Asian Wisdom, American Progress: Closing the Gap Between the US and Global Maternal Health Standards

With the new legislation in states such as IL, and the APTA’s national push for mandated postpartum support, this lecture is timely and unique. This session will explore the postpartum "4th trimester," focusing on comparing traditional postpartum care practices from India and South Korea to those in the United States. In many Asian cultures, postpartum care is deeply rooted in holistic and family-centered traditions. The culture takes into account comprehensive support with physical recovery, mental health, and social reintegration. In contrast, the U.S. postpartum care system is fragmented, with significant emphasis on addressing postpartum depression but lacking in holistic support for new mothers, particularly within marginalized communities. Through an analysis of these differing approaches, we will discuss how cultural and social factors shape postpartum care and identify the strengths to integrate into US practices. The session aims to highlight the potential benefits of integrating global best practices into U.S. postpartum care, thereby improving maternal health outcomes and reducing postpartum mortality. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how adopting a more holistic approach, inspired by global standards, can bridge the gap between the U.S. and other countries, leading to more comprehensive and effective postpartum care for all mothers.

Learning Objectives

1. Compare and contrast traditional postpartum care practices in India and South Korea with those in the United States. Attendees will understand the differences in postpartum care approaches, focusing on holistic and family-centered traditions versus the more fragmented system in the U.S.
2. Analyze the impact of cultural and social factors on shaping postpartum care practices in different countries. Participants will learn how cultural beliefs, societal norms, and family structures influence postpartum care in India, South Korea, and the United States.
3. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of postpartum care systems in India, South Korea, and the United States. Attendees will identify key areas where each system excels or falls short, particularly in supporting physical recovery, mental well-being, and social reintegration of new mothers.
4. Propose strategies for integrating global best practices into the U.S. postpartum care system to improve maternal health outcomes. Participants will explore how adopting a more holistic and comprehensive approach to postpartum care can reduce postpartum mortality and enhance the well-being of new mothers in the United States, especially in marginalized communities.

About the Speaker

Khushboo Joshi, PT, DPT, OCS

Khushboo is a highly experienced physical therapist with over 20 years of expertise in orthopedics and pelvic health. Board-certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and holding a Certification of Achievement in Obstetrics and Gynecology Physical Therapy, Khushboo specializes in female pelvic health, offering advanced care in areas such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, prenatal and postnatal care, and pelvic chronic pain management.

In her private practice at Women’s Clinic USA / Chicago Pelvic Therapy, Khushboo provides personalized care to women facing a range of health concerns, from pregnancy-related back pain to postpartum recovery. She is passionate about educating others on key topics, including Pregnancy Back Pain, Postpartum Issues, Female Health Concerns, Human Performance, and Strength and Conditioning. In addition to her clinical work, Khushboo served as an Adjunct Professor at Roosevelt University, for both undergraduate and graduate students ranging from biomechanics to injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Khushboo is also Project Faculty at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy. She works with DPT students while developing and implementing innovative teaching methods and assessments, mentoring students, advising on career paths, and contributing to department-wide curriculum development and review. With a deep commitment to advancing women’s health and human performance, Khushboo is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker, sought after for her ability to blend clinical expertise with practical, real-world advice