Postpartum care is often overlooked—but it’s one of the most critical periods for a family’s health and stability.
In rural communities like Bastrop County, the challenges are real: limited providers, long travel distances, and few follow-up resources leave new mothers navigating a complex landscape largely on their own.
The numbers tell the story:
- TX Counties with no obstretic care services 47%
- Rural mothers who live 30 mins+ from a maternity facility 28%
10-40%
of women in the U.S. don’t complete postpartum checkups, missing vital follow-up care
- Nearly 47% of Texas counties have no obstetric care services, creating “maternity care deserts.”
- Around 28% of rural mothers live 30 minutes or more from a maternity facility.
- 10–40% of women in the U.S. don’t complete postpartum checkups, missing vital follow-up care.
To address these gaps, Bastrop County Cares (BCC) has launched a Postpartum Doula & Community Health Worker program. Trained and certified through Latched of San Antonio, our team is equipped to provide continuous emotional, informational, and logistical support to new mothers.
But training is just the start. This initiative focuses on partnership and accessibility:
- Collaborating with local agencies, clinics, and nonprofits to create a connected postpartum support network
- Reducing transportation and logistical barriers for families
- Addressing the social determinants of health, from access to resources to economic stability and community connection
The goal is simple but powerful: ensure that every mother in Bastrop County feels supported, informed, and cared for during the vital postpartum period.
This community-led approach represents a new model for rural postpartum care—one that emphasizes connection, collaboration, and continuity of care. By focusing on real needs and breaking down barriers, BCC is helping families start their journeys on a stronger, healthier footing.
