Mapping existing models of extended postpartum care and its benefits: a scoping review

Some conditions emerge or are exacerbated by pregnancy and childbirth but are only visible months or even years after delivery. Examples of such conditions include depression, anxiety, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, incontinence and weight retention. To ensure that these conditions are promptly identified and appropriately managed, there is a need for more comprehensive health service delivery, which should extend beyond 6 weeks postpartum and embrace multidisciplinary models of care. This scoping review will map out the existing models of extended postpartum care and its benefits. This will generate evidence on the optimal implementation strategies for extended postpartum care to inform public health policy and practice.