Growing Hope When Families Need It Most
Why Postpartum Mental Health Deserves Our Attention and Investment
By Sonia Jordan, MA, Health Equity Manager, BCBSKS
May 21, 2026
The joy many parents and families feel when bringing home a new baby can often be eclipsed by the physical and emotional challenges a new mom can face. The postpartum period is a time of intense physical recovery, emotional strain and unexpected isolation, often leading to mental health challenges like the baby blues or postpartum depression. The mental health challenges associated with the postpartum period are among the most common experiences faced by women, underscoring the need for greater attention, understanding and investment.
This belief is at the heart of the support Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) provides for the Growing Hope Kits, a community initiative championed by KU Wichita Pediatrics and Wichita State University. These organizations work together to ensure that women who may be struggling during pregnancy or after birth are not left to navigate that time alone.
Pregnancy and postpartum mental health challenges, like depression and anxiety, are commonly experienced complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately one in eight women experience postpartum depressive symptoms. Additionally, many women go untreated due to stigma, lack of access or not realizing their symptoms are part of a medical condition rather than a personal failure.
The Growing Hope Kits are a small but powerful way to help moms mitigate these challenges. Kits are provided to new moms who are enrolled in the Baby Talk program through KU Wichita Pediatrics. They are designed to support maternal emotional well-being during and after pregnancy and are inspired by the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
“The Growing Hope Kit was designed to act as a gap-filler and connector for families in resource-limited areas. It is full of tools to promote mental wellness and includes information on perinatal mental health resources and free parenting supports,” says Dr. Cari Schmidt, Director of KU’s Center for Research for Infant Birth and Survival.
Each item within the Growing Hope Kit is thoughtfully selected to support emotional well-being and remind recipients they are not alone. Some items encourage rest and self-care, such as an adult coloring book with colored pencils. Others reinforce that support is available, including the book Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts and a checklist of mental health resources. Additional items help new parents create a safe home environment, including gun and medication locks paired with a “Creating a Safer Home” guide.
“The partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas ensures families feel cared about and supported during their transition into parenthood,” Schmidt said.
If you or someone you know is expecting and interested in learning more about the Baby Talk program or the Growing Hope Kits, visit www.babytalkict.com. Virtual options allow participants from across the state to enroll, and BCBSKS membership is not required. Classes are also available in Spanish.
As a not-for-profit, Kansas-based health insurer, BCBSKS is proud to support this work. Investing in postpartum mental health is an investment in healthier communities and the long-term well-being of Kansas families, helping ensure parents feel supported during one of life’s most meaningful and challenging seasons.