816.691.2000 Close
In this section
Dismiss Modal
Close
816.691.2000

Patients & Guests

For Patients Before Your Visit During your visit After Your Visit Patient Quick Links Accepted Insurance Medical Records Schedule an Appointment Patient Forms Patient Portal Bill Pay For Guests Cafeterias & Dining Maps & Parking Send Flowers & Gifts Send a Cheer Card Visiting a Patient

Menu

Find a Class or Event Accepted Insurance Price Estimates TrueNorth Blog Send a Card Giving Contact Us Residency Programs For Employers For Providers For Students For Community

Postpartum Support

Support for you and your family doesn’t end after you deliver your baby at North Kansas City Hospital. We work to ensure everyone is healthy and understands what to expect before and when you return home.

The First Six Weeks Postpartum

The first six weeks after delivery, called the postpartum period, are for snuggling with your newborn.  Get to know each other. During this time, you’ll likely notice changes in your body as you heal. It’s also normal to feel tired, irritable or anxious. These feelings may come and go. Try to focus on your and your baby's health by getting proper rest, eating healthy and cuddling.

Postpartum Depression

It’s common to experience “the baby blues,” known as postpartum depression (PPD), for a short time after having a baby. Because of hormone shifts, you may go through various emotions, including irritability and crying. You may feel overwhelmed by all the changes.

Signs of Postpartum Depression

You should talk to your doctor if you think you’re experiencing postpartum depression. Look for signs and symptoms, including:  

  • Changes in appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Exhaustion or low energy
  • Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
  • Irritability, anger, anxiety or nervousness
  • Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
  • Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
  • Uncontrollable crying

If you need immediate help, call your doctor or 911, or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Breastfeeding Support

If you have any questions about breastfeeding or caring for your baby once you leave the hospital, please call your pediatrician’s office.

Infant CPR

It's important for anyone who cares for your baby to learn infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to know what to do if your baby is choking.

We encourage you to do the following:

Safe Sleep

Sleep-related infant death is the leading cause of infant mortality from one month to one year of age. Learn about actions you and others can take to help your baby sleep safely and to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death. Read more about creating a safe sleep environment on the Safe to Sleep website.