Promoting Maternal Health in the Postpartum Period to Advance Birth Equity

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.