It is time that we started prioritizing maternal care in the United States.
We need to do better.
In America, we shine such a big spotlight on being pregnant. We love to show off that baby bump! We have incredible baby tracking apps, trendy maternity clothes, prenatal yoga, pilates and fitness classes, and every Pinterest-worthy nursery item conceivable. Let’s not forget all those extravagant baby showers, baby moons, gender reveal parties and presents.
You will have dozens of checkups with your providers leading up to the big day that you welcome your baby. After that…. well, it might feel like a blur and you are left to figure out what to do next. There is a big gap between when you give birth and when you see your provider 6 weeks later. To say we are “behind” other countries in maternal care, services, and postnatal support is an understatement.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
“The weeks following birth are a critical period for a woman and her infant, setting the stage for long-term health and well-being. During this period, a woman is adapting to multiple physical, social, and psychological changes. She is recovering from childbirth, adjusting to changing hormones, and learning to feed and care for her newborn ³.”
"Anticipatory guidance should begin during pregnancy with development of a postpartum care plan that addresses the transition to parenthood and well-woman care.³ "
"To optimize the health of women and infants, postpartum care should become an ongoing process, rather than a single encounter, with services and support tailored to each woman’s individual needs.³ "
