NCDHHS launches “I Gave Birth” campaign to improve postpartum care
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new initiative aimed at improving postpartum care and birth outcomes for mothers across the state.
In recognition of Maternal Health Awareness Day, NCDHHS announced the launch of the “I Gave Birth” campaign, which focuses on the critical weeks following childbirth, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” or the first six to eight weeks after delivery.
The hospital-based initiative partners with 48 participating hospitals and providers across North Carolina. As part of the campaign, new mothers receive a bracelet designed to serve as a visual reminder for families and medical providers to closely monitor a mother’s physical and mental well-being after birth.
“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, director of the NCDHHS 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.”
Health officials say warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headaches, high fever, heavy bleeding or severe swelling within 42 days after birth are not normal and should prompt women to seek medical care. Postpartum depression most commonly occurs four to eight weeks after childbirth, but symptoms can appear as early as 24 hours after birth or months later.
According to a recent study cited by NCDHHS, one in five women reported experiencing a perinatal mental health condition.
State data shows that approximately two out of three pregnancy-related deaths occur within the first 42 days after childbirth. The North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Report for 2018–2020 found that 87% of maternal deaths in the state were preventable.
“I Gave Birth” is part of the North Carolina Maternal Health Innovation Program, which encourages providers to listen closely when women and new mothers report physical or mental health concerns.
“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.”
In addition to the new campaign, NCDHHS highlighted several resources available to support new mothers and families. The free, confidential national Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-833-TLC-MAMA. The hotline connects callers with trained professionals who can provide support and referrals to local providers.
NC Maternal Mental Health MATTERS also offers free, real-time consultation services to health care providers serving pregnant and postpartum patients. The program is a collaboration between NCDHHS, the UNC School of Medicine and Duke University and allows providers to consult with perinatal mental health specialists. Health care professionals can access the service by calling 919-681-2909.
