Postpartum Alert program boosts maternal safety

Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus, Neb., is striving to improve maternal health outcomes through the newly launched Postpartum Alert: A Life-Saving Maternal Safety Initiative. Spearheaded by the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative, the initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality and enhance care during the critical six weeks following childbirth. As part of the program, CCH will give postpartum patients teal wristbands to signal their recent delivery, helping health care providers quickly identify and respond to potential complications.

“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing maternal health and ensuring the best possible outcomes for mothers and their newborns,” said Kim Eisenmann, director of maternal child health care at CCH. “By raising awareness of postpartum warning signs, we aim to empower both patients and providers to respond swiftly and effectively when complications arise.”

The program also emphasizes patient education, encouraging new mothers to attend follow-up appointments, adhere to prescribed treatments and seek immediate care for symptoms such as chest pain, seizures or severe bleeding.

NPQIC, established in 2015 and funded by the CDC, is one of 36 perinatal quality collaboratives across the country. It promotes evidence-based practices and works to improve maternal and newborn care throughout Nebraska.

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