Breaking Barriers, Nurturing Lives: The Vital Role of Communication in Maternal Care

The healthcare system in the U.S. needs to step up its game when it comes to taking care of expectant women and new moms. A report from the Commonwealth Fund shows that the U.S. is #1 when it comes to maternal death rates among 11 developed countries. This issue is mainly because there aren’t enough individuals out there who specialize in prenatal and postnatal care or offer home visits and paid leave after giving birth. Dr. Neema Stephens from Cigna spilled some tea about how – despite spending huge amounts on healthcare and having all these medical advancements – new moms are still at high risk.

The spring percentage of maternity care deserts

Around 36% of US counties are considered “maternity care deserts.” That sounds so dry and scary, right?! But what does that mean exactly? It means these places have no obstetric hospitals, birth centers or people who know how to take care of pregnant ladies properly. And if you think that’s bad enough as it is already: more than 2 million women find themselves stuck living in these “desert” areas and over 150,000 babies being born into them too – they’re all now facing higher risks (getting seriously sick) just because nobody can or know how to take care of them.

Patient communication could be the answer

The situation may seem bleak but don’t lose hope yet. Even though improving things will need some big-time teamwork across the whole system (we’re talking making policies better & putting more money into proper support), we’ve also got another secret weapon: patient communication. By having better conversations between expectant women & their healthcare providers – we might be able to close some of these scary gaps in maternity care. So let’s spread the word and make sure everyone knows how important looking after our mommies-to-be really is.

Maternal deaths shouldn’t even happen

A recent CDC report says a whopping 84% of maternal deaths from 2017 to 2019 could’ve been avoided. Out of the total 1,018 tragic losses – over half (539) happened after these fierce mothers left the hospital – anywhere between a week and a whole year post-delivery. Dr. Wanda Barfield – Director of CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health – pointed out that what we really need is an upgrade in healthcare for pregnant or postpartum women all across the nation. (Making sure everyone gets the proper care at just the right moment!)

The top reasons behind moms passing away is shocking

Here’s some alarming info: mental health issues like suicide and overdose are actually behind most of those devastating post-baby losses! Next up on this list are serious blood loss episodes known as hemorrhage. Interestingly enough, white and Latina ladies face higher chances of dying from things like self-harm or drugs. For our Black mamas though? It’s heart-related conditions taking lives way too early. A crucial thing to take note of is that many conditions tend to appear later in their recovery journey after having their babies.

Why are so many mothers losing their lives?

The lowdown is: weak policies. Things like losing insurance benefits right after welcoming a brand new life into this world only worsen an already-hard scenario. Add on waiting forever for follow-up checks & nurses not screening moms for post-birth depression…it’s no wonder things look so bleak! Based on what they found in studies & papers, CDC workers agree–key factors killing off moms have to do with the healthcare professionals – where they work and the system itself. We’re talking underestimated training sessions, delays in diagnosing complications and just poor human connections.

Time to take action – fighting maternal mortality & health disparities 

Although these stats are straight-up depressing, they also show we’ve got a chance to turn things around and make changes that actually help mothers get the care they need. The Biden administration is adding  $470 million to tackle this super-important issue! Their plan includes providing longer postpartum coverage as well as offering more social services – and getting all the industries linked with healthcare on board. It’s high time for action!

Here’s how health systems can step it up

Positive change is definitely in motion; but we need something bigger – like a full-on system-wide approach–if we’re planning on making maternity care work. One key focus will be prioritizing patient communication so access to quality maternity care is available to everyone(!)- regardless of their background or where they live.

Keeping overall health in check – hello, dental hygiene!

While addressing the issues surrounding maternal mortality & inequality is top priority here, let’s not forget how important overall health really is(especially after giving birth)- and this includes dental hygiene. And here’s a fun fact: oil pulling may keep your oral game strong too!—swishing coconut oil not only brightens those pearly whites but oil pulling has major detox benefits too which needless to say is extremely important for both mom and baby. So let’s spread awareness about these issues & join forces for better maternal healthcare that makes sure all our mamas-to-be out there live their best life