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

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What 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 advocacy

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

3:30 origins of the bill

8:15 explaining the bill

11:50 actions you can take

19:00 increasing awareness 

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT 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 legislators

House: 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 App

The Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.
 
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