Women’s History Month: Advancing Maternal Health

marketing intern on March 2, 2026

Women’s History Month Honors the Power of Prevention in Advancing Maternal Health and Well-Being 

As the nation celebrates Women’s History Month, Family Connects International (FCI) is recognizing the critical role maternal health plays in advancing women’s well-being—and the importance of preventive, equitable systems of care that support women during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. 

For generations, women—particularly mothers—have carried the physical, emotional, and economic weight of caregiving, often without adequate support. Today, maternal mental health conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety remain among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting women across all backgrounds and communities. 

Yet too often, postpartum care is fragmented, delayed, or inaccessible—leaving many women to navigate recovery and early motherhood alone. 

“Women’s health does not stop at delivery,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects International. “Supporting mothers in the weeks and months after birth is essential—not only to their health, but to the health of families and communities. Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have.” 

With the right support at the right time, we can support:  

  • Physical recovery after birth 
  • Emotional well-being and identity during the transition to motherhood 
  • Access to care and long-term health outcomes 
  • Family stability and infant development 

Despite their prevalence, many maternal mental health concerns go undetected or untreated—particularly among women facing structural barriers such as limited access to care, racial inequities, insurance gaps, or social isolation. 

Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to not only honor progress, but to address the gaps that remain. 

How the Family Connects Model Supports Women 

  • Registered nurses conduct postpartum visits, assessing maternal physical health, mental health, and social needs. 
  • Early screening and education help identify concerns before they escalate into crises. 
  • Care coordination connects women directly to primary care, behavioral health services, and community supports. 
  • Universal access promotes equity, ensuring women are not excluded from care due to income, race, or insurance status. 
  • Research demonstrates improved outcomes, including better maternal mental health, reduced emergency medical use, and stronger connections to preventive care. 

“When women receive early, trusted support, outcomes improve across the board,” said Kim Friedman JD, Chief Program Officer at FCI. “The Family Connects model shows what’s possible when systems are designed to support women—not just during pregnancy, but beyond it.” 

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate leadership, resilience, and progress—but also to recommit to building systems that truly support women’s health and well-being. 

Family Connects International calls on health systems, policymakers, funders, and community partners to invest in preventive postpartum care models that centers maternal mental health, reduce disparities, and strengthen families from the very beginning. 

“Supporting mothers is one of the most effective ways to support women,” said Jade Woodard. “When women thrive, families thrive—and communities are stronger for it.” 

For more information, visit familyconnects.org.