A Neglected Phase of Motherhood: The Fourth Trimester

The postpartum period remains one of the least addressed stages in women’s health—socially, medically, and economically—despite being a crucial time for both mother and baby.

According to provisional data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the national average maternal mortality rate in the United States stands at 18.3 deaths per 100,000 live births for the 12-month period ending in March 2025. Racial and ethnic disparities remain significant: Black women have the highest rate, at 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, followed by Asian women (15.3) and White women (15.2), while Hispanic women have the lowest rate, with 11.1 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Historical trends from 2017 to 2019 show that more than half of all pregnancy-related deaths occur within the first year after childbirth.

“These figures highlight the urgent need for continuous and comprehensive care that considers the physical, emotional, and social well-being of mothers,” says Lizeth Cuara, CEO of Misty Phases. “We must strengthen support networks, ensure adequate leave policies, and facilitate access to essential products for a dignified recovery.”

A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that postpartum fatigue affects between 45% and 95% of new mothers, and is closely associated with postpartum depression and breastfeeding difficulties. Persistent physical pain — whether in the back, from incisions, or in the perineum — can also interfere with mother–baby bonding and delay recovery.

Economic data reveal a striking imbalance in how society values maternal versus infant care. According to market research firms Dimension Market Research and Research and Markets, in 2024 the U.S. baby products market reached an estimated $87.2 billion, while the postpartum care market totaled only $704.7 million — a 123-fold difference.

Although spending on baby products naturally extends over several years, Cuara points out that “the gap should not be this wide. Postpartum is often mistakenly perceived as a brief or secondary phase, when in fact, neglecting it can leave long-term consequences for mothers’ health.”

She emphasizes, “Postpartum recovery is not a luxury—it’s public health. Companies have both the responsibility and the opportunity to drive meaningful change in support of maternal well-being.”

A Misty Phases survey of 638 pregnant and postpartum women revealed that:

·         Only 11% allocate between 26% and 50% of their preparation budget to postpartum recovery products.

·         More than 54% spend less than 10% on their own care.

·         58% consider it “very unlikely” to receive postpartum care products as gifts, compared to 42% who expect baby items.

“This shows that maternal recovery remains socially invisible—to both industry and family,” explains Cuara. “All the attention goes to the baby, when there should be a 50/50 balance. A healthy mother ensures a healthy baby.”

The main needs of the fourth trimester include:

·         Physical recovery: pain management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, rest, nutrition, and medical follow-up.

·         Mental health: psychological support, emotional validation, and peer networks.

·         Breastfeeding: guidance, flexibility, and specialized products.

·         Mother–baby bonding: skin-to-skin contact and time free from external pressures.

·         Social support: postpartum communities, family education, and accessible resources.

·         Work and economic equity: adequate leave and flexible reintegration policies.

“We are entering a new era of corporate responsibility,” Cuara concludes. “Supporting postpartum recovery not only improves mothers’ health—it strengthens families, communities, and the economy.”