Postpartum care is critical for the health of both mothers and infants. However, not all populations have equal access to high-quality care.

Materna Health's Virtual Integrated Postpartum Care (VIPC) model aims to bridge this gap by providing equitable and accessible care to all mothers, including those in underserved communities.

The Need for Equitable Postpartum Care

Health disparities in maternal outcomes reveal significant inequities in postpartum care. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring that all mothers, regardless of their background, receive the support they need for a healthy recovery.

• Data Point: Black women in the U.S. are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women (CDC).

• Data Point: Hispanic women face higher rates of postpartum depression, with 15-20% experiencing symptoms compared to 10-15% of white women (NIMH).

• Data Point: Rural women have a 9% higher risk of severe maternal morbidity than urban women (HRSA).

These disparities highlight the urgent need for tailored, accessible postpartum care that addresses specific challenges faced by diverse populations.

How Materna Health's VIPC Model Addresses These Disparities

Materna Health's VIPC model incorporates several strategies to provide equitable care, focusing on accessibility, personalized support, and community engagement.

1. Accessible Virtual Care

Virtual care eliminates geographical barriers, providing access to high-quality care for mothers in rural and underserved areas.

• Benefit: Virtual care eliminates geographical barriers, providing access to high-quality care for mothers in rural and underserved areas.

• Data Point: 97% of rural areas in the U.S. have internet access, making telehealth a viable solution for these populations (FCC).

2. Personalized and Culturally Competent Care

Personalized care plans and culturally competent services are essential for addressing the unique needs of diverse populations.

• Benefit: Care coordinators develop personalized care plans that respect cultural preferences and address individual health needs.

• Implementation: Training for care coordinators in cultural competence to better understand and serve diverse communities.

3. Support for Medicaid Recipients

Medicaid recipients often face barriers to accessing comprehensive postpartum care. The VIPC model includes services specifically designed to support these mothers.

• Data Point: Nearly half of all births in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid, yet many postpartum services are limited (KFF).

• Benefit: The VIPC model includes comprehensive postpartum services for Medicaid recipients, ensuring they receive continuous support beyond the initial postpartum visit.

4. Mental Health Services

Mental health support is a crucial component of postpartum care. The VIPC model integrates mental health services to ensure all mothers have access to the help they need.

• Data Point: Minority women are less likely to receive treatment for postpartum depression (American Psychological Association).

• Benefit: The VIPC model integrates mental health services, including virtual therapy and counseling, making it easier for mothers to access the support they need.

5. Community Partnerships

Collaborations with community organizations enhance the reach and effectiveness of the VIPC model, ensuring that underserved populations receive the care and resources they need.

• Implementation: Collaborations with community centers, local health departments, and nonprofit organizations to reach and support underserved populations.

• Example: Partnering with local health departments to provide mobile health units that deliver in-person care and resources to those without reliable internet access.

Outcomes and Impact

Implementing these strategies not only improves access to care but also leads to better health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.

1. Improved Health Outcomes

Access to continuous, personalized care through the VIPC model has been shown to reduce complications and improve overall health for mothers and infants.

• Data Point: Studies show that telehealth can reduce hospital readmissions and improve maternal health outcomes (Journal of Medical Internet Research).

• Impact: By providing continuous, personalized care, the VIPC model helps reduce complications and improve overall health for both mothers and infants.

2. Increased Patient Satisfaction

High levels of patient satisfaction are essential for successful postpartum care. The VIPC model's emphasis on accessibility and personalized attention leads to positive experiences for mothers.

• Data Point: Patients receiving telehealth services report high satisfaction levels due to convenience and personalized attention (American Telemedicine Association).

• Impact: Higher satisfaction rates lead to better engagement and adherence to postpartum care plans.

Why Materna Health

Materna Health's VIPC model creates an equitable environment for postpartum care by addressing health disparities and ensuring all mothers receive the support they need. Through accessible virtual care, personalized and culturally competent services, and strategic community partnerships, the VIPC model aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for diverse populations. Materna Health is committed to making postpartum care inclusive and effective for every mother by focusing on equity.