Continuity Beyond Delivery: A Family Medicine Approach to Racial and Ethnic Equity in Postpartum Care

Authors

• Dominique Tarrant, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Family Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Thomas Colletti, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

This narrative review explores interventions that improve continuity of postpartum care, reduce disparities, and promote maternal health equity, with a focus on structured follow-up, enhanced care coordination, and the integration of family medicine into postpartum care pathways. The postpartum period, frequently referred to as the “fourth trimester,” should be a bridge to healing and lifelong health. Yet for many women, particularly those from racially and ethnically minoritized backgrounds, it is a complex web of missed screenings, limited support, and unaddressed disparities. These women often face social, structural, and healthcare system barriers that increase their risk of adverse maternal health outcomes. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar between October 27, 2025, and November 7, 2025, using combinations of the keywords “postpartum care,” “family medicine integration,” “racial and ethnic disparities,” “health equity," and “fourth trimester.” Peer-reviewed English-language studies evaluating postpartum interventions among adult women were included. Evidence suggests that multilevel approaches that integrate family medicine, community-based programs, proactive scheduling, and digital health solutions can effectively reduce disparities, improve health equity, and support holistic maternal well-being. Additional findings suggest that personalized care plans, culturally sensitive education, and consistent patient-provider communication play a vital role in fostering trust, adherence, and long-term health management. Despite these advances, persistent gaps remain, highlighting the need for policy reforms, scalable and culturally tailored interventions, and continued longitudinal research. These findings underscore the need to prioritize continuity and equity in postpartum care to ensure effective monitoring, support, and long-term maternal health, particularly for populations historically underserved by the healthcare system. Adopting a comprehensive, family medicine-centered approach to postpartum care has the potential to address systemic inequities, enhance patient experiences, and promote meaningful health outcomes across historically underserved populations.

Recommended Citation

Tarrant D. Continuity Beyond Delivery: A Family Medicine Approach to Racial and Ethnic Equity in Postpartum Care. University of Lynchburg Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(2).