This woman is suffering from many of the symptoms of depression.
It does NOT mean she has depression.
Only a mental health professional or primary care provider can determine a diagnosis of depression.
There is a 25 to 40% chance that she will be diagnosed with depression. The screening tools are designed to over-identify because of the potentially life-threatening consequences of depression.

How do I know if I should make a referral to a mental health professional?

A referral is necessary for scores of 13 or more on the EPDS or 15 or more on the PHQ-9.
A score of 10 to 12 on the EPDS or 5 - 14 on PHQ-9 is a sign of possible depression and may not require immediate referral; use your professional judgement and provide interventions described in the next section.
Any positive score on item #10 on the EPDS or #9 on the PHQ-9 requires a referral.
Ask specific questions:

1. “Do you have any thoughts of harming yourself?”
Any person who is thinking about harming themself or others should talk to a mental health professional, regardless of the EPDS score.
2. If she answers yes to thoughts of self-harm in any way, then ask,
“Do you have a plan to hurt yourself (e.g. pills)?
If there is any kind of plan of self harm or harm to others, refer to psychiatric emergency services immediately.
Assist in arrangements for someone to be with her and for transportation to the emergency room, hospital or clinic

If your client thinks she may be depressed or is exhibiting symptoms of depression, extreme anger, or anxiety, refer even if she did not screen positive. A majority of women who are depressed will screen positive on these tools but some may not
Offer to help to make the first call to the mental health provider to facilitate access to mental health services

What else can I do?

Support your client by listening and validating that what she is feeling is real, is not her fault, and she is not alone (at least 1 in 5 women will experience depression after childbirth). Inform her that treatment is very effective and that she will feel better in time.

The following is an example of what you might say:
“Based on what you've told me and your score, I am concerned that you have some symptoms of depression. What you are feeling is real and it is not your fault. It can be hard to feel this way when you have a baby/young child. Depression is partly due to an imbalance of chemicals in your body and things that cause stress in your life. There are things you can do to feel better. Let's talk about some ideas that might work for you.”

Your support and validation is very powerful and can make a difference in whether this client will seek help and care for herself.
Educate her about depression verbally and leave brochures or handouts about depression.
Encourage an appointment with her primary care provider (Obstetrician, Family Physician, Nurse Midwife, etc.) to rule out other medical conditions or for treatment of depression if that is indicated. Assist client with making an appointment and securing transportation if this is needed.
Inform her of mental health professionals in the area and provide contact information. Assist client with making an appointment and securing transportation if this is needed.
Assess level of social support. Who can she rely on for childcare for respite? Who can she talk to? Social support includes her partner, family, friends, neighbors, faith community, child care providers, etc.
Offer a list of other community resources for support such as local pastors, parent groups such as ECFE, faith community, neighbors, friends, volunteer groups, local support groups, etc.
Educate on the importance of self-care for physical and mental wellness including:

Take care of your body by caring for physical illness and taking prescribed medications
Good balanced nutrition
Limit caffeine
Avoid mood altering drugs
Adequate sleep
Adequate exercise
Do something everyday to make yourself feel competent and in control
Take time away for relaxation and enjoyable activities
Participating in hobbies and interests outside of daily work and family obligations
Talk to supportive family and friends
Regular visits with primary care provider for physical exam and assessment

Inform of emergency resources in the area if depression symptoms worsen or thoughts of self-harm or harm of others develops.

Crisis lines - Crisis Connection at 866-379-6363; TTY 612-379-6377 or call 911
Hospital emergency rooms, crisis centers
Outpatient clinics for daytime hours

Help client make a personal plan of action and arrange to follow up with a phone call in a few hours or days to support and encourage follow-through.

What about the Baby?

Mother's who experience depression often experience a profound sense of emptiness, including a loss of interest and pleasure in being with the baby. Depression may impact the mother's ability to pick up on subtle cues expressed by the infant which can have a significant impact on the parent child interaction.

Consider the following strategies:

NCAST Parent Child Interaction Scales (Teaching and Feeding)
Referral to an Infant Mental Health clinician
Provide ongoing assessment, support, and intervention that is focused on the infant parent relationship
Collaborate with other clinicians to support treatment of maternal and/or infant disorders/delays

(Edited by Cindy Kellett, PHN, DNP Student, University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Department of Health). Developed by the El Paso County Department of Health & Environment Nurse -Family Partnership Program - Adopted by the work of Renquist, J. & Barnekow, K. (2008) Wisconsin Infant Mental Health Conference)
Reference:
J. Kevin Nugent - What newborn babies and their parents would like us to know (2014). 15th Biennial ncast programs Institute

Updated