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Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.


Displaying records 1 through 20 (216 total).

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Maternity Care Clinical Recommendations and Guidelines. Series; Multiple Dates. Maternity care clinical recommendations & guidelines. Shawnee Mission, KS: American Academy of Family Physicians,

United States of Care. No date. The 100 Weeks Project journey map. ,

Annotation: This online tool presents an overview of the "100 Weeks Project" by United States of Care, an initiative dedicated to addressing maternal health, particularly postpartum care, with a goal of ensuring women have comprehensive benefits for a full year after pregnancy by 2030. It maps the entire maternal journey—preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum—focusing on the disproportionate challenges faced by Black women, who are significantly more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. The resource highlights pain points within the healthcare system, such as fragmented coverage, racial bias, and a lack of support for mental health and breastfeeding, alongside "bright spots" like community organizations and culturally-concordant care. State-level data illustrates disparities in access to perinatal health workers, postpartum depression screening rates, and insurance coverage for essential services like doula and lactation consultation. Ultimately, the project uses firsthand narratives and clinical data to advocate for systemic change and improved support throughout the critical 100-week period.

Keywords: Access to care, Barriers, Blacks, Healthcare disparities, Maternal health, Preconception care, Pregnancy, Prenatal care: Postpartum care

University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital. No date. Postpartum: Now that you've given birth. San Francisco, CA: ;University of California Children's Hospital , 47 pp.

Annotation: This document provides postpartum guidance for new mothers, covering topics like maternal recovery, breastfeeding, birth control, newborn care, and car seat safety. Major topics include postpartum care for the mother, breastfeeding, birth control options, keeping the baby healthy, and car seat safety. The guide offers practical tips on breastfeeding positions, recognizing signs of successful feeding, managing challenges like engorgement and sore nipples, and safely storing breastmilk. It also covers essential aspects of newborn care such as cord care, circumcision, bathing, sleep safety, and choosing a pediatrician.

Keywords: Infant Care, Patient education, Postpartum care

Ariadne Labs. n.d.. TeamBirth Prenatal Booklet . Boston, MA: Ariadne Labs, 20 pp.

Annotation: This booklet introduces expectant parents, doulas, childbirth educators, and clinical staff to TeamBirth, a collaborative approach that promotes patient involvement in pregnancy and childbirth decisions. It provides a structured format for communication between patients and their care team through regular "huddles" and a shared whiteboard system. The booklet includes sections on documenting pregnancy experiences, planning for different stages of labor and delivery, identifying preferences for pain management and birth support, and reflecting on the birth experience afterward. Practical tools include checklists for labor support options, discussion guides for admission and assisted delivery scenarios, and suggested questions to help patients advocate for themselves during the birth process. The booklet emphasizes that patients are essential members of the care team and encourages them to share their preferences, ask questions, and participate in decisions throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Available in both English and Spanish.

Keywords: Childbirth, Collaboration, Labor, Patient education, Patient-centered care, Perinatal care, Postpartum care, Prenatal care

UI Health Two-Generation Clinic . n.d.. A toolkit for implementing two-generation postpartum care. Chicago, IL: UI Health Two-Generation Clinic, 33 pp.

Annotation: This toolkit explains how to implement two-generation postpartum care, combining dyadic care with behavioral health support and aid for social needs for postpartum families up to two years after birth. It outlines the UI Health Two-Gen model developed at the University of Illinois Health System since 2020, which addresses physical, behavioral, and social needs of both mothers and infants during well-child visits. The toolkit describes key components including primary care delivery, behavioral health services, care management, patient education, lactation consultation, visit co-scheduling, comprehensive screenings, and care team meetings. It provides practical implementation suggestions for healthcare organizations with varying resources, addressing funding considerations and sharing patient satisfaction data. The toolkit emphasizes how innovative approaches to postpartum care can help address the maternal health crisis, particularly leveraging the Medicaid Postpartum Extension being implemented in multiple states.

