The “Fourth Trimester”: Postpartum Care in Rural New York and the Health of Birthing People.

The “Fourth Trimester”: Postpartum Care in Rural New York and the Health of Birthing People.

When: August 6, 2026 at 2pm EST

Speaker:

Ava Thur,  NYSARH Intern, Upstate Institute Summer Field School at Colgate University

This webinar will address the barriers that rural birthing people face during the postpartum period. Over half of maternal deaths occur during the postpartum period. Approximately 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are thought to be preventable. The American healthcare system is not currently designed to incentivize the delivery of quality, ongoing postpartum care. In the best circumstances, postpartum care is delivered through one six-week appointment after birth. In rural communities, however, it is much more difficult to access this care, creating lasting physical and mental health issues for birthing people. Without the proper support and access to resources, rural birthing people are left in the dark about adequate postpartum maternal care.