Providers' Beliefs and Practices of Postpartum Education

Abstract

High maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates in the United States have illuminated the importance of the postpartum period. Professional organizations have differing recommendations regarding the schedule for postpartum visits and types of educational topics. This project investigates health care providers’ beliefs and practices regarding postpartum education and care. A cross-sectional survey was electronically distributed to approximately 500 postpartum providers in the western United States. The survey addressed different aspects of postpartum care including which educational topics the provider believes are most important and how often they address the topics at the postpartum visit. Additional survey questions examined the effectiveness of telemedicine for postpartum care, barriers to postpartum appointment attendance, and timing of postpartum visits. Postpartum providers completed 31 surveys, with the majority of the providers being midwives. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation. Providers surveyed reported common barriers to postpartum care as lack of transportation or childcare, depression, exhaustion, financial barriers, and lack of understanding regarding the importance of the visit. Almost 90% of providers believed telemedicine was a feasible option for postpartum care. Approximately half of providers believed that an early visit within one to three weeks was the most effective, however, a third of providers agreed that multiple postpartum visits is ideal. Providers ranked mental health issues, intimate partner violence, breastfeeding, C-section complications, vaginal birth complications, and contraceptive counseling as the most import postpartum topics to discuss. Providers most often educated clients on postpartum depression, contraceptive counseling, breastfeeding, and resuming sexual activities. There was a positive correlation between the importance and frequency of the postpartum topics: chronic conditions, safe sleep for baby, pelvic exam, weight trajectory, transitioning to a primary care provider, and healthy sleep for mom. This project’s findings indicate gaps in postpartum care where improvements can be made. Addressing barriers to care can increase postpartum visit attendance and allow more clients to receive important care and education. Incorporating telemedicine into postpartum care can increase clients’ access to care. Providing early and multiple postpartum visits allows additional time for postpartum care and education in order to reduce potential postpartum complications.