LifeWraps Can Save a Mother's Life During Problem Delivery

LifeWraps Can Save a Mother's Life During Problem Delivery

by Michelle C. Carr-Crowe

I read this story about a way to save mothers' lives during delivery on Mother's Day - what a powerful story. Today, the paper was filled with stories of motherhood- many were humorous, some were touching, but this one was an eye-opener.

Did you know that a woman dies every 4 minutes from obstetric hemorrhage (unstoppable bleeding during delivery)?

Ouch.

And at least half of those deaths would be preventable with the help of this one simple, easy-to-use deivce?

Double-Ouch.

Dr. Suellen Miller, Director of the Safe Motherhood Program at the Bixby Centre for Global Reproductive Health, located at the University of California, San Francisco, is focusing on promoting the low-tech LifeWrap as an effective way to prevent maternal mortality.

The LifeWrap, which resembles a segmented wetsuit, traces its heritage back to an inflatable pressure suit developed by physician George Crile in the 1900's. His suit was developed to maintain blood pressure during surgery.

The LifeWrap puts pressure on the lower extremities, fights shock, and keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain, lungs and heart, allowing staff precious time to transport the patient to a comprehensive emergency obstetric care facility.

Here's the link to the story below:

http://www.care2.com/causes/trailblazers/blog/dr-suellen-miller-and-the-lifewrap-a-simple-way-to-save-a-mothers-life/

So give your mother an extra kiss and hug and pass this on.