As part of a statewide effort to reduce preventable pregnancy-related complications and save lives, the Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby has joined the Connecticut Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Bracelet Initiative.
As part of this program, postpartum patients at the Childbirth Center will receive an orange bracelet before leaving the hospital. Patients are encouraged to wear the bracelet for 12 weeks postpartum as a reminder to monitor their health and to alert healthcare professionals and first responders that they are newly postpartum.
The bracelet is designed to promote timely recognition of urgent maternal warning signs — which are symptoms of potentially serious health complications such as eclampsia, blood clots, sepsis, cardiomyopathy, and perinatal depression. These conditions can become life-threatening if not identified and treated early.
“This initiative enhances Griffin Health’s Planetree person-centered care philosophy which appreciates and promotes caring connections between patients and their support systems, especially during a critical time,” said Childbirth Center Director Arlina Carias. “We believe everyone has the opportunity to be a caregiver and by improving awareness, we can help support the health and well-being of postpartum patients across our community through kindness and compassion.”
The Bracelet Initiative is one of the first statewide programs of its kind. In addition to providing bracelets and educational materials to patients, the initiative includes training for healthcare professionals and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel on how to respond quickly and appropriately when a patient wearing the bracelet seeks emergency care.
The Connecticut Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Bracelet Initiative is a state-funded effort led by the Connecticut Perinatal Quality Collaborative (CPQC) and the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA). The initiative is funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Maternal Health Innovation Grant. Funding from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is also supporting the initiative’s rollout. Learn more about the Bracelet Initiative at cthosp.org/bracelet.
About the Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital
The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment that best meets individual and family needs. The Center follows a patient-centered Planetree philosophy, and is committed to providing a warm, caring atmosphere for patients, care partners and visitors. The Childbirth Center’s attentive and highly skilled caregivers are devoted to every patient’s needs, and take the time to genuinely get to know patients and their families, ensuring a childbirth experience that is supported with compassion and understanding. For more information about The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/baby.