Maternal health disparities have many causes, but disparate social conditions and a lack of prenatal care or substandard maternal care are often key factors. Community-based maternal care models can help to narrow the disparities in maternal health outcomes by providing expanded prenatal, childbirth and postpartum support that is respectful and culturally relevant to at-risk women. These models may also focus on breastfeeding and parental development. This issue brief highlights four programs from across the country, examines the importance of community-based maternal care models and offers recommendations for supporting and expanding them.
- Commonsense Childbirth, Winter Park, Florida
- Mamatoto Village, Washington, D.C.
- Breath of My Heart Birthplace, Española Valley, New Mexico
- Mama Sana Vibrant Woman, Austin, Texas
Published: April 23, 2019
Authors: National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF)