Postpartum Care Bill (H.R. 4074): What It Means for Moms and How You Can Help — with GAIL ZITTERKOPF, PT

Send us Fan MailWhat if improving postpartum care in the U.S. didn’t cost anything—but still hasn’t happened?In this episode, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist and advocate Gail Zitterkopf, PT, DPT to break down the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act (H.R. 4074)—and why it matters more than most people realize.We get into what this bill actually does, how systems like Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP shape access to care, and why pelvic floor therapy is still missing from standard pregnancy and postpartum support. The surprising part? This bill has been scored at zero cost—and still hasn’t passed. This conversation is about more than policy—it’s about access, awareness, and what it will take to move women’s health forward.In this episode, we cover: What the Postpartum Care Bill (H.R. 4074) actually means  The role of Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP in postpartum care  Why gaps in care still exist—and what needs to change  How to contact your representatives and support the bill  Why your story matters in advocacyTime Stamps1:00 Introduction3:30 origins of the bill8:15 explaining the bill11:50 actions you can take19:00 increasing awareness CONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH GAIL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aptapelvic/Resource links:Bill As Entered into Federal Register: H.R.4074 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of CongressAcademy Letter Template and Resources: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/hr4074  Contact your legislatorsHouse: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representativeSenate: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htmAPTA advocacy resourcesWebsite: https://www.apta.org/advocacyApp:  APTA Advocacy AppThe Active Mom Podcast — a real mom's guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond, for active moms and the professionals who help them get there.Quick-hit conversations with moms, providers, and researchers... because you don't have a lot of free time (you're probably listening at 1.5x right now).Follow so you don't miss an episode. Rate & review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — it's how the next mom searching for these answers actually finds them. Share it with the friend who needs it.Questions or topic requests? DM me 💌