Keywords: Behavioral medicine, Child health, Illinois , Intergenerational programs, Local programs, Maternal health, Models, Postpartum care, Social services

The University of North Carolina, Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project. n.d.. Maternal health professional and clinic learning opportunities. Chapel Hill, NC: Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project,

Annotation: This web page, hosted by the 4th Trimester Project, offers virtual learning events and training intended opportunities for professionals such as maternal and public health workers, researchers, and social workers. The goal of these sessions is to promote high-quality, personalized care and improve health outcomes for postpartum individuals and their families. The major topics covered in these webinars and Communities of Practice include essential issues like advancing equity and addressing racism in care, maternal mental health policies, disability and maternal health, Medicaid expansion, and inclusive care (including supporting fathers/partners and transgender individuals). Certain live events offer 1.0 Nursing Contact Hours, and the site makes recordings of past sessions (dating back to 2023) available, including content related to Spanish-speaking communities; users can also access postpartum toolkit materials designed for care teams.

Keywords: Maternal health, Postpartum care, Professional education, Professional training

The University of North Carolina, Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project. n.d.. Postpartum health & recovery video reel series. ,

Annotation: This animated video reel series from the 4th Trimester Project provides short, evidence-based clips intended for new parents, families, caregivers, and health professionals for clinic training. The series covers crucial postpartum topics, including common physical body changes, breast care and feeding support, and pain management strategies. The videos also detail urgent maternal health warning signs and when to call for help. Experts developed and tested the content with mothers and clinicians to ensure quality. The video reels are available in both English and Spanish (Español)

Keywords: Maternal health, Patient education, Postpartum care, Spanish language materials

The University of North Carolina, Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project. n.d.. Taking care of you. Chapel Hill, NC: Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project,

Annotation: This postpartum recovery and support guide, created by the 4th Trimester Project team of experts and mothers, provides concise, evidence-based information about postpartum care and recovery for new parents/moms, caregivers, maternal and child health professionals, and care teams. The guide covers health and recovery topics that most birthing people face during recovery, including pelvic health, breastfeeding, mental health, hormones, family planning, care teams, and community support. Available in both English and Spanish, the guide is designed for distribution during both prenatal visits and at discharge.

Keywords: Maternal health, Postpartum care, Social support, Spanish language materials, patient education

The University of North Carolina, Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project. n.d.. Postpartum and Intimacy Checklist. Chapel Hill, NC: Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project,

Annotation: This clinical checklist, presented in both video and text formats by a nurse practitioner, provides tips and guidance for healthcare teams and maternal and child health (MCH) professionals speaking with new parents about sex and intimacy after delivery. The resource explains how providers can improve the traditional six-week postpartum visit by addressing their own biases and using the recommended "B" assessment (covering Brain, Breasts, Belly, and Bottom) to gather necessary historical and mental health information. The checklist advocates for redefining the statement "you can resume sex" to be more inclusive and person-centered, discussing non-penetrative intimacy, and referring patients to experts like pelvic floor physical therapists. This Clinical Tool addresses important postpartum recovery topics including Mental Health/Hormones and Family Planning/Contraception, and also lists external resources for sexual wellness.

Keywords: Contraception, Family planning, Guidelines, Postpartum care, Resources for professionals, Sexual behavior, Sexuality

The University of North Carolina, Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project. n.d.. Meditation and mindfulness practices. Chapell Hill, NC: Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project,

Annotation: This video reel series features Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah leading mindfulness exercises intended for new parents/moms. The clips demonstrate how to apply mindfulness to both pregnancy and the postpartum period. This resource helps new parents learn about the benefits of mindfulness and find time to prioritize self-care, offering practices designed to center the mind and body. The content supports the overall mission of the 4th Trimester Project, which envisions a world where every woman receives the social, emotional, and physical support required to successfully transition through the postpartum period and into her new identity as a mother.

