Speaking through silence: Understanding the History of Postpartum Care in the United States

Abstract:

The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world. Of these deaths, 52 percent occur after birth. The postpartum period is defined as the time after birth and before the mother’s body has returned to the pre-pregnant state. This critical period of care is habitually glossed over and forgotten about in American health care, both currently and throughout the history of the country. In the United States, healthcare during the postpartum period primarily revolves around the new baby. There is serious need to increase postpartum care for mothers in the United States. Despite awareness of the lack of postpartum care in the United States, change has not yet occurred. The world of postpartum care continues to be dictated by insurance companies and outdated medical understanding. By analyzing the changes to maternal care over the course of the 20th century it becomes clear that the lackadaisical attitude towards improving postpartum care comes from a pronatalist outlook. Understanding why and how changes were made to post-birth care will highlight important aspects of gendered power dynamics. It will also show how economics were a driving factor in deciding who has care and when and how they can access this care. This project aims to shed light on the hardships of childbearing and encourage autonomy for mothers. The silence surrounding postpartum care in the United States is reflective of the general attitude of pronatalism without regard to women’s health or status. The system of maternal care in the United States is one that prioritize the child’s health and neglects the needs of mothers once they bring a health child into the world.