Did you know that a staggering 52% of maternal deaths occur during the postpartum period? While it’s well-documented that around 80% of these tragedies are preventable, it’s noteworthy that 40% of women don’t attend their postpartum care appointments, resulting in far to many women being left behind.

But this isn’t just about mortality—rates of morbidity in the postpartum period also reflect significant maternal suffering, disease, and decreased quality of life. As postpartum care providers, we play a crucial role in addressing these gaps and enhancing maternal health during the “forgotten fourth trimester.”

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology echoes this sentiment, stating:

“To optimize the health of women and infants, postpartum care should become an ongoing process, rather than a single encounter, with services and support tailored to each woman’s individual needs. Anticipatory guidance should begin during pregnancy with development of a postpartum care plan that addresses the transition to parenthood and well-woman care.”

This is precisely why I created Whole Person Postpartum—to offer high-quality information and resources specifically designed for new mothers. We begin during pregnancy with a comprehensive Postpartum Plan that lays the groundwork for a smoother transition. I then continue to empower mothers throughout their first year postpartum with meticulously researched content delivered through weekly blogs.

A survey by Listening To Mothers revealed that less than 50% of women felt their postpartum visits provided adequate information about postpartum depression, birth spacing, healthy eating, exercise, and emotional changes. This gap in care is precisely why Whole Person Postpartum is dedicated to offering holistic information in one accessible online hub.

A holistic approach to health embraces a comprehensive view of wellness, recognizing that physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of our lives are deeply interconnected. The concept of "holism" highlights that when one part of our well-being is out of balance, it can impact every other area. By addressing each of these interconnected elements, we can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling state of health.

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." - World Health Organization

Let’s collaborate to ensure that every woman receives the comprehensive support she deserves during this critical time. Together, we can equip new parents with the resources and knowledge to take charge of their health during this pivotal period. By doing so, we can save lives and improve maternal health outcomes. Start transforming postpartum care today 👇