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Promoting Maternal Health in the Postpartum Period to Advance Birth Equity

Author

Listed:
  • Ariella Levisohn

    (School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA)

  • Laurie Nsiah-Jefferson

    (McCormack Graduate School of Global and Policy Studies, College of Liberal Arts, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA)

  • Colette Dieujuste

    (Nursing Program, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA)

  • Lisa Heelan-Fancher

    (Donna M. and Robert J. Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA)

Abstract

Black birthing people experience lower rates of postpartum follow-up care. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with postpartum follow-up care and explore suggestions for improving the quality and experience of care during the postpartum period. A survey was conducted among Black birthing people in the Boston area who had delivered an infant within two years of the study. Our survey comprised the Jackson, Hogue, Phillips Contextualized Stress Measure (JHPCSM), the Power as Knowing Participation in Change Tool (PKPCT), and demographic questions. One hundred and twenty-one self-identified Black birthing people completed the survey. One-third of participants did not attend their postpartum appointment. Those with public insurance, an educational level of less than a college degree, or were working outside the home were significantly less likely to have a postpartum follow-up visit. Participants who attended postpartum visits had higher scores on the JHPCSM (lower stress) and PKPCT. Inability to take time off from work, COVID-19 concerns, and lack of childcare were the most frequently reported barriers to attending appointments. There is a need for better institutional and policy support for Black parents in the postpartum period.

Suggested Citation

  • Ariella Levisohn & Laurie Nsiah-Jefferson & Colette Dieujuste & Lisa Heelan-Fancher, 2024. "Promoting Maternal Health in the Postpartum Period to Advance Birth Equity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:12:p:1628-:d:1538174
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. S. Michelle Ogunwole & Habibat A. Oguntade & Kelly M. Bower & Lisa A. Cooper & Wendy L. Bennett, 2023. "Health Experiences of African American Mothers, Wellness in the Postpartum Period and Beyond (HEAL): A Qualitative Study Applying a Critical Race Feminist Theoretical Framework," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-29, July.
    2. Ford, C.L. & Airhihenbuwa, C.O., 2010. "Critical race theory, race equity, and public health: Toward antiracism praxis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 30-35.
    3. Jones, C.P., 2000. "Levels of racism: A theoretic framework and a gardener's tale," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 90(8), pages 1212-1215.
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