The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, with Black women and women of color being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These disparities are particularly stark for low and middle-income women of color, who often face significant barriers to accessing quality prenatal and postpartum care.
However, a new comprehensive in-home care pilot program is being developed by Helix Strategy Center, Inc. to address these issues by providing targeted support to uninsured participants and those on Medicaid living in Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens. This program is designed to help reduce maternal mortality rates by addressing key factors contributing to maternal deaths, including hypertension, hemorrhage, and infection, among others. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of postpartum care and the potential benefits of this new program.
A recent USA Today article highlighted the need for greater access to quality prenatal and postpartum care, particularly for low-income women of color. The article pointed out that midwives play a key role in improving maternal health outcomes, but that there is a shortage of midwives in many parts of the country. The article also emphasized the need for increased funding for Medicaid, which covers nearly half of all U.S. births and is an important source of support for low-income women.
Program Details
The Postpartum Health Pilot Program is designed to address many of the issues identified in the USA Today article. The program provides comprehensive postpartum care to uninsured participants and those on Medicaid living in Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens. This care will be provided by registered nurses and certified nurse-midwives, who offer a range of services including:
- Home visits within 48-72 hours after discharge from the hospital, followed by a set schedule of visits for a one-year period
- Patient education to address key factors contributing to maternal deaths
- Nutrition education and support
- Family planning counseling and support
- Referral to community resources as needed
The goal of the program is to provide ongoing support to new mothers, with the aim of improving maternal health outcomes and reducing the likelihood of complications or readmissions to the hospital. In-home checks and intervention can increase postpartum physician’s order compliance, decrease visits to urgent care centers and hospital emergency rooms, subsequently contributing to the reduction of volume in patients in those overcrowded arenas.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to maternal deaths within the critical one-year postpartum timeframe, the program has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes for participants. Research has shown that comprehensive postpartum care can reduce the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly for low-income women and women of color. In addition, the in-home approach to care may help to address some of the barriers that low-income women face in accessing care, such as lack of transportation or childcare.
It is important to spread awareness about this new program and other initiatives that are aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. If you or someone you know is a registered nurse or certified nurse midwife, whom is interested in being part of the care team for this program, consider reaching out to learn more about the program and how it can help. Helix Strategy Center is working to raise awareness about maternal health disparities and advocate for policy changes.
The high maternal mortality rate in the United States is a complex and urgent issue, particularly for low and middle-income Black women and women of color. However, initiatives like the upcoming Postpartum Health Pilot Program are providing much-needed support and resources to those who need it most. By supporting these programs and advocating for greater equity in maternal health care, we can work towards a future where all women have access to the care and support they need to have healthy pregnancies and births.
Reference:
Black pregnant women are more likely to die. More midwives can help (usatoday.com)