Avoiding Postpartum Crisis: The Need for Maternal Care Reform from Birth Onwards

Earlier this year, Molly Hahn spent purposeful time in bed for two weeks, following the birth of her third child at home. Despite not being ill, she focused on nourishing herself with healthy food and rest for 45 days, following a Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the importance of a well-nurtured mother for the health of both mother and baby.

After initial 15 days of complete rest, Hahn gradually transitioned to a more active routine over the next 30 days. This approach, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and personal research, led her to experience the best postpartum period she had gone through.

Postpartum care is gaining recognition in the United States, where the majority of maternal deaths occur during this period. A focus on high-quality healthcare to support new mothers is becoming increasingly crucial.

Valuing the ‘fourth trimester,’ or the postpartum period, is essential to ensure the well-being of new mothers and infants. Traditional practices like having ‘aunties’ support new moms in caring for the household responsibilities, facilitating rest, and focusing on breastfeeding and bonding, have proven beneficial in various cultures.

The lack of formal or informal support during the postpartum period is a significant concern identified by healthcare professionals. They call for comprehensive federal improvements to fourth-trimester care to prioritize at-risk individuals and offer early postpartum visits with healthcare professionals.

Standard Care Challenges

The standard postpartum care in the U.S. often includes a brief checkup after birth and a follow-up appointment after six weeks. However, this approach may not be sufficient to address underlying medical issues that could escalate without early intervention.

A shift towards providing care sooner after delivery, ideally within three weeks and with ongoing follow-up appointments, has been recommended by health organizations to ensure the holistic well-being of new mothers.

Research shows that women with chronic conditions and those on Medicaid are less likely to attend postpartum appointments, indicating a need for better access to care and communication about the importance of follow-up visits.

Early screenings and frequent check-ins can help prevent the most common causes of death among new mothers, such as stroke, heart disease, and cardiomyopathy.

Enhancing Postpartum Care

Implementing strategies like home visits by midwives or nurses can lead to better mental health and breastfeeding outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. Midwifery-led care models have been shown to provide comparable or better care than obstetrician-gynecologists.

Supporting mothers at home, especially for those without a strong support system, can significantly improve outcomes during the postpartum period. Programs like New York’s maternal home collaborative aim to reduce pregnancy-related deaths among Black women by providing care and resources at home.

Self-Advocacy Tips

Moms can take proactive steps to set themselves up for success during the postpartum period. Suggestions include eating warm foods for nourishment, creating a comfortable and nurturing space at home, seeking bodywork therapies for relaxation, joining support groups for new mothers, and making a postpartum plan to prepare for the transition with the help of family and friends.

Empowering women to advocate for their own well-being and providing comprehensive support during the postpartum period are essential steps towards improving maternal health and survival rates.