In California, Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta is gaining benefits from a simple program launched late last year in partnership with the Hear Her campaign from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support the care of new mothers. Each mother leaves the hospital with a wristband that says “I gave birth” to wear in the days and weeks after delivery so all clinicians are reminded of the need for specialized treatment should the new mom present in the emergency department (ED). Since its launch in November 2024, the program has likely saved the lives of 2 postpartum patients wearing the wristbands who were treated for complications, according to Loma Linda. An estimated 700 women in the United States die from pregnancy-related causes annually, and more deaths occur in the months after delivery than during childbirth.
Moms in your exam room: In some cases, a postpartum patient with complications may present in the urgent care setting for treatment or possible referral to the ED. Learn more about postpartum patients in urgent care from the JUCM archive: Postpartum Presentations: When Risk Arises After Delivery – Headache