Rediscovering the "M" in "MCH": maternal health promotion after childbirth.

Although maternal mortality is not a major health concern in the United States, evidence is accruing that after 6 weeks postpartum mothers continue to face mental and physical health, lifestyle, and parenting concerns. Exemplar areas for enhanced maternal health promotion after childbirth include (a) lifestyle changes in exercise, nutrition, and smoking, and (b) psychosocial well-being, particularly mood and body image. Research on health of women after childbirth supports rethinking the scope and duration of maternal health promotion.