Postpartum Discharge Transition Committee

Leaving the hospital is just the beginning. We ensure new mothers feel confident, supported, and cared for as they take their first steps into postpartum life.

ABOUT US

What we do as the Postpartum Discharge Transition Committee

The journey to recovery doesn’t end at the hospital doors. The Postpartum Discharge Transition Committee is committed to strengthening the continuum of care as women move from hospital to home after childbirth. We work to ensure mothers receive the guidance, support, and follow-up they need during this critical period.

By fostering communication between providers, standardizing discharge education, and connecting families with resources, we aim to promote safer recoveries and healthier starts for every new mother in Kentucky.

Noticeable Impacts of Postpartum Discharge

Here are some key statistics on maternal morbidity related to postpartum discharge transitions, based on recent findings from the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s Postpartum Access & Continuity of Care (PACC) Initiative 1

40–50% of all pregnancy-related deaths now occur after hospital discharge, during the postpartum period.
75% of these deaths happen within the first 60 days after giving birth.
An estimated 40% of new mothers do not attend a recommended postpartum follow-up visit, missing critical opportunities for early intervention.
The postpartum period is increasingly recognized as a high-risk window for complications such as hypertension, infection, and mental health crises—many of which are preventable with timely care.

Strengthening Postpartum Transitions

The time after delivery is critical for long-term maternal health—but too often, it’s overlooked. The Postpartum Discharge Transitions Committee is working to ensure every birthing person leaves the hospital with a clear, supportive plan for follow-up care.

Establishing hospital-based systems

Schedule postpartum and specialty care visits before discharge or within 24 hours. This ensures timely follow-up with OBs, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, or other providers like cardiologists or psychiatrists—especially for patients who experienced complications.

Using structured discharge checklists

Prompt care teams to schedule follow-up appointments and identify patients needing urgent or specialized care. These checklists are designed to be patient-centered, involving caregivers and accommodating individual needs for timing and location.

Integrating EHR prompts and flags

Support clinical teams in identifying high-risk patients and ensuring no one falls through the cracks. These digital tools help standardize care and improve coordination across providers.

Prioritizing equity and access

Addressing barriers that prevent patients—especially those from historically underserved communities—from attending postpartum visits. This includes improving communication, offering virtual visit options, and tailoring care to cultural and linguistic needs.