Going through the postpartum phase can be a tough ride, often filled with feelings of isolation and overwhelm. After welcoming a new baby into the world, many parents find themselves grappling with a flood of new responsibilities and concerns. Questions like, “Why can’t I calm this crying baby?” or “Is it normal for my baby to go days without pooping?” arise almost constantly. The transition is rarely discussed in detail, and even the healthcare system seems to leave new parents to navigate this challenging time mostly on their own.
When Jamie, our founder, experienced complications just 36 hours after being discharged from the hospital, she realized how flawed the existing postpartum care model is. The healthcare framework does not adequately address the unique challenges of this period, leaving many parents feeling unsupported. Let’s dive into why postpartum care is often neglected and what we’re doing to improve it.
The Current State of Postpartum Care in the U.S.
- Isolation During Critical Times
Over half of maternal deaths occur within the first year postpartum, with significant risks present just days after giving birth. Despite these alarming statistics, the standard practice is to send new parents home after delivery and ask them to return for a check-up around six weeks later. This approach fails to provide the necessary monitoring during a time when complications such as severe bleeding or infections can arise. While some guidelines suggest earlier check-ins, they are not mandatory, meaning many parents may go without crucial support. - Limited Support for a Complex Experience
The current healthcare model predominantly focuses on clinical aspects, neglecting the emotional and educational support that new parents desperately need. After the initial visit, the assumption seems to be that parents will figure it all out on their own, which often leads to heightened anxiety and uncertainty. This leads to a patchwork of solutions, as parents turn to books, apps, and even online communities for guidance. - Navigating Outside Resources
Essential postpartum resources like lactation consultants and therapists are frequently outside the realm of traditional healthcare. When parents need more than what’s offered at a quick doctor’s appointment, they often have to seek help independently, which can be overwhelming. These barriers contribute to the high rates of perinatal anxiety and depression, not to mention the realities of inadequate childcare and lack of paid family leave.
Why Is Postpartum Care Neglected?
A few key factors contribute to this oversight:
- Focus on Clinical Care: The U.S. maternity care system prioritizes clinical needs over emotional support and guidance during the postpartum period.
- Reactive Rather Than Proactive: The emphasis is on responding to issues as they arise, rather than providing comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.
- Insurance Limitations: Coverage often dictates care, resulting in minimal postpartum visits—typically just one after the birth—while prenatal visits are much more frequent.
This outdated model doesn’t meet the emotional, physical, or educational needs of new parents, but we believe change is possible.
Our Solution: A New Kind of Postpartum Care
At our clinic, we do things differently. Our approach is designed to provide a comprehensive support system during the first year of your baby’s life. Here’s what you can expect:
- Home Visits Soon After Birth: We send a care team to your home shortly after discharge, eliminating the stress of traveling with a newborn.
- Tech-Enabled Monitoring: You’ll receive daily health check-ins to help catch any complications early on.
- Access to Experts: We connect you with a wide range of specialists, from lactation consultants to pelvic floor therapists, ensuring you have the support you need.
- Community Support: Join our community events or use our app to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. It’s a great way to share experiences and seek advice.
Our goal is to create a care ecosystem that covers everything from clinical needs to emotional support, making sure parents aren’t left feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Because every parent deserves care that truly meets their needs and helps reduce the risk of common complications.
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Summary
Postpartum care is often overlooked, leaving new parents in a vulnerable situation during a critical time. By recognizing the flaws in the current system and providing a more comprehensive support network, we aim to change the landscape of postpartum care for the better.