Fetal care centers (FCCs) in the U.S. lack a standardized instrument to measure person-centered care. This study aimed to develop and validate the Person-Centered Care in Fetal Care Centers (PCC-FCC) Scale. Initial items were developed based on literature and input from…

Physically or psychologically distressing birth experiences can influence postpartum health, parenting efficacy, and future pregnancy plans. Communication deficits contribute to negative birth experiences. This qualitative analysis explored themes related to communication and negative…

There are gaps in receipt of maternal preventive services in the interconception period. Yet mother–infant dyads have frequent health care visits. Health systems have opportunities to better capitalize on existing visits to address dyad needs, but this possibility has not been fully…

Research gaps exist on the use of medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) among birthing people. This retrospective cohort study included people who underwent childbirth deliveries during 2017-2020 and had a diagnosis of OUD identified from a national private insurance claims…

Care management programs for medically complex infants interact with parents after complicated pregnancies, when gaps in maternal health care are well documented. These care managers may have the relationships and skills to promote postpartum and interconception health and health care…

The peak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased maternal and child health care engagement, especially among marginalized populations. Existing disparities in prenatal care access and quality faced by pregnant immigrant people are likely to be amplified by the pandemic. We conducted…

In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were 1205 maternal deaths in 2021 in the US, marking a substantial uptrend from 861 deaths in 2020 and 754 in 2019. This sharp 40% increase in the maternal mortality rate to 32.9 deaths per 100 000…

Pregnancy and early parenthood can be challenging transitional times for many families, especially those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). Over 8 million children live with a parent with SUD and parental drug use has been attributed to rising rates of family instability and…

Promoting interconception health can improve birth outcomes and long-term women's health. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based behavior change strategy that can address interconception health behaviors and health care engagement. This scoping review assessed the evidence…

PolicyLab wrote a letter responding to Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services' Proposed Public Notice on Postpartum Continuous Eligibility. In this letter, PolicyLab experts offer comments in support of the proposed amendment to the Medicaid State Plan, with a…