Did you know that half of pregnancy-related deaths in Alabama happen in the first six weeks after birth? For many new moms, the postpartum period can feel overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, feeding routines, and healing, it’s easy to forget one crucial thing: your own health.
Now, a new initiative from the Alabama Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ALPQC) aims to change that with a simple but powerful tool—Postpartum Awareness Bracelets.
What Are Postpartum Awareness Bracelets?
Launched in June 2024 and led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health, this pilot program gives moms a specially designed medical alert bracelet right after delivery.
There are two types:
- “Postpartum Awareness/I Just Delivered” Bracelets for moms who recently gave birth
- “Pregnancy/Infant Loss” Bracelets for moms grieving a loss, offering both medical insight and emotional support
These bracelets do more than identify your postpartum status. They:
- Help emergency medical teams treat you quickly and appropriately
- Act as a reminder for you to prioritize your own recovery
- Signal to others that you may be going through a physically or emotionally vulnerable period
Why This Matters: Postpartum Health Risks
In the first year after giving birth, moms face higher risks of:
- Hemorrhage
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Infection or sepsis
- Heart issues like cardiomyopathy
- Blood clots or stroke
- Mental health disorders and substance use
Recognizing the signs early can literally save lives.
Remember the Warning Signs with “POST BIRTH”
To make it easier, use this helpful acronym:
Pain in chest
Obstructed breathing or shortness of breath
Seizures
Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
Bleeding that soaks through a pad an hour or passes large clots
Incision that isn’t healing
Red, swollen, or painful legs
Temperature over 100.4°F
Headache or vision changes
If you experience any of these, call your doctor or 911 right away—and tell them you are postpartum.
Supporting Moms Through Every Journey
The initiative doesn’t stop at physical health. Moms who have experienced a miscarriage or infant loss also receive bracelets. These serve as gentle reminders that your grief is seen, your health matters, and you’re not alone.
Where Is the Program Available?
As of now, you can get these bracelets at several hospitals across Alabama, including:
- UAB Women & Infants Center
- Ascension St. Vincent’s
- Baptist Medical Center South
- Brookwood Baptist Health
- Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children
- Jackson Hospital
- Walker Baptist Medical Center
- USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital
The Bigger Goal
This program is part of a broader mission to improve maternal health outcomes in Alabama. By reducing emergency readmissions and raising awareness, ALPQC hopes to create lasting change—not just in hospitals, but in homes and communities.
Final Thoughts: Moms, Your Health Is Not Optional
Taking care of a newborn is a full-time job, but so is taking care of you. Whether it’s keeping an eye on symptoms, attending postpartum checkups, or simply getting more rest, don’t push your health to the back burner.
These bracelets are a step forward in ensuring every Alabama mom feels seen, safe, and supported. 💗
Learn more: Visit uab.edu/news or follow your local hospital for updates on the Postpartum Awareness Bracelet Program.
