NPR

A look at what could be the future for postpartum care in America

Postpartum care in America leaves most facing a critical and often overlooked "fourth trimester" in isolation. Metro Detroit-based Fourth Tri Sanctuary offers support.
Farida Azizova-Such inside the nursery rocking her son to sleep. "He was 5 weeks when we started coming. It's just my husband and I taking care of him, so I was alone at home. I wanted to find new moms to connect with and a safe space to be able to come and learn about how to take care of a baby, and also my identity shifted when you become a mother."

Today, I am the mother of twin 5-year-olds, but back during my postpartum period, also known as the "fourth trimester," I was incredibly overwhelmed and felt so alone. The transition into motherhood brings with it not just joy, but also numerous challenges — mental health struggles, nutritional needs, pelvic floor recovery, and the overarching need for self-care and community. During such a demanding time, when your baby — or in my case, babies — needs so much, who's there to take care of you?

Postpartum care in America

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