Healthy Start Program

Did you know that 67% of postnatal women are not aware of the possibility of pelvic floor dysfunction after giving birth or that 1 out 7 women suffer from postpartum depression but only 26% of postnatal Iowans seek out services? Additionally, in 2001, the American Pediatric Association (APA) recommended developmental screening for all young children but currently only 30-37% children actually receive it.

Postnatal women report stressors including physical and emotional difficulties along with difficulties coping with a new baby, juggling responsibilities, and loneliness (Ayers, et al., 2019). Some common postnatal issues reported by new moms are lack of time for self-care, including nutrition and sleep, postpartum depression, and pelvic floor dysfunction (Ayers, et al., 2019; Swenson, et al., 2017). Likewise, following birth, mothers report feelings of being overloaded and fear related to their child's health including digestive/feeding issues and acute health problems (Ayers, et al., 2019; Walker, et al., 2022).