UI Health Two-Generation Clinic Increases Postpartum Clinical Care for Mothers

Since 2020, physicians in the Two-Generation Clinic have been leveraging postpartum visits as an opportunity to deliver care for both infants and their mothers, assessing their needs for common postpartum conditions such as cardiovascular and mental health issues, or help managing chronic medical concerns. Physicians in the clinic have published a new study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine demonstrating that 97% of mothers seen in the Two-Generation Clinic received primary care at least once within a year postpartum, compared with only 19% of patients receiving standard obstetric care.

“Many of the challenges facing new moms are primary care issues; they aren’t gynecological issues,” said Dr. Sam Wainwright, first author of the study and assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics in the University of Illinois College of Medicine. “We’re not replacing obstetrics, but we think that primary care can provide a better longitudinal home to treat mothers’ chronic conditions over time, after the pregnancy is over.” The study authors noted that additional research is required to assess the long-term health impact of the Two-Generation Clinic, but this initial study strongly indicates that a comprehensive, family-based model reduces barriers to the care that mothers need.