Health care
BY CHLOE YOUNG
New moms get easier access to care with BSW virtual app
Baylor Scott & White Health is seeking to provide more accessible, timely care to a growing number of Texas mothers through its virtual postpartum care program. The virtual platform allows new mothers to speak directly with nurse care advocates, receive support for their physical and mental health, and schedule appointments with doctors or lactation consultants. The program is intended to help close gaps in postpartum care experienced by women between giving birth and their first six-week check up, BS&W OBGYN Dr. Wright Bates said. “It is truly a demanding time and a dramatic change,” Bates said. “What better time to impact a new family and support a new mom with the latest technology, which is an app that really is personal- ized to improve their quality of life.” How it works The virtual postpartum program is available free to mothers up to six months after delivering their baby at a BS&W hospital. Through an online portal, mothers can discuss their questions or needs with a nurse care advocate via messaging and phone or video calls. Women often need support for their physical healing after delivery or receiving a cesarean section, as well as coping with postpartum depres- sion, BS&W Nurse Care Advocate Kristen Sapp said. Nurse care advocates may refer mothers to a specialist, such as a lactation consultant or mental health provider. Leander resident Rayann Quinones has received weekly health check-ins and breastfeeding support through the program after delivering her baby
By the numbers
Patient demographics
Here is a breakdown of the ages of mothers using the app:
More than 2,000 women have enrolled in the postpartum care program.
26-30 yrs: 30%
10% of users come from the Austin region, according to BS&W information.
18-25 yrs: 16%
31-35 yrs: 36%
36-40 yrs: 15%
40+ yrs: 3%
68% increase in mothers using the program from October to March.
First time vs. experienced mothers:
1 in 8 women with a recent live birth had symptoms of postpartum depression
First-time moms: 52%
Experienced mothers: 48%
SOURCES: BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
at BS&W Medical Center in Round Rock. Within two days of giving birth, the application began asking Quinones to check in on her emotional and physical health with questions about specific symptoms. “It forced me to think about myself,” Quinones said about the virtual postpartum program. “If I’m not at 100% or not feeling well, then I can’t really be there for my baby.” Going forward BS&W is planning to expand its virtual support for women before and during their pregnancy journey. The hospital system expects to launch a virtual program for prenatal care services in the next year and eventually offer preconceptual counseling, Bates said. “This is really a first step in the journey and
reflects our health system’s commitment to opti- mizing health care and our greater commitment to women’s health,” Bates said. “The women and families of Texas are a priority for us.” The impact One in eight women with a recent live birth had symptoms of postpartum depression, according to a 2020 study by the Centers for Disease Con- trol and Prevention. Mothers with postpartum depression may feel overwhelmed or experience sadness, fatigue, anxiety and anhedonia, or the loss of pleasure, Bates said. The virtual nature of BS&W’s postpartum program helps reduce the stigma around receiving mental health support, Bates said. “Making patients feel heard and supported is really what we’re here for,” Sapp said.
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