Keywords: Maternal health, Medication, Mindfulness, Postpartum care

The University of North Carolina, Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project. n.d.. Start Early: Maternal health equity & well-being series. Chapel Hill: NC: Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, 4th Trimester Project,

Annotation: This 3-part learning module focuses on maternal health wellness topics such as self-care, healing and recovery and childbirth, mental health/emotions, breast/feeding issues, bottom/pelvic health, and knowing when to call for help. Presented as a Clinical Tool and available in English, the module is intended for professionals including Communications workers, Community Workers, Care Teams, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Professionals, Researchers, and Social Workers.This series was developed by 4th Trimester Project team members and subject matter experts for Start Early.

Keywords: , Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum care, Professional training, Social support

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. n.d.. My postpartum care checklist. , 13:00:00

Annotation: This checklist is designed to help new mothers prepare for postpartum check-ups during the 12 weeks following childbirth. It provides checkboxes for women to identify specific concerns they want to discuss with their obstetrician-gynecologist, covering areas such as managing high blood pressure or diabetes, substance use cessation, breastfeeding challenges, and concerns about returning to work or school while maintaining milk supply. The checklist also addresses postpartum mental health by including questions about anxiety, sadness, sleep difficulties, and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby. The resource serves as a communication tool to help ensure comprehensive postpartum care discussions between patients and their health care providers.

Keywords: Guidelines, Maternal health, Patient education, Physician patient relations, Postpartum care

California Department of Public Health, California WIC program. n.d.. A postpartum guide to being healthy for you and your baby. California WIC Program , 58 pp.

Annotation: This guide for new mothers addresses postpartum health and wellness during the first year after childbirth. Topics include sleep strategies for mother and baby, dental health guidance, physical activity recommendations, planning for future pregnancies, and nutrition and healthy eating with specific guidance on important nutrients like iron, calcium, folic acid, and fiber. Culturally-informed recipes such as Golden Milk and Chinese Rice Soup are included. The guide also provides practical advice on managing common postpartum challenges such as breastfeeding difficulties, sleep deprivation, low energy, and symptoms of depression that may require seeking help. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale screening tool is included. Additional resources for mental health support, nutrition education, breastfeeding assistance, domestic violence help, and substance abuse treatment are located on the final pages.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, California, Infant health, Maternal health, Mental health, Nutrition, Physical activity, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum care

Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative. n.d.. Schedule early maternal health safety checks to improve postpartum care. Chicago, IL: Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, 2 pp.

Annotation: This fact sheet from the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) promotes scheduling early maternal health safety checks within two weeks postpartum to improve care for new mothers. It presents data showing that 80% of pregnancy-associated deaths in Illinois between 2014-2016 occurred in the year following birth, with 24% occurring within 42 days postpartum before the traditional six-week visit. The fact sheet outlines key elements of these early postpartum safety checks, describes the aim and strategies of the ILPQC Improving Postpartum Access to Care (IPAC) Initiative launched in May 2019, and shares early successes from participating hospitals.

Keywords: Illinois, Perinatal care: Postpartum care: Safety, Quality improvement, Standards, State initiatives

Illinois Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative . n.d.. Discharge planning and ongoing services and supports for postpartum patients. Chicago, IL: Illinois Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative , 3 pp.

Annotation: This document provides guidance from the Indiana Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (IPQIC) on standardizing discharge planning and referrals to ongoing services and support for postpartum patients with substance use disorders. It outlines recommended hospital procedures, including urine drug screening, monitoring for withdrawal symptoms, offering medication-assisted treatment, and providing referrals to treatment programs and resources. The document emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive discharge plan that includes outpatient follow-up with pediatric, substance use, and primary care providers, as well as newborn safe sleep education and contraception planning. Additional resources are provided for further information and referrals.

Keywords: Guidelines, Indiana, Perinatal care, Postpartum care, Quality improvement, Standards, State initiatives

Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Public Health. n.d.. Becoming a Mom®. Topeka, KS: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Public Health, 2 pp.

Annotation: This infographic presents data from the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative on their implementation of the March of Dimes' Becoming a Mom (BaM) prenatal education curriculum. It describes the evidence-based program's three-fold approach to perinatal care, education, and support, including its cognitive and behavioral compoments. The infographic compares demographic characteristics of mothers participating in the BaM program, shares self-reported outcomes and behaviors of program participants, and highlights key infant health metrics for BaM mothers compared to statewide data.

