DC Perinatal Quality Collaborative

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month💗
Not all emotional changes are the same and knowing the difference matters. Pregnancy and postpartum can bring a wide range of emotions.

Understanding the difference between Anxiety and Depression can help you recognize when it may be time to seek support.

We are continuing to prioritize maternal mental health across the District. As part of this work, the DCPQC launched the Perinatal Mental Health Bundle from Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM), focused on advancing equitable screening, timely identification, and access to respectful, evidence-based mental health care for all birthing individuals.

Visit our website dcpqc.org to learn more.

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Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸🤍

Happy Nurses Week!
This week, we recognize and celebrate the nurses who are at the heart of maternal and infant care across the District.

At the DC Perinatal Quality Collaborative (DCPQC), our work is strengthened every day by the dedication, leadership, and expertise of nurses. From implementing patient safety bundles to leading quality improvement initiatives and advancing respectful, equitable care, nurses are essential to improving outcomes for moms and babies.

We are proud to partner with nurses across DC hospitals who bring this work to life every day – turning best practices into better care for families across the District

Thank you to all the Nurses!

In Washington, DC, 34.1% of births were delivered by cesarean in 2023, above the national average of 34.4% and well beyond the 10-15% benchmark associated with optimal outcomes. Improving maternity care means more than lowering rates; it means centering patients.
- Patients are informed and involved in decisions
- Providers communicate clearly and compassionately
- Care reflects each patient’s preferences and needs

Let’s work together to support informed, respectful birth experience for every patient.

Calling all healthcare providers and professionals:

Join this FREE virtual learning opportunity offered by Medstar Health: Together, Now: Reimagining Perinatal & Infant Mental Health Through a Two-Generational Lens.
🗓️ June 5
⏱️ 10am - 6pm EST
💻 Virtual via Zoom

This conference will inspire, challenge and equip healthcare professionals with the tools to deliver more compassionate, equitable and family- centered care.

Continuing Education Credits available upon registration!

Link: https://georgetown.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8309PgahkAo1GLk?Q_CHL=qr

Wards 7 and 8 have some of the highest maternal and infant health challenges with infant mortality rates up to 3 times higher than other parts of the city. These disparities are real and preventable.

Improving outcomes will take all of us working together across health care, public health and community. Get involved:
- Support local organizations
- Show up to community events
- Help raise awareness

Every family deserves equitable, high-quality care.

Black Maternal Health Week is a call to action.
Join the movement in DC and show your support for black mothers, birthing people, and families.

During this week, Mamatoto Village hosted a Black Maternal Health Week 5K Walk. For more evenst happening this week, see below:

- Join Community of Hope on April 17, 2026
https://lnkd.in/gKHYJmw4
- Mary's Center is hospitin a Family mini photoshoot on April 17, 2026
https://lnkd.in/g8-iwRsB

- 7th Annual Books, Blocks and Balls is happening on April 18, 2026
https://lnkd.in/gJ_fkR3H

- MedStar Health is hosting a DC Community Baby Shower on April 18, 2026 from 11am - 2pm at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Be part of the change!

Maternal emergencies can happen fast. Knowing the warning signs is crucial for in case of Hypertension or Hemorrhage!

Severe Hypertension Warning Signs:
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of face or hands

Obstetric Hemorrhage Warning Signs:
- Heavy bleeding
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Rapid heartbeat
- Passing large clots

Talk to your provider about postpartum warning signs!