The earliest years of a child’s life are shaped by relationships. When caregivers have the support they need – emotionally, physically and socially – they are better able to nurture their children’s healthy development
But for many families, the transition to parenthood can also bring significant challenges, including depression.
An estimated 16–20% of birthing individuals experience depression during the perinatal period, affecting both caregiver well-being and the parent-child relationship that is so critical during the early years.
At Start Early, we see firsthand how mental health challenges can affect families participating in home visiting and doula programs. While such programs provide essential support during pregnancy and early childhood, depression can make it harder for parents to fully engage with services designed to help them and their children thrive.
Identifying depression is an important first step, but without accessible treatment options, many parents face barriers that prevent them from receiving the care they need.
That’s why Start Early partners with local services to implement Moving Beyond Depression, an innovative program originally developed by researchers at Every Child Succeeds® and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center that integrates mental health care directly into home visiting services.
