In observation of Maternal Health Awareness Day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services unveiled the new "I Gave Birth" campaign. This initiative aims to enhance postpartum care for mothers during the critical weeks following childbirth, known as the "fourth trimester." Collaborating with 48 hospitals and providers, the campaign distributes special teal bracelets as a visual prompt for mothers and healthcare professionals to prioritize the monitoring of new mothers' physical and mental health post-delivery.
Dr. Kelly Kimple, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Public Health, noted the importance of addressing postpartum challenges. He explained, "Giving birth is a joyous time, but it is also a major event that impacts a woman’s physical and emotional health." He continued, highlighting the commonality of feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious after childbirth, urging women to seek the necessary care, as per a report by NCDHHS.
Concerning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headaches, and heavy bleeding are red flags not to be ignored by new mothers. According to the same NCDHHS statement, almost two-thirds of pregnancy-related deaths happen within the first 42 days after birth. The campaign stresses this period of heightened vigilance. With 87% of NC maternal deaths deemed preventable, initiatives like "I Gave Birth" are a crucial step toward reducing those numbers.
A crucial part of the "I Gave Birth" initiative is educating providers and family members on recognizing postpartum complications. According to Tara Owens-Shuler, Maternal Branch Head of the NCDHHS Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section, most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, and mothers too often disregard symptoms considering them to be normal post birth occurrences, NCDHHS reported.
To further support new moms, a national Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7, offering assistance and local provider referrals when needed. In North Carolina, providers can also access NC Maternal Mental Health MATTERS for real-time telephone consultation services with perinatal psychiatrists to enhance their treatment of patients' mental health needs, a collaborative effort mentioned by NCDHHS between NCDHHS, the UNC School of Medicine, and Duke University. In addition, resources around breastfeeding are provided on the www.breastfeednc.com website to help new mothers navigate the associated challenges and understand the benefits for both the mother and baby.
The NCDHHS remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of North Carolinians, including new and expectant mothers, by providing a wealth of resources and information on initiatives all tailored to improving maternal health care, as outlined on their dedicated website.
