I Gave Birth 
armbands, which 
were introduced in 
2025, have a new 
design to improve 
the identification 
of patients who 
have given birth 
within the past year. 
The changes came 
from collaboration 
between a bedside 
nurse and a nurse 
educator.
During a Critical Care Residency session, nurses were 
learning about the impact pregnancy can have well into the 
postpartum period, as well as the importance of recognizing 
recent birth in non obstetrical settings, such as Emergency 
Departments and ICUs. The education included use of the 
current community-style I Gave Birth bands. 
During this session, Aaron Davenport, RN, a critical care nurse 
and young father whose wife was recently issued one of 
these bands, raised a pivotal question: Is there a better way to 
identify these patients across the health system? Why not use 
a hospital-style bracelet like we do for all other safety alerts?
Davenport’s question sparked a meaningful discussion. While 
the existing I Gave Birth bracelet had increased awareness, 
nurses and patients had identified challenges. Many noted 
that the bracelets were uncomfortable, removed during care, 
overlooked by non obstetrical teams, or emotionally difficult 
for some patients to wear in public. 
The education session leader, Anita Sowder, MSN, RN, 
consulted accreditation and got immediate alignment for a 
band that could be applied at any entry point, remain in place 
even during emergencies and provide clear identification for 
all caregivers. The work has since gained traction with ED 
educators and perinatal leadership, especially since it aligns 
with evolving CMS and Joint Commission expectations around 
obstetrical care in Emergency Departments.
This project underscores the power of bedside nursing insight. 
By speaking up, asking the right questions and collaborating 
beyond their home departments, nurses like Davenport can 
shape safer, more responsive care for obstetrical patients 
wherever they enter the system. 
Redesigning the Peripartum Alert Armband  
A Nurse-Driven Idea to Improve Maternal Outcomes 
Anita Sowder and Aaron Davenport 
collaborated to ensure Peripartum Alert 
Armbands fit better into workflows and are 
easier for patients to wear, improving their 
visibility in all clinical settings. 
OUR COMPASSION IN ACTION
12
NURSING IMPACT REPORT 2025

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