We all want to be more educated on postpartum health

I created a series of polls and questions on Instagram (@true.mamas) that ran from December 18-20, 2021 (engagement ranged from 10-25 participants). I was just very curious to hear more from my community about their postpartum experience and wanted to learn more. I wanted to gather data to see how I can help improve postpartum support or create something brand new with True Mamas. Well, I’m glad I did it, because it really has me thinking. The results are so interesting and telling, maybe nothing completely groundbreaking, but it confirms the paradox of motherhood. There is room for growth and improvement in the postpartum health space and it fires me up! Thank you all so much for sharing!

One hundred percent of participants wish they were more educated on postpartum health.

That’s huge! I’ve had this desire and urge to do more education and advocacy in postpartum health and I think this is my push to dive in and go for it. I have no idea what this would look like or how I’ll accomplish it (I am not a maternal health professional), but I know now I need to and will figure it out.

I want to share all of the results for everyone’s benefit. I want to be transparent with the findings so we can all learn and maybe feel less alone.

Postpartum Poll Results & Summary:

It is evident that mothers feel less prepared and educated on postpartum health and expectations. It is also the most challenging, over pregnancy and birth! Mothers struggle spiritually, physically, and most often mentally. And yet most don’t seek help (but heavily confide in friends or family), but say they are the happiest they’ve ever been and discover more about themselves during this time. Over ninety percent of mothers desire to make other life changes. This is a pivotal time of intense struggle, challenge, and self-discovery. I believe more can be done to help, support, educate, and ensure women blossom and thrive during this fragile and vulnerable season.

(Everything is in the context of postpartum unless stated otherwise.)

50% felt prepared and informed for PREGNANCY.

36% felt prepared and informed for BIRTH.

29% felt prepared and informed for POSTPARTUM.

The majority of participants felt the most prepared for pregnancy.

The majority revealed that Postpartum was the most challenging.

The majority stated mental health was the number one thing they struggled with in postpartum (over physical health and spirituality).

57% did not seek support for this.

86% confided in friends or family.

36% sought professional help for what they struggled with the most (doctor, midwife, PT, chiropractor, counselor, pastor, fitness coach, support group, etc.)

78% wish they sought professional help!

58% knew where to find and seek professional resources.

82% felt more anxious or depressed.

Of that 82%, the majority felt more anxious.

64% had the baby blues.

68% became happier than ever before.

91% learned more about themselves.

86% discovered what's most important to them.

91% wanted to make other life changes.

32% felt educated about their postpartum body and what to expect.

(Only 39% felt like they drank enough water).

100% of mothers wish they were more informed/educated on postpartum health!

Thank you to all who participated! This is invaluable and insightful.

-Margo Game Brandenburg