Ascension Wisconsin gives new moms alert bracelets to flag post-birth risks
By Hannah Hilyard
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Ascension Wisconsin is implementing a new safety measure for mothers who have recently given birth by providing orange alert bracelets to help first responders identify post-birth complications. The initiative, which began this month, requires all new mothers to wear the bright orange band for six weeks after delivery at all Ascension Wisconsin hospitals.
“I think there are some pretty important ones that come up in the postpartum period. Preeclampsia is one of them,” said Dr. Emily Lombard, OBGYN at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s.
Medical professionals identified key post-birth complications, including infection, blood clots and increased bleeding as primary concerns for new mothers.
The orange wristband serves as a visual alert for medical professionals and emergency responders, particularly in situations where mothers may be unable to communicate their condition.
“Sometimes moms aren’t able to exactly let them know what’s going on, especially if they are home and become unconscious. If they have a seizure and someone comes upon them, this will help,” Lombard said.
Bell Ambulance Client Services Representative Kayla Pacourek emphasized the bracelet’s importance for emergency response.
“It rings an alarm in our head to know what to look for,” she said. “It gives us questions to ask in our assessment that are more direct towards postpartum complications and also helps with transport decisions.”
Nurses provide the orange bracelet to mothers and their newborns during hospital discharge, with instructions to wear it for the following six weeks.
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