Take Care: The Blood, Milk, and Tears of the American Postpartum Journey is a photographic documentary project chronicling the most ignored stage of the birthing experience. It’s not about pregnancy. It’s not about birth. It’s about the 365 days after birth: the postpartum period.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Most of these deaths (65%) occur during the postpartum period.

While some maternal deaths stem from mental health, 77% are from physical health complications.

Despite these alarming statistics, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women receive 15 in-person medical checkups before birth, but only one after birth. Still, 40% of women receive no postpartum care at all.

This photographic essay follows multiple women in America during their postpartum period, revealing the health complications that many experience but we rarely see.