Program
Nurse-Midwifery M.S.
Number of Pages
42
Year Approved
2025
First Advisor
Wu, Katrina
Second Reader
Paige Hardy
Abstract
Introduction: Improving postpartum care by addressing the steep decline in postpartum care utilization is important to maternal and newborn health. This integrative review explores the use of telehealth in the postpartum period and its impact on improving health outcomes and access to care.
Methods: A literature search identified original studies published between 2018 and 2025 in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to learn about the use of telehealth in postpartum care. Reference lists of included articles were screened, and a hand search of three applicable journals was also conducted. The search identified 1187 studies after duplicates were removed, of which 20 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings were organized according to four emerging postpartum topics: postpartum hypertension, breastfeeding and lactation, postpartum depression, and routine postpartum care.
Results: Results across the 20 articles showed international support for different types of telehealth including mobile applications (apps), eHealth, short message service (SMS) text messages, virtual visits, telephone calls, and web-based platforms. Findings indicated reduced racial disparities and increased attendance at postpartum visits. Improvements were noted in remote blood pressure monitoring and treatments, increased rates of exclusive breastfeeding, and an increase in diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression.
Discussion: Telemedicine enhanced care in the postpartum period, though should not replace routine, in-person, six-week postpartum visits. Using specific mobile apps to improve breastfeeding rates, provides encouragement and support to new mothers regarding their care and their newborn’s improved care in the postpartum period. Adding options of virtual visits for postpartum follow up, especially in postpartum depression care, improves access to care.
Degree Name
M.S. Nurse-Midwifery
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Niedermayer, A. E., & Orrock, L. (2025). Telehealth in the Postpartum Period: An Integrative Review [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1187
Terms of Use and License Information
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