Nicole Rek
Research Mentor: Jeri Antilla
Mentor Department: Not Available, Not Available
Author(s): Aubree Villarreal, Nicole Rek
Session: Session 3 (11:00 AM – 11:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 43
Abstract
New mothers often experience significant lapses in healthcare during the transition from obstetric to pediatric care. Up to 60% of new mothers in the U.S. do not attend their recommended postpartum follow-up appointments within three to eight weeks after childbirth. Furthermore, approximately 10 to 20% of families fail to attend the crucial first well-child visit. This important transition was postulated to ease with the implementation of Maternal-Infant Health Programs. Unfortunately, the uptake of these programs is low, reaching as few as 22% to 30% of eligible mothers and infants. Although postpartum health is a crucial period for a new mother and her baby, care is often missed. Pregnant mothers must have access to resources to address postpartum questions about their own healing and the care of their infant, and to feel validated when going through a time that can be incredibly difficult. With so much mixed information readily accessible to new mothers, it is especially hard for them to truly know what is accurate. Our study began by examining literature and will continue with conducting mixed-method surveys and interviews with new mothers to better understand their experiences and emotional responses through this important transition of care. In our review of the literature, we identified that there is a significant gap in knowledge pertaining to the experiences of new mothers during the transition of care between obstetric and pediatric providers. Additionally, there are many challenges pregnant mothers encounter, including social determinants, available resources, and levels of support. We are currently working to implement focus groups and interviews to determine clients’ needs related to pregnancy and infancy nurse health coaching, and anticipatory guidance. This research will help develop a virtual health coaching website, Virtual Initiatives for Pregnancy and Infancy Partnerships, designed to successfully provide a trustworthy resource to support mothers.
