Did you know that over half of maternal deaths happen after childbirth? Shockingly, one in three postpartum patients—a group already at high risk—goes without essential follow-up care. This period directly following birth is critical, as it’s the best time to catch and treat health issues that could lead to severe complications or even death. When this vital care is skipped, life-saving opportunities are lost.

The Impact of NICU Admissions on Maternal Health

The situation escalates for parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where the focus predominantly lies on the newborn's health, often leaving urgent maternal needs overlooked. A groundbreaking study conducted by LDI Fellow Kristan Scott and her team has shed light on this pressing issue. They aimed to find out if the intensive care provided to preterm infants, those born before 35 weeks and commonly placed in NICUs, negatively impacts the postpartum care received by their parents.

Disturbing Findings from Philadelphia Hospitals

The investigation analyzed data from 99,370 births across two hospitals in Philadelphia between 2010 and 2019. The results were concerning: only 68% of postpartum patients received care, leaving nearly one-third—21,867 individuals, or 32.2%—without follow-up. Various factors contributed to this alarming trend, including younger parental age (under 25), multiple pregnancies, higher body mass index, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic ethnic backgrounds, lack of insurance, low educational levels, absence of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, vaginal deliveries, and living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Preterm Births: A High-Risk Factor

The study revealed that preterm parents are significantly more likely to miss postpartum care, with 41% of parents of preterm infants failing to receive follow-up care compared to just 32% for those whose infants were born after 35 weeks. This disparity is even more alarming for parents of extremely preterm infants (born before 24 weeks), where more than half reported missing postpartum care.

Revolutionizing Postpartum Care in the NICU

Given the heightened risks faced by birthing parents of preterm infants—especially those who endure extended hospital stays—the NICU could become a vital yet underutilized site for postpartum support. Emerging evidence points toward the feasibility and benefits of incorporating certified nurse midwives into NICU care, as parents are often more focused on their infant's needs than seeking care outside the unit.

To address these unique challenges, a collaborative approach that includes care navigators, community health workers, and doulas—teaming up with maternal health clinicians—could bridge the existing gaps in care and ultimately improve maternal health outcomes.

Study Published in a Leading Medical Journal

This groundbreaking study, titled "Postpartum Care Receipt Among Parents of Preterm Infants Admitted to the NICU," was published online on March 1, 2025, in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal Fetal Medicine, and it's a call to action for improved postpartum care for these vulnerable populations.