Infant social, emotional and neurological development is shaped by the mother-child dyad. Dysfunction in this bond, as well as maternal mental health problems, can negatively impact child development. The family physician is well-placed to spot dysfunction in the mother-child dyad and screen for postnatal depression during well-child visits. If any issues are identified, the family physician can provide support and help the mother-child dyad to access community resources and specialist psychiatric services.
Keywords: child development; postnatal depression; well-child visit.
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