Postpartum Depression: How AdventHealth’s Orange Band Program Can Help

This story was written by Judith Fertig and was originally published in IN Kansas City's March 2026 edition. For more stories from IN KC magazine, visit inkansascity.com.

The birth of a baby is such a joyous occasion that we never imagine there could be anything to cloud that. While it’s not unusual for new mothers to experience brief episodes of the “baby blues” as they adjust to this all-encompassing addition to family life, postpartum depression can be an unwelcome aftermath of the physical and emotional stress of childbirth.

Tricia Rausch, BSN, RN, Coordinator of Perinatal Bereavement and Postpartum Emotional Support at AdventHealth Birth Center Shawnee Mission, shares new information.

Why does postpartum depression sometimes occur and complicate a new mother’s recovery from childbirth? What are the symptoms?

Perinatal depression includes postpartum depression and occurs more often than people realize. Research shows that one in five women and one in ten men can experience anxiety and depression during this period. Those numbers can be much higher in parents who are in high-stress parenting groups, such as military families, teen parents, single parents, parents of color, parents of multiples, queer and trans families, and parents who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss. Symptoms are different for each individual but can include anger and/or rage, crying and sadness, feelings of guilt, lack of interest in the baby, loss of interest in things that used to bring joy or pleasure, and possible thoughts of harming themselves or the baby. Some things that may put a person at higher risk for perinatal depression are an underlying or family history of depression, anxiety, bipolar or obsessive-compulsive disorders; inadequate support during pregnancy and postpartum; financial stress; history of abuse; marital or relational stress; unplanned pregnancy; pregnancy or infant loss; having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit; recent significant life events; and complications with pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

Perinatal depression is treatable. Reach out to your physician or therapist for guidance on what options will be right for you. These may include making time for yourself, reading books and listening to podcasts, and getting support from groups, family, friends, doulas, or other resources. Therapy is also a helpful tool. If you need assistance with finding a therapist, you can reach out to your obstetrician or primary care provider. Or call our Postpartum Emotional Support line Call913-632-4223). Medication is another option. It is helpful to see a provider certified in maternal mental health, as they understand how a woman’s mind and body changes with pregnancy and postpartum as well as which medications are safe with breastfeeding.

Other Perinatal Mental Health conditions include perinatal anxiety, perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder, perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, and perinatal/postpartum psychosis.

What should a new mother do to get help for postpartum depression?

If you are a mother who is struggling during or after your pregnancy, tell someone. Ask for help. Ask a provider, a friend, a spiritual leader, a coworker… someone. We want you to enjoy being a parent. Realistically, we know every second of every day is not going to be enjoyable, but you want to feel like yourself and feel confident in caring for your new baby while also caring for yourself.

Untreated perinatal depression can last for months or longer. It can become a long-term depressive disorder. Mothers may stop breastfeeding or have difficulty bonding or caring for their infant. Ongoing depression can also lead to an increased risk of self-harm or suicide. When perinatal depression is untreated, it can have a ripple effect and cause emotional strain to others in the household. If the mother is depressed, it can increase the risk of the other parent to also be depressed. Untreated perinatal depression in the mother can also lead to emotional and behavioral problems for the baby, including troubles with sleeping and eating, behavioral issues, and delays in language and other developmental skills.

How can AdventHealth’s new Orange Band Program help new moms and families?

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center is preparing our Post Birth Alert initiative. With this program, an orange band that reads “Post Birth Alert” will immediately be placed on the patient’s wrist after delivery. This bracelet helps quickly identify patients who have recently given birth, so health care team members are able to provide timely and appropriate postpartum support. This orange band reminds the new mother—and alerts the caregivers—that she needs and deserves special attention after childbirth.

We want the community to recognize this is a little bracelet with a big purpose.