• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Logo University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Medicine
  • UAMS Health
  • Jobs
  • Giving
  • About Us
    • Fast Facts
    • Leadership
    • Features
    • COMmunication Newsletter
    • Maps and Directions
    • College of Medicine History
    • Professionalism Guidelines
  • Departments
  • Admissions
    • Applicant Guide and Timeline
    • One Medical School, Two Campuses
    • Freshman Scholarships
    • AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Tool Dates
    • Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students
    • Three-Year M.D. Program
    • M.D./MPH Program
    • M.D./Ph.D. Program
    • M.D./MBA Program
    • Rural Practice Programs
      • Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program
      • Rural Practice Scholarship Program
      • Rural Recruitment and Job Opportunities
    • Postbaccalaureate Pre-Med Program
    • Transfer Students Policy
  • Students
    • Academic Calendar
    • Academic Houses
    • Career Advising
    • Financial Aid and Scholarships
    • Visiting Students
    • Mentor Spotlight Podcast
    • Preparing for Residency
    • Non-Discrimination Statement
    • Outstanding Teacher Nominations
    • Parents Club
    • Student Links
    • Honors in Research
    • UAMS Campus Security
    • Undergraduate Medical Education Competencies
  • Graduate Medical Education
  • Alumni
  • Faculty Affairs
  • Research
  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. College of Medicine
  3. Post-pregnancy Visits Made Convenient with Telemedicine

Post-pregnancy Visits Made Convenient with Telemedicine

Woman holding phone and baby

Whether it’s her first child or her fifth, the postpartum trip to the doctor can be a hassle for a mother. The UAMS Center for Distance Health has started a new program that will make that visit more convenient.

“Some of our patients travel a very long way to deliver here at UAMS,” said Nirvana Manning, M.D., an associate professor in the UAMS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the UAMS College of Medicine.

“When they come here and have a baby, it’s often very cumbersome for them to travel back six weeks later for a postpartum visit.”

Nirvana Manning, M.D.
Nirvana Manning, M.D.

Recently, UAMS has been using telemedicine to make that visit easier for some patients. Women can visit with a doctor through a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Nikki Talley had her postpartum visit from a sectional sofa inside her Sheridan home. While her newborn son, Levi, rested comfortably in her arms, she dialed in for her appointment with Manning.

“Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m feeling good. We’re pretty much back to our normal activities and getting acclimated to having three kids.”

The Talley family leads a busy life. Nikki Talley said it was a welcome relief to not have to dress Levi and his older brother and sister, load them into the car, and make the 45-minute drive to Little Rock.

During a virtual visit, Manning asks the mother questions about her overall health. She’s also able to call in prescriptions, if needed, and says it’s a good opportunity to talk about postpartum depression if a patient is having symptoms.

Baby in mother’s arms
Levi Talley rests comfortably in his mother’s arm while she consults with her physician from home.

“If there is something that would require a face-to-face appointment, we schedule it at that time,” Manning said.

The program is still in its infancy, so providers are targeting women who are at low-risk for pregnancy complications to give them a chance to work out any issues.

Telemedicine was pioneered at UAMS starting in 2003 by Curtis Lowery, M.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“Technology has come so far. We’re fortunate to have Dr. Curtis Lowery working in our department. He’s been an innovator and leader in the telemedicine world,” Manning said.

Manning says there is room for growth with this program, including scheduling routine visits during pregnancy.

By Katrina Dupins | October 23rd, 2017

Posted by Chris Lesher on October 23, 2017

Filed Under: News

UAMS College of Medicine LogoUAMS College of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

© 2025 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences