To systematically review the scope and development of frameworks to promote health during the postpartum period.

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and American Psychological Association PsycInfo during May 2021.

We included English-language, peer-reviewed articles focused on frameworks for health promotion in the postpartum period. We placed no time limit on publication date. Our search resulted in 2,355 articles after we removed duplicates. After excluding articles based on titles and abstracts, we conducted full-text reviews of 23 articles. Three articles met inclusion criteria and addressed the following frameworks: Integrated Perinatal Health Framework, Perinatal Maternal Health Promotion Model, and Maternal Self-Care Framework.

We extracted data into analytic tables that included categories for the scope, such as time frame, and criteria for the level of development of the frameworks, including the origins, concept definitions and theoretical linkages among concepts, and evidence of application in research or practice.

The three frameworks described in the articles included in our review covered various periods, including the reproductive life span, the first year after birth, and the first 6 weeks after birth. Overall, the frameworks were comprehensive. Most key concepts in the frameworks were defined, and some degree of relationships linking concepts was specified. Empirical referents were provided for most but not all concepts in the frameworks. Developers of the three frameworks elaborated on application in practice or health services, but only the developers of the Maternal Self-Care Framework indicated how their framework might be used in research. The Integrated Perinatal Health Framework and Maternal Self-Care Framework were partially derived from existing general theories; the methods used to develop the Perinatal Maternal Health Promotion Model were less clear.

The frameworks met most criteria and together provided a comprehensive strategy for health promotion during the postpartum period. Elaboration of the frameworks for application in research is needed.