In the near future, we will be introducing a resolution dedicating May 26th as Fourth Trimester Care Awareness Day.  
 
The United States has one of the worst records for maternal health in the industrialized world. Both societal norms and our medical system concentrate almost solely on the health, safety, and care of the fetus and infant, while care for the birthing parent during the postnatal period has little to no support. 
 
During pregnancy, the carrying parent may have a dozen or more OB-GYN visits right up until the days before giving birth. Once a baby is born, their first pediatric visit usually occurs within a few days.  For the birthing parent, however, there is generally only one visit four to six weeks after delivery. In many cases, insurance does not cover more than this one visit.  
 
The first three months of the postnatal period can be a time of particular vulnerability for new parents, with risks for both physical and mental health issues. This period should be recognized as the Fourth Trimester, during which the care afforded the birthing parent should be on par with the care they receive prior to childbirth.  
 
The purpose of this resolution is to bring attention to the need for Fourth Trimester care and raise awareness of the attendant benefits for both carrying parents and infants by designating May 26th as the Fourth Trimester Care Day. As legislators, we need to commit ourselves to supporting families at all stages by elevating and addressing the health and wellness of new mothers. 
 
Please join us in cosponsoring this important resolution.