Programs
Congratulations on the arrival of your little one! The Welcoming Babies Initiative is here to support you and your family as you begin this incredible journey. Whether you’re a new family or adding to your growing family, we know this time can be full of excitement, questions, and challenges. That’s why we’ve created a central hub of resources designed to provide information and support for you and your family.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Pregnant or just had a baby? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and here to help, 24/7. You’re not alone. 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Website: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Studies show that 1 in 5 moms may experience perinatal depression or anxiety while one in ten dads experience postpartum depression, with 5-15% of dads developing an anxiety disorder. It is important to know that you are not alone. Contact PSI to connect with support and resources.
Website (for Moms): https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-moms/
Website (for Dads): https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-dads/
Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
WIC is a free nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new moms, infants and children up to age 5 with supplemental foods, breastfeeding support and access to nutrition education. WIC offices are located throughout the state.
Website: kdhe.ks.gov/1000/Nutrition-WIC-Services
KanCare
KanCare ensures that pregnant women and families with children receive the preventative services and screening they need and provide ongoing support with managing chronic conditions.
Website: kancare.ks.gov
Home Visiting
Kansas Home Visiting is free & flexible! Home Visiting programs are as unique as the families they serve. All Kansas families with pregnant mothers and/or with children ages birth to five years, can participate in our programs.
Website: kshomevisiting.org/
CDC Hear Her Campaign
A person knows their body best. Listening and acting upon concerns during or after pregnancy could save a life. Learn more about the Urgent Maternal Warning Signs and what to do.
Website: cdc.gov/hearher
4th Trimester Project
Resources and support helpful in successfully transitioning through the postpartum period and into a new identity and life as a mother.
Website: https://newmomhealth.com/
Reproductive Health and Family Planning
The Reproductive Health and Family Planning program assist individuals and couples in planning the number and spacing of their children and providing preventive health services to be as healthy as possible. Services provided are voluntary, confidential, and provided on a sliding fee scale.
Website: https://newmomhealth.com/https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/657/Family-Planning-Reproductive-Health
Safeline
SafeLine Kansas is a 24/7, free and confidential support line for Kansans experiencing sexual or domestic violence. This line will connect you with trained professionals who can help you take the next step toward safety and healing. 1-888-363-2287 or text SAFE to 847411.
Website: https://www.kcsdv.org/find-help/in-kansas/dv-sa-services-map/
Newborn Screening
Newborns receive three screenings at birth while in the hospital – Hearing, Heart (Critical Congenital Heart Defects), and Bloodspot. Kansas is one of 3 states in the country to provide free universal newborn (bloodspot) screening. To learn more information about programs under Newborn Screening, visit our website.
Website: https://nbss.ks.gov/newborn-screening-blood-spot-program-2/
Sound Beginnings – Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI)
Ensures that newborns complete the hearing screening process and provides resources to families of a child newly identified deaf or hard of hearing.
Website: www.soundbeginnings.org
Immunize Kansas Coalition
For information on immunizations and the immunization schedule from birth through 18 years of age.
Website: immunizekansascoalition.org/parents.asp
Safe Sleep
Safe Sleep is as easy as ABC (Alone, Back, Crib). Learn more about infant safe sleep environments on our website.
Website: https://www.safesleepkansas.org/
Safe Kids
Simple safety steps can make sure bumps and bruises don’t turn into more disabling injuries or death. Safe Kids Kansas is a network of partners and local coalitions accross the state dedicated to preventing childhood injury.
Website: https://www.safekidskansas.org/
Child Care Aware
To see a full list of licensed child care providers in your area, visit our website.
Website: ks.childcareaware.org/childcaresearch
Child Care Licensing Compliance Search
To review the compliance history of a licensed child care facility and requirements for licensure in Kansas, visit our website.
Website: https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/OIDS/
DCF Child Care Supports & Information
Provided by the Kansas Department for Children and Families with information about services for children and families. This includes child care assistance, food assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and early childhood education programs. KQN also supports parents with information about how to choose child care that goes beyond health and safety.
Website: childcareinkansas.com
For information on assistance paying child care costs, please visit this website: https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Child_Care/ChildCareSubsidy.aspx
Kansas Head Start/Early Head Start
Kansas Head Start/Early Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Services are provided in a variety of settings including centers, family child care, and home visits. Head Start programs also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family wellbeing.