Keywords: Educational materials, Infant health, Maternal health, Patient education, Perinatal care, Postpartum care, Prenatal care

Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Public Health. n.d.. Doula Toolkit. Topeka, KS: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Public Health,

Annotation: This toolkit provides resources for providers supporting pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and families related to doula care. It includes a description of doulas as non-medical professionals providing emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. The toolkit outlines documentation and service recommendation requirements for doula services to be covered by Kansas Medicaid, including the types of licensed healthcare providers who can recommend doula services and acceptable methods for providing those recommendations. It also contains links to additional resources in English and Spanish aimed at reducing maternal and infant health inequities by increasing access to doula care.

Keywords: Access to health care, Doulas, Kansas, Medicaid, Postpartum women, Pregnant women, Resources for professionals, State initiatives

Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Public Health. n.d.. Maternal warning signs patient education resource package. Topeka, KS: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Division of Public Health,

Annotation: This resource package from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment compiles educational materials on maternal health topics for pregnant and postpartum women. It emphasizes potential warning signs and the importance of women being aware of their bodies. The package includes patient education handouts, infographics, and action plans on topics such as signs and symptoms of preterm labor, urgent maternal warning signs, anxiety and depression around pregnancy, and postpartum warning signs. It also provides resources on perinatal hypertension, including educational handouts on preeclampsia, low-dose aspirin for prevention, increased risk of heart disease, and instructions for home blood pressure monitoring. Additional materials cover reproductive life planning, well-woman visits, and national initiatives for pregnancy and postpartum health. The resources are provided in both English and Spanish.

Keywords: Emergencies, Hypertension, Kansas, Maternal health, Patient education, Postpartum care, Pregnancy, Prevention, Risk factors, Spanish language materials

Center for WorkLife Law, University of California College of the Law. n.d.. Guidelines for drafting work accommodation notes for pregnant and postpartum patients. San Francisco, CA: Center for Work Life Law , 15 pp.

Annotation: This document provides guidelines for healthcare providers on drafting work accommodation notes for pregnant and postpartum patients to help them receive necessary adjustments and keep their jobs. It explains the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. The guidelines detail five key components of an effective work note: (1) stating that the patient has a limitation due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition requiring accommodation; (2) identifying the specific limitation; (3) affirming the patient can continue working with an accommodation, if true; (4) describing the recommended adjustment; and (5) providing an expected duration. The document includes a sample work note and an extensive appendix listing common pregnancy-related conditions and responsive accommodations. It also provides contact information for WorkLife Law's free legal helpline for guidance on work accommodation

Keywords: Guidelines, Legislation, Postpartum care, Prenatal care, Working mothers, Workplace safety

Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Brigham and Women's/Newton-Wellesley Obstetrics. n.d.. Mother and baby care vol II: Your postpartum guide. Newton, MA: Newton-Wellesley Hospital , 64 pp.

Annotation: This guide for new mothers provides information about postpartum care for both mother and baby during the hospital stay and transition home from Newton-Wellesley Hospital. It covers hospital procedures and policies, postpartum physical recovery including pain management, bleeding, cesarean birth care, and emotional adjustments including postpartum mood disorders. The guide addresses newborn care topics such as understanding infant behavior, feeding guidelines, safety instructions, and common newborn characteristics like jaundice and SIDS prevention. It includes detailed information about both breastfeeding and formula feeding, with sections on proper positioning, latch techniques, milk storage, and troubleshooting common breastfeeding challenges. The document also provides esources for ongoing support including contact information for lactation services, parenting support groups, and community organizations, along with guidelines for when to contact healthcare providers about concerning symptoms in both mother and baby.

Keywords: Patient education materials, Postnatal care, Postpartum care

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The MCH Digital Library is one of six special collections at Geogetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. The library is supported through foundation, univerity, state, and federal funding. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by the U.S. Government. Note: web pages whose development was supported by federal government grants are being reviewed to comply with applicable Executive Orders.