Postpartum
Aug 3, 2024
Bryan Smith
The landscape of postpartum care has undergone significant changes throughout history, yet substantial room remains for improvement.
As we examine the journey of maternal care from past to present, it becomes clear that innovative approaches like Materna's Virtual Intensive Postpartum Care (VIPC) program represent a crucial next step in this ongoing evolution. This article will explore the development of postpartum care and why embracing new, comprehensive models is essential for the well-being of mothers and families.
The Dark Ages of Postpartum Care:
Historically, postpartum care was virtually non-existent in many cultures. Women were expected to recover quickly and return to their duties with little to no support. In medieval Europe, the concept of "lying-in" emerged, where wealthy women would retreat for a month after childbirth. However, this practice was more about social customs than medical care, and it was unavailable to most women.
The 19th and Early 20th Centuries:
As modern medicine evolved, so did attitudes towards postpartum care. However, progress was slow:
Limited Medical Understanding: Many postpartum complications were poorly understood or dismissed.
Focus on Infant Health: The mother's health was often secondary to the baby's.
Short Hospital Stays: Women were quickly discharged after birth with minimal follow-up.
Mental Health Stigma: Postpartum depression was often unrecognized or stigmatized.
The Late 20th Century: Baby Steps Forward
The latter half of the 20th century saw some improvements:
Longer Hospital Stays: Recognition of immediate postpartum needs led to extended hospital care.
Postpartum Check-ups: The six-week postpartum visit became standard.
Lactation Support: Breastfeeding support began to be integrated into postpartum care.
Mental Health Awareness: Increased recognition of postpartum depression, though support remained limited.
Despite these advancements, the traditional model of postpartum care remained fragmented and inadequate.
The 21st Century: A Wake-Up Call
Recent decades have brought to light the glaring inadequacies of traditional postpartum care:
Rising Maternal Mortality: The U.S. has seen an alarming increase in maternal deaths, many occurring postpartum.
Racial Disparities: Black and Indigenous women face disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Mental Health Crisis: Postpartum depression and anxiety affect up to 1 in 5 women, often undiagnosed and untreated.
Lack of Continuity: Fragmented care leads to missed opportunities for intervention and support.
Traditional Postpartum Care vs. Materna's VIPC: A Stark Comparison
Accessibility: Traditional: Limited office hours, physical appointments only. Materna VIPC: 24/7 virtual access, eliminating barriers of time and distance.
Duration of Care: Traditional: Typically one visit at 6 weeks postpartum. Materna VIPC: Continuous support for 12 weeks postpartum.
Mental Health Support: Traditional: Basic screening, often without follow-up. Materna VIPC: Ongoing mental health monitoring and immediate access to specialists.
Lactation Support: Traditional: Limited, often requiring separate appointments. Materna VIPC: On-demand access to lactation consultants.
Nutritional Guidance: Traditional: Generic advice, if any. Materna VIPC: Personalized nutritional plans from dedicated dietitians.
Physical Recovery: Traditional: Basic check at 6 weeks, minimal guidance on recovery. Materna VIPC: Continuous monitoring, early intervention, and personalized recovery plans.
Care Coordination: Traditional: Fragmented care across multiple providers. Materna VIPC: Integrated care team with seamless communication.
Technology Integration: Traditional: Minimal use of technology. Materna VIPC: Leverages telemedicine, apps, and remote monitoring for comprehensive care.
Family-Centered Approach: Traditional: Focus primarily on mother and infant separately. Materna VIPC: Holistic approach that includes partner and family support.
Cultural Competence: Traditional: One-size-fits-all approach. Materna VIPC: Culturally sensitive care tailored to diverse needs.
Why Revolution is Necessary:
The traditional model of postpartum care is not just outdated—it's dangerous. Here's why a revolutionary approach like Materna's VIPC is crucial:
Saving Lives: Comprehensive, continuous care can identify and address complications early.
Improving Mental Health: Proactive mental health support can prevent severe postpartum mood disorders.
Enhancing Recovery: Personalized care plans lead to better physical recovery and overall well-being.
Supporting Breastfeeding: Readily available lactation support increases breastfeeding success rates.
Reducing Disparities: Accessible, culturally competent care can help address racial and socioeconomic disparities in maternal health.
Empowering Families: Education and support for the entire family unit leads to better outcomes for all.
Cost-Effective: While seemingly more intensive, comprehensive postpartum care can reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing complications and readmissions.
A New Path Forward for Postpartum Care
The history of postpartum care is a story of neglect and slow progress. However, we now stand at a pivotal moment where revolutionary change is not only possible but essential. Materna's VIPC program represents the future of postpartum care—a future where new mothers receive the comprehensive, accessible, and personalized support they deserve.
As we look back on centuries of inadequate care, the choice becomes clear. We can no longer accept the bare minimum for postpartum women. It's time to embrace a new standard of care that prioritizes the health, well-being, and empowerment of new mothers and their families.
The revolution in postpartum care is here. With Materna's VIPC, we're not just improving care—we're redefining it. It's time to leave the dark ages behind and step into a brighter, healthier future for mothers everywhere.
References:
Declercq, E. R., Sakala, C., Corry, M. P., Applebaum, S., & Herrlich, A. (2013). Listening to Mothers III: Pregnancy and Birth. New York: Childbirth Connection.
Tully, K. P., Stuebe, A. M., & Verbiest, S. B. (2017). The fourth trimester: a critical transition period with unmet maternal health needs. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 217(1), 37-41.
Creanga, A. A., Syverson, C., Seed, K., & Callaghan, W. M. (2017). Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011–2013. Obstetrics and gynecology, 130(2), 366-373.
Howell, E. A. (2018). Reducing disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 61(2), 387-399.
Stuebe, A. M., Auguste, T. C., & Gulati, M. (2018). Optimizing postpartum care. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Alhusen, J. L., & Alvarez, C. (2016). Perinatal depression: A clinical update. The Nurse Practitioner, 41(5), 50-55.
Goyal, D., Gay, C., & Lee, K. A. (2010). How much does low socioeconomic status increase the risk of prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms in first-time mothers?. Women's Health Issues, 20(2), 96-104.
Kozhimannil, K. B., Jou, J., Gjerdingen, D. K., & McGovern, P. M. (2016). Access to workplace accommodations to support breastfeeding after passage of the Affordable Care Act. Women's Health Issues, 26(1), 6-13.
Martin, N., & Montagne, R. (2017). Lost mothers: Maternal mortality in the US. NPR and ProPublica series.
World Health Organization. (2015). WHO recommendations on health promotion interventions for maternal and newborn health 2015. World Health Organization.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). ACOG Committee Opinion No. 736: Optimizing Postpartum Care. Obstetrics and gynecology, 131(5), e140-e150.