Website: www.ksheadstart.org/
Imagination Library
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. To sign up or learn more, visit:
Website: https://imaginationlibrary.com/
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
This organization promotes awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health disorders that impact mothers and fathers during pregnancy and the 12-month postpartum period. PSI offers a toll-free Help Line, online support groups, connections to Support Coordinators in Kansas, and resources.
Website: postpartum.net
Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition works to provide breastfeeding promotion and support. Their “For Families” page has many resources to support breastfeeding.
Website: https://ksbreastfeeding.org/breastfeeding-resources-in-kansas/
Kansas Tobacco Quitline
The Kansas Tobacco Quitline (www.KSquit.org or 1-800-QUIT-NOW) provides FREE one-on-one coaching for Kansans ready to quit using any form of tobacco, including vaping. Professional counselling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages.
The Quitline pregnancy program offers up to 5 coaching sessions during pregnancy and 4 sessions postpartum with the same female Coach, and includes the option to receive free text message support.
Materials to promote the Quitline programs can be ordered and shipped to organizations at no cost. Some are available in Spanish.
Website: kansas.quitlogix.org/en-US/
MyPlate – Life Stages & Kitchen
MyPlate is a reminder to choose a variety of foods every day. The MyPlate website has a great webpage with resources for healthy eating throughout all the stages of life. MyPlate Kitchen is a fun webpage to explore. There are recipes, demonstration videos, a way to save recipes into your own account and even make your own cookbook.
Life Stages Website: https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages
Kitchen Website: https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen
Well-Woman Resources
A well-woman visit or an annual checkup, is an appointment that helps keep you healthy throughout life. The visit focuses on preventing health problems before they happen, and includes but isn’t limited to things like checking how your body and mind are doing, screening for health risks, and keeping vaccines up-to-date.
Website: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15435/Preparing-for-Your-Well-Woman-Visit-PDF
Family Planning Resources:
Family Planning visits can assist individuals and couples in planning the number and spacing of their children as well as providing preventive health services to be as healthy as possible. This can include but not limited to pregnancy testing, birth control, STI testing/treatment, well visit services, breast cancer screenings, etc.
Website: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/657/Family-Planning-Reproductive-Health
Show Your Love Wellness Resources
Knowledge is Powerful. Explore resources on health topics that can help you take action to improve your health and wellbeing between pregnancies.
Website: https://showyourlovetoday.com/knowledge-2/
Cover Kansas
Get help finding affordable healthcare and navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Website: https://getcoveredkansas.org/
Future Pregnancy Resources
Planning on growing your family in the future? Prenatal education is important even if you’ve already been pregnant. Consider attending the Becoming a Mom® group prenatal education program with your next pregnancy. Find a program near you to enjoy learning new information while being supported by other pregnant persons just like you, and earning incentives for program completion!
Website: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1836/For-Pregnant-Support-Persons
Family Advisory Council
Made up of family members and consumers who are interested in helping drive change to maternal and child health services and inform programs for women, children, and families.
Website: kansasmch.org/fac-about.asp
Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (KCART)
The University of Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (KCART) aims to advocate for and support autistic people, individuals with related neurodevelopmental issues, and their families across the lifespan. We conduct rigorous, equitable research, train professionals and families, and connect autistic individuals and their families with clinical, educational, and community resources.
Website: autism.ku.edu/
Newborn Screening Advisory Council
Made up of family members and consumers who are interested in helping drive change to maternal and child health services and inform programs for women, children, and families.
Website: https://nbss.ks.gov/advisory-councils/newborn-screening-advisory-council/
Hearing Screening Advisory Council
Made up of family members and consumers who are interested in helping drive change to maternal and child health services and inform programs for women, children, and families.
Website: https://nbss.ks.gov/advisory-councils/hearing-screening-advisory-committee/
Kansas Early Childhood Developmental Services (KECDS)
A variety of services are available for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, ages birth through 36 months, and their families. Services are free of cost and available statewide.
Website: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/677/Kansas-Early-Childhood-Developmental-Ser
Support for Children with Special Health Care Needs
The Kansas Special Health Care Needs Program is designed to support child and families through direct financial support and care coordination services. For more information, visit:
Website: kdhe.ks.gov/747/Special-Health-Care-Needs
1-800-CHILDREN
No question is too big or small when it comes to parenting. Find helpful resources and supports near you through this site or connect with a real person by calling 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-332-6378). We offer free and confidential support in English and Spanish as well as multiple other languages
Website: 1800ChildrenKS.org
