As of October 1, the VA has expanded its maternity care coordination services to support Veterans throughout their pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Previously, maternity care coordinators had only been available for eight weeks post-partum.
Maternity care coordinators play an important role in helping Veterans navigate healthcare within and outside the VA system. They provide support throughout the pregnancy journey, ensuring access to post-delivery care, follow-up screenings, and more. The move guarantees that all new mothers receive the necessary support and resources from the VA, regardless of where they choose to give birth.
The expansion is part of VA’s commitment of implementing the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis. In addition to maternity care coordinators, the VA offers a range of maternity care services, including primary care, examinations, tests, ultrasounds, newborn care, lactation support, and more.
As the number of pregnancies among women Veterans using VA care has surged by more than 80% since 2014, the need for such extended care is evident. Women Veterans represent the fastest-growing cohort of VA users, half of whom are of child-bearing age. This extended support recognizes that many new mothers require care coordination well beyond the initial eight weeks postpartum. Over 50% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States occur between one day and one year after giving birth, with one in eight happening after six weeks postpartum. By offering extended care and support, VA hopes to improve the physical and mental health of both mothers and babies.
VA’s maternity care coordinators also address concerns, including social, physical, and mental health, lactation consulting, and resources for childbirth education. VA also offers additional essential services, such as mental health care, housing assistance, and resources to combat food insecurity.
This initiative is part of the broader effort to address the maternal health crisis in the United States and to ensure that women Veterans receive the care and support they need during and after pregnancy.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
