A Family Approach to Postpartum Discharge Transition

The U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2024 was approximately 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to preliminary CDC data, compared to the rate of 18.6 in 2023.1 In addition, significant racial disparities in health outcomes exist for pregnant and postpartum patients.2 More than 50% of pregnancy-related deaths occur one week to one year after pregnancy, and more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are deemed preventable.3 Currently, up to 40% of birthing people do not attend a routine postpartum visit, and few receive all recommended elements of postpartum care.4  

In the PA 2025 MMRC report on deaths occurring in 2021, approximately half of pregnancy-related cases (48%) died 43 days to one year after the end of pregnancy. About 31% of the pregnancy-related cases died while pregnant, showing a greater frequency of pregnancy-related deaths occurring after pregnancy (69%). These statistics highlight the need for continued postpartum services both prior to and past the traditional 6 to 12 weeks.5

In addition, the 2022-2024 Pennsylvania Title V Interim Needs & Capacity Assessment identified ongoing unmet needs in accessing patient-centered, respectful care at all stages of pregnancy; focusing on meeting family needs and addressing social determinants of health; improving availability and receipt of preventative, behavioral and mental health services; and parent/caregiver social support and education on infant care and safety.6

The postpartum period provides an important opportunity to support birthing persons, their infant, and their families, as it is often a time of increased patient motivation, engagement, and access to insurance. Intervention during the postpartum period can contribute to long-lasting maternal health and family benefits. It is therefore critical to ensure that birthing persons receive comprehensive care and support during the postpartum period.

 

Sources

1 Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2024. CDC National Center for Health Statistics. CDC. March 2026

2 Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2021/maternal-mortality-rates-2021.htm. Accessed April 20, 2023.

3 Four in 5 pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0919-pregnancy-related-deaths.html. Accessed April 20, 2023.

4 Committee Opinion Number 736: Optimizing Postpartum Care. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/en/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/05/optimizing-postpartum-care. Accessed April 20, 2023.

5 PA Maternal Mortality Review 2021 Case Data Infographic. PA Department of Health. https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/programs/2025%20Pennsylvania%20Maternal%20Mortality%20Review%20Infographic%E2%80%8B.pdf. October 16, 2025.

*2025 PA Maternal Mortality Review Annual Report, Deaths occurring in 2021 (Full Report).  https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/programs/2025%20MMR%20Report.pdf. August 2025.

6 McAdow et al., 2025. Dyadic Care Interventions and Outcomes for Mothers and Their Infants: A Scoping Review. Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/156/6/e2025073023/205466/Dyadic-Care-Interventions-and-Outcomes-for-Mothers

Successes

UMWS Sprint Participation
In 2025, 39 PA PQC hospitals participated in an Urgent Maternal Warning Signs sprint series, focused on patient education, and engagement with the ED, outpatient settings, and community partners to create a broad awareness of identifying and responding to urgent maternal warning signs.
%
Linguistically/Culturally Appropriate Patient Education
Increased from 60% to 81% having linguistically/culturally appropriate patient education materials on urgent postpartum warning signs from June 2024 to December 2025.
%
ED Standardized Verbal Screening
Increased from 22% to 40% in ED standardized verbal screening as part of triage process from June 2024 to December 2025.
%
ED Staff Education on OB Emergencies
Increased from 30% to 43% with processes in place for educating ED staff on detecting potential obstetric emergencies from June 2024 to December 2025.

2026-2027 Goals

Recruit 30 multidisciplinary healthcare teams to participate in the Family Approach to Postpartum Discharge Transition initiative.

Increase the percentage of participating healthcare teams who have ED screening fully in place from 40% to 52%.

Increase from 81% to 90% of participating healthcare teams who have begun the process to develop a system for patient debriefs after a severe maternal event.

Key Interventions

Establish a standardized verbal screening process as part of ED triage process.

Establish a standardized process to conduct debriefs with families after severe maternal events.

Establish a standardized process to conduct debriefs with families after severe neonatal events.

Establish a system for scheduling the postpartum care visit and needed specialty care visits or contact prior to discharge or within 24 hours of discharge.

Establish a system for scheduling the initial pediatric visit prior to discharge.

Establish a comprehensive postpartum visit template to share with affiliated outpatient sites.

Screen each family for risk factors and assess family and social support needs.

Refer patients for follow-up services including medical, behavioral, and support services.