LMH Health recognized for commitment to enhancing postpartum care

LMH Health has earned Gold Level recognition for its participation in the Fourth Trimester Initiative, launched by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KPQC).

LMH Health staff achieved this recognition by meeting the initiative’s high-level goals. LMH is one of 40 participants and among 22 organizations to reach Gold Level status.

The Fourth Trimester Initiative was developed in response to data showing that more than half (52.4%) of pregnancy-associated deaths in Kansas occur after 42 days postpartum. The initiative focuses on improving quality care, provider communication, and collaboration during the transition from pregnancy through the postpartum period.

“The LMH Health Family Birthing Center is proud to participate in the KPQC and be recognized for our work improving post-birth experiences of new mothers and infants in Kansas,” said Michele Caldwell, Clinical Nursing Manager. “We’re proud to be among 39 other participating hospitals in the state, meaning 93% of births in Kansas are impacted by this work.”

The initiative supports mothers through several safety components, including screening for health issues and connecting them to appropriate providers or services, improving communication between doctors and nurses to enhance care, and educating mothers on maintaining health after childbirth.

One example of this work is a post-birth warning signs card and magnet given to all new mothers at LMH Health. Nurses provide education during discharge from the hospital, explaining what signs to look for that warrant a call to the provider or a return to the Emergency Department for urgent follow up.

“We want families in our community to know LMH is deeply committed to continuing this important work as we begin our next initiative of reducing severe pregnancy complications, especially those related to hypertension. Pregnancy is the second leading cause of severe maternal morbidity in Kansas, affecting approximately one in every 161 women who give birth in the state,” Caldwell said. “In collaboration with the KPQC, we will provide both staff and patients with education rooted in evidence-based strategies. Our goal is to ensure safer pregnancies and healthier futures for the families we serve."