The Post Birth Partnership: Washington State's comprehensive approach to improve follow-up care

In 1995, a group of professionals committed to providing quality maternity care in Washington State met to discuss the proposed legislation that would mandate hours of stay after delivery. The meeting resulted in the formation of the Post Birth Partnership, whose goals were to have a role in affecting legislation, define standards of care for follow-up visits, and increase public awareness about the need for follow-up care. This article describes the formation of the Partnership and the work it has accomplished.