96% of New Moms Get Postpartum Care With Patient Navigators
A new study found that pairing new mothers with patient navigators significantly increased postpartum care visits, depression screening, and primary care visits, with 86% of those with navigators receiving depression screening and care
A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum on October 2, 2026, found that patient navigators made a significant difference in postpartum care for new mothers. The study, conducted by Northwestern Medicine, discovered that new mothers paired with patient navigators were more likely to receive postpartum care, with 96% attending postpartum care visits compared to 80% without a patient navigator.
The use of patient navigators also helped increase the likelihood of new mothers being counseled about all needed postpartum topics, with 65% of those with navigators being counseled compared to 51% without. Additionally, patient navigators were linked to a higher rate of screening and care for postpartum depression, with 86% of those with navigators receiving screening and care compared to 72% without.
At one year after giving birth, 57% of new mothers with patient navigators had attended a primary care visit, compared to 30% without navigators. Patient navigators also helped increase the likelihood of new mothers using their desired family planning method, with 65% of those with navigators using their desired method compared to 43% without.
The study also found that patient navigators increased the likelihood of new mothers receiving preventive health testing, including blood pressure, lipids, and glucose testing. Specifically, 85% of those with navigators received blood pressure testing, compared to 62% without, while 28% received lipids testing, compared to 13% without, and 31% received glucose testing, compared to 16% without.
## Why it matters The study's findings are significant because they highlight the importance of addressing healthcare barriers faced by new mothers. Limited health literacy, unreliable transportation, difficulty navigating a complicated healthcare system, lack of childcare, and unstable housing can all determine whether a new mother receives needed care or goes without it. By providing patient navigators, healthcare systems can help remove these barriers and improve women's long-term health.
The study's results suggest that patient navigators can be a powerful way to improve postpartum care and primary care for new mothers. As the researchers note, this approach can help create an ideal model of postpartum care in the U.S., one that prioritizes the needs of new mothers and provides them with the support and resources they need to thrive.
