5 days ago
Postpartum bracelet program brings awareness to a mom's health after delivering
HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — Half of pregnancy-related deaths in Alabama occur in the first six weeks after childbirth.
That's one of the many reasons Huntsville Hospital has a program aimed at bringing awareness to postpartum care for moms.
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'It could be bleeding, postpartum depression, preeclampsia, infection… any of those types of things,' said Shae McCollum. She is a nurse at Huntsville Hospital.
Those are a few things new moms are told to look out for when they get discharged from the hospital after giving birth, but now, they're given one more thing to take home as well: a postpartum awareness bracelet.
'It's for awareness, for staff, for providers, for emergency departments, for the patient, so that when they go home, they can have a reminder of those early warning signs and know when to call the provider,' said Tammy Baer.
She is a nurse educator with Huntsville Hospital. She said they recommend moms wear the bracelets for at least 6-8 weeks after delivery.
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'That's the timeframe that we see the hypertension, the postpartum hemorrhage, the concerns that we would want to see the patient back,' she said.
While it serves as a reminder for warning signs for the mom, it also tells the public, or first responders, that they've just delivered.
'Let's say mom passed out at the grocery store, and somebody is helping her and they call 911,' said Jeanette Atkinson. She is a clinical education specialist with Huntsville Hospital. 'While they see the bracelet, that brings awareness.'
She said certain symptoms for the general public can be a life-altering difference for a new mom.
'With these bracelets, they can start thinking postpartum complications with high blood pressure, maybe preeclampsia….without these, they may be just thinking chronic hypertension, which is not quite as accurate,' said McCollum.
Ryanne Coffey just delivered her second baby girl at Huntsville Hospital. She said the concept behind the bracelet helps to soothe some fears before heading home.
'You go home so scared of everything and knowing that you have someone who sees that bracelet and they know what's going on is a good piece of mind to have….even with baby number two,' she said.
It's important because a mom's health is just as important as her baby's.
'With moms, everybody's all about new baby…. 'What's going on with the baby?' she said. 'Even as a mom, you're more worried about what's going on with your child than, 'Oh, I have a little bit of a headache or I don't feel right.' Knowing that you have the bracelet for everyone to see may give them, 'Oh, hey, maybe we need to check on mom instead of just baby.'
Huntsville Hospital was 1 of 8 hospitals to pilot the program. They say they have had such good success and feedback from patients that every hospital in the state has adopted the program.
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