In October, RNAO released Assessment and Interventions for Perinatal Depression. This second edition BPG expands on the original, focusing not only on persons who suffer depression after giving birth, but also those affected while pregnant. The newer edition includes comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations on how to screen, assess, prevent, intervene and evaluate perinatal depression. Routine screening for risk of perinatal depression is one of the key recommendations. 

Earlier this fall, RNAO also released Promoting and Supporting the Initiation, Exclusivity and Continuation of Breastfeeding for Newborns, Infants and Young Children. This BPG is a third edition, and goes beyond a focus on newborns and infants to include young children up to age two. 

Among its recommendations: when possible, infants receive breast milk exclusively during the first six months of life; and breast milk continues to be a component of diet through a child’s second birthday or longer. Improving breastfeeding practices worldwide could save the lives of 820,000 infants and young children each year, research shows.