Postpartum Health and Wellness: A Call for Quality Woman-Centered Care

Abstract

Introduction The first 3 months after giving birth can be a challenging time for many women. The Postpartum Health and Wellness special issue explores this period, one that is often overlooked and under-researched. Methods This issue is designed to bring greater focus to the need for woman-centered care during the postpartum period. Articles in this issue focus on four key areas: (1) the postpartum visit and access to care, (2) the content of postpartum care and postpartum health concerns, (3) interconception care including contraception, and (4) policy, systems, and measurement. Results The submissions highlight deficits in the provision of comprehensive care and services during a critical period in women's lives. The research highlighted in this issue supports the recommendation that Maternal and Child Health leaders collaborate to create woman-centered postpartum services that are part of a coordinated system of care. Conclusion In order to achieve optimal health care in the postpartum period it is becoming more apparent that increased flexibility of services, cross-training of providers, a "no wrong door" approach, new insurance and work-place policy strategies, improved communication, and effective coordinated support within a system that values all women and families is required.

Differences in help‐seeking behaviours and perceived helpfulness of services between abused and non‐abused women: A cross‐sectional survey of Australian postpartum women

“…The postpartum period is a vulnerable phase for women (Verbiest, Bonzon, & Handler, 2016). Having a baby represents a significant transition in a woman's life, irrespective of parity.…”

Postpartum Hospital Utilization among Massachusetts Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Further, Brown et al (2017) did not examine the risk of women with IDD for hospital admission and emergency department visits during the extended postpartum period. The health of mothers during the fourth trimester (defined as 1–90 days post childbirth) (Verbiest, Bonzon, & Handler, 2016) and the extended postpartum period (defined as one-year post childbirth) (Walker, Murphey, & Nichols, 2015) has significant effects on the emotional and physical health of both mothers and their infants (Young, Madden, & Bryant, 2015). In light of the limitations of existing literature and the scarce existing population-based research about the postpartum experiences of U. S. women with IDD, the aim of this study is to assess the risk of postpartum hospital admission and emergency department visits during the first postpartum year among women with and without IDD in the United States.…”

Predictors for follow-up among postpartum patients enrolled in a clinical trial

“…Failure to attend a postpartum visit can have important implications for a woman’s health: evaluation for postpartum depression, blood pressure, breast health, and wound healing are typically addressed at this time. Often this visit is the only opportunity for inter-conception care, which includes glycemic control, weight management, contraception management, and discussion of birth spacing recommendations [2]. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizes the importance of a full physical, social, and psychological assessment within six weeks of giving birth to protect and promote women’s health [3].…”