Skip Navigation

Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

Sign up for MCHalert eNewsletter

Maternal Health Toolkit

Introduction

Image showing collage for flag and captiol buildingThis toolkit provides a summary of the Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis; access to key resources through the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center (MHLIC); and MCH Library resources in support of the blueprint.

The Blueprint focuses on a framework organized by federal agencies and in support of entities and individuals on the front lines of maternal care—including health care systems; physicians, nurses, licensed midwives, doulas, intake workers, and other staff; insurers; technology and other private companies; academic institutions; scholars; faith-based and community-based organizations; state and local governments; and advocates—to improve maternal health for people across the country.

A Policy Brief by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation examines the repercussions of the maternal health crisis and offers a detailed analysis of the strategies proposed in the Blueprint.

Key Resources

The Maternal Health Blueprint focuses on five goals. The Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center (MHLIC) has developed an Explainer Video as well as Evidence-to-Action Briefs for all populations, each overall goal, and specific briefs on actions that Title V can implement to improve maternal health outcomes:

In addition, the MHLIC developed a series of Issue Briefs:

MCH Library Resources in Support of the Blueprint

Goal 1:  Increase Access to and Coverage of Comprehensive High-Quality Maternal Health Services, Including Behavioral Health Services

Strategies

MCH Library Resources

Goal 2: Ensure Those Giving Birth are Heard and are Decisionmakers in Accountable Systems of Care

Strategies

MCH Library Resources

Goal 3: Advance Data Collection, Standardization, Harmonization, Transparency, and Research

Strategies

  • 3.1. Improve data collection in states, hospitals, health centers, and insurance programs to support better surveillance and quality measurement, and improve outcomes.
  • 3.2. Bolster research and build the next generation of maternal health researchers.
  • 3.3. Better understand conditions that impact pregnancy.

MCH Library Resources

Goal 4: Expand and Diversify the Perinatal Workforce

Strategies

  • 4.1. Train more family medicine and OB/GYN providers in underserved settings.
  • 4.2. Expand and diversify the number of nurses and certified midwives in underserved areas.
  • 4.3. Increase the number of community health workers and health support workers in underserved areas.
  • 4.4. Expand access to freestanding birth centers, licensed midwives, and doulas.
  • 4.5. Evaluate the impact of doulas and lactation support on service members and their families.
  • 4.6. Identify areas within primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas with the highest need for maternity care health professionals and target resources there.

MCH Library Resources

Goal 5: Strengthen Economic and Social Supports for People Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Strategies

  • 5.1. Streamline federal benefit programs that offer services like housing, child care, financial assistance, and food.
  • 5.2. Address the social determinants of maternal health.
  • 5.3 Increase awareness of workplace benefits and protections.
  • 5.4. Prevent violence against pregnant and postpartum individuals.
  • 5.5. Standardize leave recommendations for pregnancy loss and neonatal health complications for the Military Health System (MHS).
  • 5.6. Screen veterans for homelessness, food insecurity, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other factors.
  • 5.7. Address adverse effects on maternal health from climate change and other environmental stressors.
  • 5.8. Educate providers on the impact of environmental exposures.
  • 5.9. Replace lead service lines.
  • 5.10. Communicate wildfire risks.
  • 5.11. Eliminate barriers to well-being, retention, and career advancement for service members.
  • 5.12. Hold, for the first time in over 50 years, a White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

MCH Library Resources


Maternal Health Toolkit (May 2024).

Authors: Beth DeFrancis Sun, M.L.S.; John Richards, M.A., MCH Digital Library
Reviewer: Leslie deRosset, MSPH, MPH, Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center

The MCH Digital Library is one of six special collections at Geogetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. It is supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under award number U02MC31613, MCH Advanced Education Policy with an award of $700,000/year. The library is also supported through foundation and univerity 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 HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.