What are the Factors Shaping Maternity Care Preferences and Barriers to Preferred Care?

Recently, Adrian Dix, Health Minister of British Columbia, said that many British Columbia families are getting better access to maternity care due to the increasing number of seats in the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) midwifery program.

Besides, in December 2022, Astria Toppenish, the only hospital in the remote city on the Yakama Indian Reservation suddenly closed the maternity unit without informing the community, doctors, or even its board. Almost 35 women suffered from this abrupt closure of the hospital. 

If we compare the above-mentioned news, we find that despite many positive trends and supportive programs, women are still facing challenges when it comes to maternity and personal care. The major one is the availability of maternity care facilities in rural areas across the globe. In this blog, we are going to discuss the various encouraging programs related to maternity care and the important factors shaping maternity care preferences. 

Latterly, according to a report published by Research Dive, nowadays, the increasing awareness among individuals about their health and hygiene is expected to bolster the growth of the global maternity & personal care market in the approaching years. The market is anticipated to generate a revenue of $106,499.9 million and rise at a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period from 2022 to 2031. The major players of the market include Kaya, Edgewell personal care, Unilever, and many more. 

Latest Technology and Recent Programs to Support Maternity Care

Today, there are several mobile apps and digital devices that can help women monitor their health and track their pregnancies. For instance, some apps can track a woman’s menstrual cycle, predict ovulation, and monitor fertility. There are also pregnancy-tracking apps that can provide information about the development of a baby, as well as tips for healthy living during pregnancy. 

In March 2023, Momcozy, a famous maternity and baby brand announced a very caring one-year program, namely, “the Parachute Care Program” to support mothers in their breastfeeding journey. This program is designed to give a companion to moms from their pregnancy to the early stages of their motherhood. Ella, the marketing manager of Momcozy stated that “a mother faces various stressful and challenging moments all alone while taking care of a baby in the initial period with all struggles in life and work. So, we are aiming to make their motherhood journey more comfortable by providing optimum care and dragging their worries just like a parachute.”

This program started with a campaign worth $ 1 million worth of rewards and discounts for moms nursing their children from 0 to 12 months. Some offerings of the campaign are discussed below:

• Specific Career Perks: With this feature, moms can verify their career status on Momcozy's official website and avail 25% discount code valid for three months to buy S9 Pro or S12 Pro breast pumps in sets or single.
   
• Super Value Breastfeeding Gift Box: Moms can purchase a breastfeeding gift box from Momcozy's website during the program period with 10% off. 

Moreover, postpartum care is also an essential aspect of maternity care. One of the growing trends in postpartum care is the increasing use of postpartum doulas. These are the professionals that provide support to new mothers, helping them with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional support. Another trend is the use of postpartum care centers, which offer a place for new mothers to recover and receive support during the early weeks after giving birth. 

Important Factors Emphasizing Maternity Care Globally

Maternity care is a critical aspect of public health, ensuring access to quality care for pregnant women and new mothers to promote the health and well-being of both mother and child. Here are some key factors that emphasize maternity care:

• Access to Healthcare Services: In many low and middle-income countries, there is a severe shortage of healthcare workers, including midwives and obstetricians, who are trained to give specialized care during pregnancy and childbirth. This shortage leads to long waiting times, overcrowding, and limited access to basic medical supplies and equipment. As a result, women may face significant risks during childbirth, including maternal mortality, complications, and infections.
   
• Geographical Barriers: Women living in rural or remote areas may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services due to a lack of transportation, infrastructure, or healthcare facilities. This lack of access due to long distances may result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and other complications during childbirth.
   
• Quality of Care: In many countries, especially in low-resource settings, women may receive inadequate or substandard care due to the lack of trained professionals, insufficient medical supplies and equipment, or inadequate infrastructure. In some cases, cultural or societal norms may also impact the quality of care provided to women during pregnancy and childbirth. 

How Positive Developments Support Maternal Mental Health and Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Experience?

By addressing the psychological and emotional needs of expectant and new mothers, these developments can help prevent and treat common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This, in turn, can result in improved physical health, reduced maternal mortality, and morbidity, and better infant outcomes. Such positive developments include increased awareness and education around maternal mental health, improved access to maternity healthcare services, and the integration of mental health care into routine perinatal care. These efforts can ensure that all mothers receive the support they need to thrive during their pregnancy and beyond.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.