Bringing lifesaving care home for Maine’s new mothers

For many families in rural Maine, long distances, harsh weather, and limited transportation make access to care a serious challenge, especially after childbirth. Thanks to innovative telehealth services managed by Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, new mothers can now receive critical postpartum care safely from home.

Postpartum hypertension, a dangerous rise in blood pressure after childbirth, can lead to emergency room visits or hospitalization if not closely monitored. Traveling for follow‑up appointments is often difficult for new moms, making early detection even more challenging.

With support from the federal Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) grant, Northern Light Health launched a remote patient monitoring program for women at high risk for postpartum hypertension. Eligible patients receive a Bluetooth‑enabled blood pressure cuff and smartphone app, allowing daily readings to be sent securely to a dedicated clinical team.

Care teams monitor results in real time and intervene quickly when readings are elevated, adjusting medications or guiding next steps before complications occur. This approach has already helped prevent emergency visits and hospital admissions, keeping mothers safe and at home with their newborns.

"This program is a game-changer for our rural patients," says Jenna Jordan, RN-BSN, COS-C, clinical manager, Telehealth Services at Northern Light Home Care & Hospice. "It bridges the gap created by long distances and harsh weather, allowing us to monitor and intervene in real time without requiring exhausting trips to the clinic."

What began at a single hospital has expanded to Northern Light Mercy Hospital, with a long-term goal of offering the service to new and expectant mothers across the Northern Light Health system. While grant funding made this program possible, ongoing donor support is critical as Northern Light Health works to make this life‑saving service permanent and available to more families.

Because of donors like you, Northern Light Health is redefining rural maternal care.  Thank you for helping us bring care home, when it matters most.