A board-certified obstetrician encourages greater awareness of postpartum recovery, emphasizing that care for mothers should continue long after childbirth.
NEWBURGH, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 20, 2026 / Pregnancy may culminate in the birth of a child, but according to Dr. Janice Crowder, OBGYN, one of the most important phases of maternal health begins after delivery. Often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” the weeks following childbirth are a critical period for a mother’s physical and emotional recovery, yet they frequently receive far less attention than pregnancy itself.
While families naturally focus on welcoming a new baby, Dr. Crowder believes it is equally important to ensure mothers receive the continued care, education, and support they need during the postpartum period. She says that improving maternal health outcomes requires changing the way people think about recovery after childbirth.
“One patient came into her postpartum appointment and apologized before she even sat down,” Dr. Crowder recalled. “She told me she felt guilty talking about herself because everyone had been asking about the baby. As we talked, she mentioned headaches and swelling that she assumed were just part of being a tired new mom. They weren’t. She was developing postpartum hypertension and needed treatment. I’ve never forgotten that conversation because it reminded me how easily mothers can put their own health second.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are preventable, and a significant number occur during the postpartum period rather than during pregnancy or labor. Many pregnancy-related complications develop in the days and weeks after delivery, making continued medical follow-up essential.
Despite these realities, many women assume that once they leave the hospital, the most dangerous part of pregnancy is behind them.
“We spend months preparing women for labor and delivery, but we often spend far less time preparing them for recovery,” Dr. Crowder said. “The body continues changing after childbirth. Blood pressure can rise, infections can develop, mental health challenges may emerge, and recovery looks different for every woman. The postpartum period deserves the same thoughtful attention we give throughout pregnancy.”
Postpartum complications can include hemorrhage, infection, blood clots, postpartum preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and postpartum depression or anxiety. Many of these conditions begin with symptoms that seem easy to dismiss, particularly when mothers are exhausted and focused on caring for a newborn.
Dr. Crowder encourages women to become familiar with warning signs such as severe headaches, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, significant swelling, persistent fever, or feelings of overwhelming sadness that interfere with daily life. She emphasizes that these symptoms should never be ignored or written off as simply being part of becoming a new parent.
“I’ve had patients tell me they almost didn’t call because they thought they were overreacting,” she said. “I always tell them the same thing. I’d much rather receive a phone call that turns out to be nothing than learn someone stayed home hoping symptoms would disappear on their own. Those conversations can make all the difference.”
Dr. Crowder also believes that family members, friends, employers, and communities all play important roles during the postpartum period. While newborns understandably become the center of attention, mothers also need practical and emotional support as they recover.
Simple acts such as helping prepare meals, watching older children, encouraging mothers to attend follow-up appointments, or simply asking how they are feeling can ease the demands of the fourth trimester.
“I’ve seen how much of a difference a strong support system can make,” Dr. Crowder said. “Sometimes it isn’t a major medical intervention that changes a mother’s experience. Sometimes it’s having someone who offers to drive her to an appointment, bring over dinner, or remind her that her own health still matters.”
Medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, now encourage viewing postpartum care as an ongoing process rather than a single follow-up visit. Continued communication between patients and healthcare providers allows physicians to monitor recovery, identify complications early, and provide guidance as women adjust to life after childbirth.
For Dr. Crowder, improving maternal health begins by recognizing that childbirth is not the finish line.
“A healthy pregnancy doesn’t end with a healthy delivery,” she said. “It continues through recovery. When we invest in mothers in the weeks after childbirth, we give families a stronger, healthier beginning. Every mother deserves to feel supported, listened to, and cared for long after she leaves the delivery room.”
About Dr. Janice Crowder, OBGYN
Dr. Janice Crowder, OBGYN, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for women at every stage of life. With decades of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, she has helped thousands of women navigate pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and preventive women’s healthcare. Dr. Crowder is a passionate advocate for maternal health, patient education, and reducing preventable pregnancy-related complications through early intervention, individualized care, and strong physician-patient relationships.
Media Contact:
https://www.janicecrowder.com
info@janicecrowder.com
SOURCE: Janice Crowder
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