Maternal Health Professional and Clinic Learning Opportunities
My Care Team
During pregnancy, most women have a series of clinic visits with their health care provider – the closer to birth, the appointments become more frequent. After childbirth this is often a different story. The focus of check-ups shifts to the baby with many women not even getting a postpartum check up.
New recommendations are for postpartum women to have ongoing clinical support instead of waiting weeks or months for medical attention. Women deserve quality health care services right when they need it. This section includes information about postpartum care, clinical specialists, and has suggestions for how to get what you need.
What is the most important thing to know? If you don’t feel right, ask for help. If your concerns aren’t taken seriously, insist on attention. This can be hard to do. You might be afraid about how you will be perceived and for good reason. But you matter and if your current health care team isn’t helpful, don’t be afraid to call someone else who will listen to you.
Topics in My Care Team
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Did you know some health problems after giving birth are life-threatening and can happen up to a year after you have a baby? Support new moms and make sure they get the care they need. Recognizing when something isn’t right and taking urgent action could save Mom’s life. Learn about and recognize the maternal health red […]
Postpartum Support Plan for New Parents
Postpartum Support Plan for New Parents
Like a labor and delivery plan, this is a fillable, custom plan for mom and families to share how they want to be supported after childbirth
Birthing Parent Health Information One-Pager
Birthing Parent Health Information One-Pager
Postpartum recovery red flags and important health information after childbirth page
Postpartum Health & Recovery Video Reel Series
Postpartum Health & Recovery Video Reel Series
Short videos on postpartum health & recovery FAQ
Taking Care of You
Taking Care of You
Postpartum Recovery Booklet on a variety of health and self-care topics
Your Postpartum Healthcare Plan
Your Postpartum Healthcare Plan
Fillable, custom medical care plan for mom to understand recovery and health information from their provider
Postpartum Visit Checklist
Postpartum Visit Checklist
Fillable tool for parents to write what is important they talk to their provider about during their care visit
Maternal Health Warning Signs Video Reels
Maternal Health Warning Signs Video Reels
Postpartum recovery red flags: quick videos on When to Call 911 and When to Call Your Provider
Postpartum in Practice: Practice Guidelines and Billing
Postpartum in Practice: Practice Guidelines and Billing
Clinical Tool to cover postpartum care best practices and billing/coding
Postpartum and Intimacy Checklist
Postpartum and Intimacy Checklist
Tips for health care teams to use while speaking with new moms about sex and intimacy
Postpartum Health Care
Postpartum Health Care
Traditionally, the postpartum visit takes place 6-8 weeks after the birth of a baby. Given all that happens to women’s bodies in the early weeks after giving birth, many women find that visit to be too little and too late. There are also many women who never receive a postpartum visit! The American College of […]
Communicating with Your Health Team
Communicating with Your Health Team
Talking with health care providers can be hard. If you are lucky to have had an opportunity to develop a good relationship with your doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner before and during pregnancy, it will be easier to talk with them during your postpartum visit(s). Unfortunately, sometimes things happen that make it difficult to trust […]
Types of Health Care Providers
Types of Health Care Providers
When women are pregnant, they generally see an OB/GYN, a midwife, or a family medicine provider for their health care. Usually, these providers are responsible for your postpartum care. Some women also receive group prenatal care with (hopefully) a reunion about 6 weeks after everyone has given birth. After your postpartum visit, it may not […]
Postpartum Visit(s)
Postpartum Visit(s)
To have confirmation that you are recovering and transitioning well in the 4th Trimester and to address any concerns, utilize your health care team. This might mean asking questions through an online form or patient “portal”, calling a nurse line, and also being seen in-person. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that health […]
Finding the Care You Deserve
Finding the Care You Deserve
It is very important that new moms feel comfortable talking to their providers when they have questions or concerns. We at the 4th-trimester project promote woman centered care. “Woman-centered” care means that your provider should listen to you, respect you, and respond to you in a timely manner. You should always feel free to contact […]
When to Call for Help
When to Call for Help
Did you know some problems during pregnancy and after childbirth can happen up to a year postpartum? Knowing the urgent maternal warning signs and symptoms is important for you and the people you love. Contact your medical care team immediately if you have any signs or symptoms below. Don’t wait for office hours! The CDC […]
Telehealth Visits: What to Expect
Telehealth Visits: What to Expect
Telehealth or telemedicine has become a new normal since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many health care offices are moving some services to phone or video so patients can connect to their care team using a phone, tablet, or computer. Typically, clinics have different ways you can meet with your provider, such as video chat, phone call, […]