoms of depression, but also understand the impact of factors such as insomnia, breastfeeding difficulties, social isolation, and psychiatric history.

Early detection through tools such as the Edinburgh scale should become routine practice. An empathetic, non-judgmental attitude should also be promoted, encouraging women to express their distress without fear of stigmatization.

Need for a comprehensive approach to maternal and child emotional well-being

Maternal mental health cannot be viewed in isolation. The mother's psychological distress has a direct impact on the baby's development, affecting their emotional regulation, sleep patterns, behavior, and, in the long term, their mental health. It is therefore essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that considers not only the woman as a patient, but also the child, the couple, and the social environment.

Strategies should include ongoing psychological support, access to support groups, community mental health interventions, assessment of risk factors such as domestic violence, and support during breastfeeding.

In addition, access to safe treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be ensured, and family support networks that share the burden of care should be encouraged.

This comprehensive approach must go beyond the clinical setting and also involve educational institutions, community centers, and public policies that guarantee adequate leave, spaces for maternity support, and training on perinatal mental health.

Strategies to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking

One of the main obstacles to effectively addr