Women’s Health Innovation: The Future of Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

Fourth Trimester Podcast Episode 174: Women’s Health Innovation: The Future of Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

There are so many great new women’s health companies and resources out there – and this is the episode where we tell you our favorites so you can benefit right away.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachel Braun Scherl and Jodi Neuhauser of 51& who share details of the innovators you can access right now to have a better-supported pregnancy, birth and fourth trimester.

We also talk about the broader systems around women’s health innovation – understanding how the business of healthcare works means being in a better position to take control of your own care, and to be able to influence the future.

Women have more power when they organize their economic and civic influence. Let’s make an impact together.

“One of the most important things about the explosion in women’s health is the permission to have these conversations. If your body doesn’t feel right, no one knows better than you, so ask questions and pursue help.”

— Rachel Braun Scherl

Full Show Notes

• 00:00 Podcast introduction
• 00:45 Welcome and episode focus
• 01:55 Meet Rachel Braun Scherl and Jodi Neuhauser of 51&
• 04:14 Why postpartum care needs innovation
• 06:49 Maternal mental health and family wellbeing
• 09:40 How reimbursement shapes maternity and postpartum care
• 10:47 The move toward unbundled maternity-care payment
• 11:22 Medicaid, postpartum coverage, and policy risk
• 14:11 What individuals can do to advocate for care
• 15:45 Listening to your body and pushing for workplace support
• 17:03 Employer benefits, retention, and postpartum resources
• 21:12 Maternity care deserts and access gaps
• 22:49 Normalizing mental health support
• 25:52 Telehealth and remote postpartum care
• 27:13 Pelvic floor care and physical recovery
• 29:53 Helping families understand insurance benefits
• 31:45 Navigating leave and a system built without women in mind
• 35:05 Why employers underestimate postpartum costs
• 37:42 Women’s health research gaps and data problems
• 38:18 Life insurance considerations before and after birth
• 41:45 Benefits as recruiting and retention strategy
• 44:03 Why women need to talk more openly about postpartum realities
• 46:24 Feeding struggles, shame, and normalization
• 49:16 Why 51& was created
• 51:29 51& membership, benefits, and advocacy priorities
• 52:55 Closing reflections on community and collective power

Selected links

Connect with Rachel Braun Scherl and Jodi Neuhauser 51and.com | Business of the V Podcast

Rachel’s book Orgasmic Leadership: Profiting from the Coming Surge in Women’s Sexual Health and Wellness

Resources and companies mentioned SimpliFed | Seven Starling | Nadia Care | Pomelo Care | Origin | Hinge Health | Milk Stork | Postpartum Support International | March of Dimes Maternity Care Deserts Report

Learn more How to Maximize Maternity Leave & Paternity Benefits with MAMAttorney Daphne Delvaux | The State of Postpartum Maternal Health with Dr Amanda P Williams | Fourth Trimester Economics with Dr Sonal Patel Pediatrician | Reproductive Psychiatry: Optimizing Your Mental Health with Dr Ida Eden | Tips For Avoiding And Fixing Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Jenn Lormand | Postpartum Care At Home – What To Expect From A Doula

Resources FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.