America, It’s Time to Step Up for Postpartum Moms

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As I approached the arrival of my first child, my midwife, a seasoned pro, offered some candid advice about the postpartum phase. “You won’t be doing much in those early weeks, just resting on the couch and nursing your baby,” she said with a knowing look. I smiled politely but thought, “Not me! I’ll be back on my feet in no time.”

Her gaze behind her glasses was piercing, and I could tell she sensed my disbelief. “I’m not saying you won’t recover; I’m saying you shouldn’t rush it. It’s midwife’s orders.” I nodded again, but I didn’t take her seriously. Energized from a relatively smooth birth experience, I tried to remain active despite the challenges of breastfeeding that often kept me glued to the couch.

I’ve always been a doer—constantly busy and productive. Why should becoming a mother change that? Yet, my midwife was right. I ultimately wore myself out, and my postpartum bleeding lasted six weeks, leading me into a spiral of postpartum anxiety.

By the time I had my second child, I finally took her advice to heart. I encouraged my partner to take unpaid leave for two weeks, allowing me to rest and focus solely on breastfeeding. It was heavenly, and I felt much healthier, both physically and emotionally, than I had during my first postpartum experience.

Having gone through two starkly different postpartum journeys, I often pondered why I disregarded my midwife’s wisdom the first time. The answer is complex, but it largely stems from the cultural expectations placed on postpartum moms in America, along with a significant shortage of resources.

When pregnant, women receive ample attention—regular check-ups, support from friends and family—yet, once the baby arrives, it’s a drastically different story. After a few days in the hospital, moms are sent home with little support. A check-up six weeks later is often the only follow-up they receive. Meanwhile, emotional support dwindles as all eyes shift to the newborn.

It’s no surprise that many women feel blindsided by motherhood, as if they’ve been hit by a truck, both physically and emotionally. The rise in postpartum mood disorders is alarming, and it’s clear we’re failing our postpartum moms.

In many countries, the concept of “mothering the mother” holds significant importance, complemented by cultural practices and government support. In contrast, the U.S. offers little in this regard.

Here’s a reality check, America: after giving birth—whether through vaginal delivery or major surgery—we expect new moms to bounce back as if nothing happened. This is unacceptable.

Here are some changes we desperately need:

1. Free Help for New Moms: Many European nations provide free assistance for new mothers once they return home from the hospital, covering baby care, household chores, and breastfeeding support. Imagine how much smoother the transition could be with this kind of help!
2. Access to Professional Breastfeeding Support: While the Affordable Care Act claims to cover lactation consultants, many moms still face insurance denials. This is a vital resource that should be readily available to all new mothers.
3. Paid Maternity Leave: The U.S. is lagging behind when it comes to maternity leave policies. No mother should feel pressured to leave her newborn in someone else’s care just days after giving birth.
4. Paid Paternity Leave: Dads matter too! The importance of paternal involvement in the early days cannot be overstated. Many families struggle financially because fathers can’t take paid leave, which is simply wrong.
5. Busting the Bounce-Back Myth: Research shows that it can take a full year for women to recover from childbirth. Yet, after a brief six-week check-up, moms are expected to be back to their old selves. We need to understand what it truly means to be a new mom and allow for a longer recovery period.
6. Support for Postpartum Mood Disorders: While awareness around postpartum mood disorders is growing, it remains a recommendation rather than a requirement for OBs to screen mothers. Finding quality care that is covered by insurance is still a struggle for many, and these disorders can have serious consequences if left untreated.

America, we need to step up. The way we treat our mothers, babies, and the next generation is critical. Let’s pool our resources, support one another, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of families. Moms and babies deserve respect and care immediately. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

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In summary, the need for systemic change in how we support postpartum moms is urgent. It’s time for America to prioritize the well-being of mothers and families.