H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas

H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas (Healing, Equity, Advocacy, and Respect) is a groundbreaking postpartum support program led by MUSC’s Division of Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health. This remote, text-based intervention aims to improve early detection of postpartum complications and connect new moms, particularly those on Medicaid, with timely care and resources.

Participants—women aged 16 to 49 who are within two weeks of delivery and insured by Medicaid—are randomly assigned to either:

• Enhanced usual care, which includes standard in-person postpartum follow-up with screening for physical, mental health, and social needs.
• Enhanced care plus the H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas program, which delivers daily check-ins via text message for the first eight weeks post-delivery, followed by less frequent messaging thereafter.

The texts ask about potential warning signs—such as symptoms indicating depression, infection, or other complications. If a response suggests concern, a nurse advocate promptly follows up by phone to discuss symptoms, offer guidance, and coordinate referrals.

All women enrolled receive four surveys over a one-year period, accessible via cell phone or email. To recognize their time and effort, participants are compensated—$30 per survey, totaling up to $120—through Amazon gift cards.

With the United States lagging behind other developed countries on maternal outcomes, notably among Medicaid-insured women, H.E.A.R. 4 Mamas stands to transform standard postpartum care. By seamlessly integrating digital check-ins with personalized nurse advocacy, the program supports mothers not just medically, but holistically—promoting safety, respect, and equity. To learn more, call, text or email the programaat 843-998-5635 or HEAR4Mamas@musc.edu.