Nationally, 1 in 7 women experience depression after having a child, which oftentimes can go undiagnosed and in turn may have consequences for the child, such as insecure attachments and behavioral problems (Jung et al., 2006). This can be even more worrisome in some of the most vulnerable populations, such as low-income, Latina mothers and their children. Currently, there is also a lack of brochures specifically informing mothers about maternal depression in conjunction with providing mothers with strategies to strengthen their mother-child relationship. Consequently, I created a brochure to support low-income Latina mothers and their relationships with their children to close this gap. Before creating the brochure, I reviewed existing brochures in resource centers in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles as well as online. The main findings from the literature and review of brochures helped developed a brochure titled: Strengthening Mother-Child Relationships: Tips to Make Your Relationship with Your Preschooler Stronger After Being Diagnosed with Depression. Two external reviewers provided feedback and an evaluation of the final product. The results from these evaluations revealed that the current project can serve as an effective tool for low-income Latina mothers and their children. Future goals are printing the brochure in large quantities and distributing it around the community.

Maternal Depression is a clinical disorder which effects approximately 10-15% of childbearing aged women and typically assessed within the first year of her infant's birth. Various factors such as culture, language competency, access to mental health services, and adequate financial resources impact whether women are diagnosed and treated. Maternal depression left untreated is dangerous. According to some studies, Latinas have higher rates of maternal depression than non-Hispanic women, but are less likely to be identified as depressed. Given the current Latino population of the United States, a considerable portion of this group is comprised of Latinas. Sadly, research which pertains to this clinical phenomena is limited. This is an exploration of a disturbing trend among Latinas and their families.

This edited volume presents an overview of research and policy issues pertaining to children from birth to 10 who are first- and second-generation immigrants to the U.S., as well as native-born children of immigrants. The contributors offer interdisciplinary perspectives on recent developments and research findings on children of immigrants. By accessibly presenting research findings and policy considerations in the field, this collection lays the foundation for changes in child and youth policies associated with the shifting ethnic, cultural, and linguistic profile of the U.S. population.

Postpartum Depression is a severe form of depression that occurs during pregnancy and childbirth. About 1 in 9 women experience symptoms of PPD; however, the prevalence of women who are affected differs among their race, age, and ethnicity. Latinas are 37% more likely to experience PPD than other groups. Latina mothers are placed at a higher risk due to cultural stigma surrounding mental illness, inadequate access to health care, and gender roles within the family unit. Research merely focuses on why this group of women is more susceptible to PPD, leaving a gap in the knowledge base surrounding Latinas’ perception of postpartum depression, and how Latina mothers utilize community resources to cope with symptoms. This research study explored the lived experiences of low-income Latinas who suffered with PPD. This qualitative phenomenological research study, consisted of in depth, semi-structured interviews. The nine women who participated in this study, told their stories of how they navigated the world each day with such symptoms. Through the data collected, it was found that Latinas carry a heavy role in the family and the new identity that is formed when they become a mother causes strain in their mental health and their relationships with others. Findings in this study described how participants sought emotional support and available resources in their community to assist them with PPD symptoms. Participants highlighted how the fear of being judged and criticized from others was a barrier to seeking help. Furthermore, the findings displayed the need for proper postpartum depression screenings during routine medical follow-up appointments, as well as PPD becoming a part of hospital discharge planning after giving birth. This study sets a platform from which social workers can help to ensure that Latina mothers are provided with mental health resources to empower themselves as they care for others.

Comprehensive and integrative, The Oxford Handbook of Poverty and Child Development describes the contextual and social ecology of children living in poverty and illuminates the biological and behavioral interactions that either promote optimal development or that place children at risk of having poor developmental outcomes.

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.