UNC Rex’s ‘I Gave Birth’ Initiative to Prevent Post-birth Problems
New Moms will receive a bracelet to wear for up to 10 weeks after delivery
RALEIGH, N.C. – April 9, 2024 – UNC Rex Hospital, one of the busiest birth centers in North Carolina, is proud to unveil an “I Gave Birth” initiative aimed at helping new Moms avoid postpartum complications.
Starting in April, patients who deliver at Rex Women’s Center in Raleigh will receive an “I Gave Birth” bracelet to wear for up to 10 weeks after delivery to help keep them safe during the post-birth period.
While most women recover from childbirth without any issues, complications can happen to anyone, and North Carolina has a high rate of maternal mortality.
“A top priority at UNC Rex is improving maternal health for all patients, especially those who are at higher risk for complications,” said Rex’s Chief Nursing Officer Lorie Rhine. “By giving out these bracelets and continuing to improve education, we expect to make an important impact in our community.”
The bracelet will remind new mothers to pay attention to their bodies and watch out for common post-birth warning signs such as high fever, chest pain, headaches, bleeding, depression and more. The bracelet also will alert medical personnel of the unique care needs of the postpartum patient.
“This initiative will be a great addition to our other patient and family education,” said April Lalumiere, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Rex. “Informed patients have more confidence to advocate for their health needs, speaking up when they notice warning signs.”
“Our hope is to increase community access to resources and support needed to navigate the early postpartum period, which will reduce maternal mortality and morbidity,” said Sherry Brown, Perinatal Services Manager at Rex. “New parents in our community need our help. Our desire is for all families to thrive.”
Approximately two out of three pregnancy-related deaths occur during the first 42 days postpartum — the first half of the “fourth trimester.” In 2021, a CDC review of data found that 80% of pregnancy related deaths were preventable.
UNC Health Rex delivers more than 5,000 babies each year, including at the main Rex Women’s Center in Raleigh and a 50-bed community hospital in Holly Springs. Rex ranks as one of the best hospitals in the country for maternity care by Newsweek and US News. For more information, visit https://www.rexhealth.com/rh/care-treatment/womens-health/maternity-services/.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 15 hospitals, 19 hospital campuses and more than 900 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. UNC Health provided more than $800 million in Uncompensated Charity Care during the past five years. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience.
