At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, we understand the importance of supporting your family not only while you’re in our care, but also once you’re home from the hospital. Below is a list of community wellness resources that families may find helpful.
Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of resources but rather a starting point to help families connect with the most appropriate help.
Nutrition
Eating healthy foods can help you and your family get the nutrients you need to boost immunity, build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and more. Nutrition is especially important for children, who depend on it to fuel their growing bodies and developing minds. However, we understand that sometimes it’s difficult to find enough healthy food to support a family.
Operation Food Search in St. Louis can help you and your family access nutritious food, including after-school meals for kids. To find a location near you, call 314-726-5355, ext. 1, or text your ZIP code to 785-503-3310.
Mental Health
Taking care of a family while dealing with mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, anger or mood swings can make it difficult to be fully present with your children, and mental health challenges may also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, digestive problems and sleep disturbances, making it even harder to parent.
You deserve access to resources that can help when you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious. The list below includes organizations that can help, including by call or text.
AWARE: Based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, counselors can help those experiencing partner abuse or violence create a plan for support. Call 314-362-9273.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Free and confidential support and resources are available 24 hours a day. Call or text 1-833-852-6262.
Postpartum Support International: If you’re struggling emotionally after giving birth, find support by connecting with a volunteer mom who has been there, too. You'll also find information on support groups for fathers on their website. Call 1-800-944-4773.
WashU Perinatal Behavioral Health Service: Parents who are experiencing pregnancy-related or postpartum stress, depression, anxiety or mood disorders can find screenings, evaluation, therapy and other treatments. Call 314-545-5052.
Pregnancy and Newborn Care
A healthy start in life is one of the best gifts you can give your baby, and often that means having the right support during pregnancy and after giving birth. The following organizations can help you build a strong support system, easing the transition of welcoming a new baby.
Jamaa Birth Village: This space for expecting mothers and families offers midwifery care that respects and aligns with cultural traditions.
Mom’s MoBap Morning Support Group: If you have mild symptoms of depression after welcoming a baby, you may find it helpful to talk to new moms who might be experiencing the same thing.
Raising St. Louis: This St. Louis Children’s Hospital program connects families to help build and sustain the family unit, reduces the infant mortality rate, promotes literacy and increases access to health care. Any woman or family who lives within an identified 22 ZIP code area and is pregnant or has a child up to age 4 is eligible to participate for free.
St. Louis Area Diaper Bank: Families can find free diapers and period supplies.
St. Louis Doula Project, Inc.: Find community-based childbirth education that includes topics such as the stages of labor, comfort measures, self-advocacy and more. Participants will also receive baby items and self-care kits.
