RALEIGH — In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness Day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching the "I Gave Birth" campaign to support better birth outcomes for mothers in North Carolina in the weeks after childbirth.
"I Gave Birth" collaborates with 48 participating hospitals and providers to improve postpartum care during the "fourth trimester," which is the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Each new mother receives a bracelet to serve as a visual reminder for the mother, her family and medical providers for vigilant monitoring of the mother’s physical and mental well-being.
"Giving birth is a joyous time, but it is also a major event that impacts a woman’s physical and emotional health," said Dr. Kelly Kimple, NCDHHS director of the Division of Public Health. "Recovering from childbirth, both physically and mentally, is a challenge. It is also very common to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious or depressed after childbirth. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone, and help is available. Talk to your provider and get the care you deserve."
Regardless of if it is their first pregnancy or subsequent pregnancies, symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, high fever, heavy bleeding, or severe swelling within 42 days after birth are not normal postpartum signs and women should seek care. Postpartum depression most commonly occurs four to eight weeks after birth, but symptoms can appear as soon as 24 hours after birth or months later. A recent study showed that one in five women reported experiencing a perinatal mental health condition.
Approximately two out of three pregnancy-related deaths occur during the first 42 days postpartum — the first half of the “fourth trimester.” Based on the North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Report for 2018 - 2020 data, 87% of NC maternal deaths were deemed preventable.
"I Gave Birth" is a hospital-based initiative to increase awareness and improve recognition of post-birth warning signs. It is part of the North Carolina Maternal Health Innovation Program, which encourages providers to listen more carefully when women and new mothers speak up about mental health symptoms.
"Many mothers of newborns are so focused on taking care of their baby they often fail to seek medical attention for symptoms they think are normal after birth," said Tara Owens-Shuler, Maternal Branch Head of the NCDHHS Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section. "That’s why it is so important that providers and family members are educated about post birth warning signs, which includes postpartum anxiety and depression. Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable."
In addition to the "I Gave Birth Initiative," there are many national and state-level resources available to support new moms. The free and confidential national Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 through the federal Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA to speak or chat with trained professionals ready to offer support, give information and refer you to local providers if needed.
NC Maternal Mental Health MATTERS provides free real-time telephone consultation services to health care providers serving pregnant and postpartum patients. Providers can call the line to discuss case-specific questions with a perinatal psychiatrist, which builds the provider’s capacity to treat the mental health needs of their patients.
NC MATTERS is a collaboration between NCDHHS, the UNC School of Medicine, and Duke University, which allows providers to discuss case-specific questions with a perinatal mental health expert. This builds the provider’s capacity to treat the mental health needs of their patients. Health care professionals can call 919-681-2909 for this free resource. More resources including toolkits, webinars and screening tools are available on the NC MATTERS website as well as resources and tips for new moms.
Breastfeeding is another challenge that can leave new mothers feeling frustrated. The breastfeednc.com website has resources for new mothers and fathers to help them overcome any issues or fears they may have around breastfeeding and to understand the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and new baby.
Bringing a new baby home can be both joyful and challenging. NCDHHS is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all North Carolinians, including women and families. For more resources you can visit the NCDHHS website dedicated to improving maternal health care.
