Thank you for Cheryl Tatano Beck's "Postpartum Depression" (May), which brings this serious condition to nurses' attention and gives clinicians a tool (the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised) to help screen women for risk.

Short, regular massages can significantly alleviate depression that occurs during pregnancy-at the same time relieving back and leg pain and possibly improving neonatal outcomes. 1 For women with postpartum depression, dietary adjustment and regular exercise should be recommended as supportive strategies, in addition to support groups, psychotherapy, and medication. 2

Nikki Lee, MS, RN, IBCLC, CCE

Elkins Park, PA

REFERENCES