California Surgeon General Launches “One Small Thing” Campaign to Support Postpartum Moms and Combat Loneliness and Isolation

Sacramento, CA – The Office of the California Surgeon General today announced “One Small Thing,” a community-powered social media campaign that encourages Californians to support postpartum mothers through simple, everyday acts of care during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

“As a mother of four, I know all too well how overwhelming the whirlwind of emotions can be when welcoming a child. The ‘One Small Thing’ campaign shines a light on postpartum mental health and maternal mortality – a deeply urgent and preventable crisis,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “I am grateful that California is taking action to ensure that every mom knows that they matter, that they are seen, and that they deserve care and support. When women are healthy and well, our children, families, and communities are stronger.”

“We can all play a part in helping reduce preventable maternal deaths and creating healthier communities where families can thrive,” said California Surgeon General Dr. Diana E. Ramos. “After birth, postpartum women face immense pressures, often silently and alone. Even one small act of care can help a new mom feel seen and supported.”

Californians of all ages can offer comfort and connection through meaningful gestures such as delivering a nutritious meal, babysitting for an hour, running an errand or simply checking in.

Why It Matters

The postpartum period, or the year after childbirth, is one of the most vulnerable and isolating times for mothers. In California, more than 60% of pregnancy-related deaths occur after hospital discharge, when medical visits taper off and social support often falls away. Research shows that loneliness and perceived isolation are among the strongest predictors of postpartum depression, anxiety, and crisis.

  • Over 40% of new mothers report loneliness or isolation in the first year postpartum.
  • Many parents lose almost half of their regular social interactions in the first 3–6 months after birth.
  • 1 in 8 mothers experiences postpartum depression; isolation is the strongest non-biological risk factor.
  • 84% of mothers believe the standard 6-week postpartum checkup isn’t enough.
  • Parents in listening sessions across California consistently report:
    “Everyone focuses on the baby—no one asks about me.”
  • Isolation is even more severe among mothers who are of color, teen, LGBTQ, low‑income, on Medi‑Cal or have a newborn in the NICU.

How Californians Can Participate

  1. Do one small thing for a new mom in your life.
  2. Record a short video or take a photo of your “one small thing” and share it on social media using the hashtags #OneSmallThing, #StrongStartAndBeyond, and #MaternalHealth.
  3. Invite others to support a new mom as well, including your family, friends, neighbors, workplaces, and community groups.

About the “One Small Thing” Campaign

“One Small Thing” is part of the Strong Start & Beyond movement to reduce maternal mortality in California. By encouraging simple acts of care that help mothers feel supported in the months after childbirth, the campaign aims to strengthen postpartum support and create a culture of care— one small action at a time. These meaningful, everyday gestures provide more than convenience, they create connection, ease stress, and help loved ones notice when a mom may be struggling with her emotional or physical health.

Bigger Picture

In September of 2024, the Office of the California Surgeon General launched Strong Start & Beyond, a movement to reduce maternal mortality, educate and empower individuals of reproductive age and save the lives of moms and pregnant people in California. Although California has the lowest maternal mortality rate in the nation, the movement builds on statewide efforts, including the California Department of Public Health and the Department of Health Care Services, to continue improving reproductive and maternal health outcomes across the state.

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