Supporting New Moms: A Simple Bracelet That Could Save Lives

At Watauga Medical Center, we believe every mother deserves the safest and healthiest start to her postpartum journey. That’s why we’re introducing a small but powerful new initiative. All patients who give birth at our facility will now receive an “I Gave Birth” bracelet to wear for up to 10 weeks after delivery.

While most women recover from childbirth without complications, it's important to recognize that emergencies can happen, often outside the hospital setting. The bracelet serves as a gentle, daily reminder for new mothers to monitor their health and be aware of common postpartum warning signs, such as:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Severe headache or seizures
• Heavy bleeding (soaking one pad per hour or passing large clots)
• Red, swollen, or painful legs
• Fever over 100.4°F
• Wound not healing properly
• Thoughts of harming oneself or others

In an emergency, the bracelet also helps alert medical personnel that the wearer has recently given birth, ensuring appropriate and timely care.

This effort is part of UNC Health Appalachian’s aim to reduce maternal complications and save lives through education, empowerment, and community awareness.

Research shows that maternal outcomes improve when women are informed, supported, and actively involved in their care. This bracelet is one more way we’re prioritizing maternal health in our community.

Your life matters—let’s protect it, together.

To learn more about this I Gave Birth initiative, watch the video below featuring Dr. Courtney Damian.