The Happy Heart, Happy Mom project gained insight into the barriers and struggles women with heart disease face within the first year of childbirth. Abigayle administered surveys to learn about different aspects of maternal health postpartum, including mental health, physical health, breastfeeding, contraceptive use, and healthcare access. She then followed up with the women to discuss needs highlighted in the survey and to connect them to local resources.

As a result of the program:

• The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Division of Cardiology received first-hand accounts from six women to inform their future provision of services to all patients.
• Based on survey responses, many women were concerned about healthy eating and living. A monthly newsletter was distributed to the participants to highlight affordable, quick and heart-healthy meals that could be made at home.
• Participants had individualized needs met (e.g., accessing affordable lactose-free milk for one mother’s child)

“The Schweitzer Fellowship enabled me to cultivate the skills and experience to serve and advocate for vulnerable patient populations in my community. Monthly meetings gave me the opportunity to meet and learn from current healthcare leaders in Alabama and the country, and to collaborate with my peers on how to solve these complex, multifaceted issues using an evidence-based and service-centered approach.”