In recognizing the growing diversity of local communities, Riverside Health has released a new video series of multilingual postpartum instructional videos designed to educate mothers on critical postpartum care instructions. The video series, available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, addresses key aspects of postpartum care and is now part of the standard discharge process for maternity patients at Riverside Regional Medical Center (RRMC) and Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital (RSMH). With a growing population of native Spanish and Haitian Creole speakers, particularly on the Eastern Shore, this initiative aims to ensure that all mothers – regardless of their primary language – have access to vital postpartum care information.
“Providing translated postpartum educational materials is a crucial step in advancing equitable health care for all members of our community,” said Nick Chuquín, MSHA, FACHE, President of Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. “By ensuring that mothers can fully understand their post-delivery care instructions, we are improving health outcomes and fostering a healthier future for families across the Eastern Shore.”
To further support new mothers, Riverside has integrated these videos into the hospital discharge process, ensuring patients receive critical health information before leaving the hospital. The videos are also available on YouTube, allowing mothers to easily revisit the information at any time after they return home. Covering crucial topics such as post birth warning signs, postpartum mental health, physical recovery and infant care, these essential resources empower mothers to make informed decisions regarding their health and the wellbeing of their baby, no matter their language preference.
Between 2023 – 2024, more than 400 Spanish-speaking and 60 Haitian Creole-speaking mothers delivered their babies at RRMC and RSMH. To ensure they receive the support they need, this initiative breaks language barriers by providing vital care information in their native language, creating a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to postpartum care.
“We recognize that language should never be a barrier to receiving quality health care,” says Ticorea Williams, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Nursing Director at Riverside Regional Medical Center. “By providing these resources, we aim to ensure mothers can access the information they need to thrive in the postpartum period. This is a critical step in addressing health equity and making sure these families have the resources and support they deserve.”
Riverside remains committed to addressing the unique health care needs of the region and will continue to implement initiatives that support maternal and infant health. To learn more about maternal services offered at Riverside, please visit riversideonline.com/labor-delivery.