Integrated postpartum and well-child care model to improve maternal and child health
Official title: Evaluating the effectiveness of an integrated group postpartum and well-child care model on maternal and child health outcomes
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11416489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins team is testing a group-based postpartum and well-child care model to help mothers and babies in low-resource settings feel healthier and supported in the first year after birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $333,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR021403-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Families with infants in low-resource settings who are willing to participate in group postpartum and well-child care sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Families already receiving comprehensive, integrated care may see fewer additional benefits.
What this research studies
This project will build and test a care model that combines postpartum visits with well-child checkups in groups, aiming to make care more accessible and effective for families with limited resources. It focuses on reducing maternal mood issues, improving infant health, and ensuring families receive preventive services during the first year after birth. The study will adapt an evidence-based group care approach for the postpartum period, and integrate it with ongoing well-child care to address the needs of both mother and child. The team will work with communities to co-design and evaluate outcomes in real-world settings over several years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the model could make postpartum and child health care more coordinated, potentially improving maternal well-being and child development.
How similar studies have gone: Group care strategies have shown promise in prenatal settings; this project extends the approach to the postpartum period with integration to well-child care.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gresh, Ashley Katrina — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Gresh, Ashley Katrina
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.