How Maven can help fill gaps in postpartum care

There’s a lot of preparation that goes into getting ready to have a baby—from childbirth classes and prenatal appointments to researching and gathering all of the gear you need—but many women find themselves unprepared for what happens after the baby arrives. From your physical recovery to your mental well-being—not to mention the million and one questions that come up about newborn care—the fourth trimester can be a challenging, lonely time. And the standard 6-week postpartum visit often isn’t enough to keep new moms mentally and physically well, especially when those visits may be rescheduled due to COVID-19.

That’s where Maven comes in. Maven takes the gaps that exist in standard postpartum care and fills them with virtual support from doulas, OB-GYNs, mental health specialists, lactation consultants, and more.

Here’s how Maven providers help new moms.

Doulas

Doulas can do much more than help coach you through labor and delivery (though they’re invaluable in that role). Many doulas are also trained to provide care and support to new moms after delivery, offering expertise and support on bonding with baby, newborn feeding, and emotional and physical recovery. They can be your first line of support when you get home from the hospital and start wondering why your baby didn’t come with a detailed instruction manual.

OB-GYNs

Your body goes through a lot of changes after childbirth, some expected and some definitely not. Having virtual access to OB-GYNs means no “weird” symptom or lingering question goes undiagnosed or unanswered, and you don’t have to wait until your 6-week appointment. Plus, a virtual visit can come in handy after your 6-week checkup, too.

Mental Health Specialists

The postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life—you’re sleep deprived, recovering from a major physical event, and dealing with huge hormonal shifts post-birth. So it’s no wonder that, according to the Office on Women’s Health, 1 in 9 new moms experience postpartum depression (and other estimates put that number even higher). Having access to a mental health provider means you get help and support when you need it, from experts who can spot the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety and offer advice.