Trends In The North Shore Visiting Mothers Program: Evaluating Pre-and-Post-COVID Trends

Abstract

This project evaluates changes in maternal health trends before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the North Shore Visiting Mothers Program. The program, which provides free postpartum visits, temporarily paused during the pandemic. Data collected by public health nurses revealed increased rates of postpartum depression, anxiety, food insecurity, and traumatic birth experiences post-COVID. Quantitative findings showed a significant link between poor maternal health and low infant birth weight The project highlights gaps in mental health care, insurance stability, and access to services, providing critical insights to inform the redesign and relaunch of the program to better meet caregivers’ needs.