LINCOLN, Neb. — Bryan Health has introduced two new initiatives aimed at improving maternal and family health: an online screening tool for postpartum depression and teal wristbands for postpartum patients after delivery.
“All parents deserve the best start for themselves and their baby,” said Alexa Lewis, director of women’s and children’s services at Bryan Medical Center. “By strengthening support and education, we can help ensure healthier pregnancies and safer recoveries. This will also help families feel more confident and supported through pregnancy and beyond.”
Postpartum depression, a serious condition that can require support and treatment, is the latest addition to Bryan’s online mental health screenings. The condition can increase the risk of early labor, low birth weight, complications before and after delivery, and problems with breastfeeding. Depression affects about one in seven women and one in 10 men during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth, making it difficult to maintain doctor visits, proper nutrition, sleep, and baby care. Common symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, or empty; being very tired or having no energy; feeling angry, anxious, or irritable; and trouble bonding with the baby.
Additionally, Bryan Health is participating in a new program launched by the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPQIC) called Postpartum Alert: A Life-Saving Maternal Safety Initiative. This program aims to reduce maternal mortality and improve postpartum care throughout the state.
Postpartum Alert uses a visual system where teal wristbands are given to postpartum patients to wear during the critical six-week period after delivery. The bands ensure all medical staff and providers are aware of postpartum status during follow-up appointments or for potentially life-threatening complications after birth. For instance, a woman experiencing shortness of breath after recently delivering a baby could have a serious condition like blood clots in her lungs.
“We are committed to ensuring every family has the support they deserve before, during, and after birth,” said Lisa Vail, system vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Bryan Health. “Parents can take a screening 24/7, from the privacy of their own home and have greater access to education. This is an important step in improving maternal health across the state.”
Nebraska ranks 17th in the nation for maternal mortality rates, and globally, the U.S. rates are three times higher than other developed nations. These statistics highlight the need for awareness and initiatives like these to save lives and improve outcomes.
The postpartum depression screening is free, confidential, and available online for anyone. Postpartum Alert wristbands are provided to patients after birth at Bryan Medical Center, Kearney Regional Medical Center, Grand Island Regional Medical Center, Merrick Medical Center, and Crete Area Medical Center.
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