Where to eat in Kansas City after your Hospital Birth

Doula Journal
Written By Charity Vazquez

As a busy birth doula in Kansas City, I can assure you that I know two things (besides birth) very well. First, I can tell you where there is a good coffee shop within any five-mile radius in the city, and second I know where to eat near all of the KC hospitals that I serve. The way to my heart has always been through my stomach, so when it comes to food (and birth support 😉) you can trust me!

The first meal after your KC birth, make it worth it!

There will be so many beautiful moments at your birth. Like, overcoming the fear of the unknown, hearing that first cry, and looking your child in the eyes and wondering how they were able to fit inside your body. But there is one moment that sometimes gets overlooked—your first real meal after delivery.

Most likely, you will have sustained the last 12-24 hours on clear liquids, and small bites of easily digestible foods, like almond butter or crackers. So one of the great things about your first meal after delivery is that regardless of what it is, be it a turkey sandwich from the nourishment room or a crinkled Clif Bar, it's going to taste amazing. Your palate is cleansed, your stomach primed, and your cells depleted so long that your body will rejoice at the flood of calories!

The hospital cafeteria is often the place most families turn to for their first meal, as it's convenient, but unless you are delivering at KU Medical Center (whose cafeteria is open 24hrs) the hospital cafeteria may be closed when you deliver. I want you to know, that with a little thought, and not too much planning, you could have a first meal, that will equal the effort you just exerted.

*And a side note: if the restaurant doesn't deliver - this is the perfect job for one of your friends or family members who are aching to see your baby. Prearrange your preferred meal choice, and let them know when you deliver! By the time they can come in to see you and the baby, that meal is ready to pick up and walk through the door with them!

Here are this doula’s recommended options for some fantastic Kansas City Dining!

Best restaurants near your hospital:

KU Medical Center (my favorite hospital is near my favorite restaurants!)

Overland Park Regional Medical Center

Saint Luke's Plaza

North Kansas City Hospital

  • Cascone's - old school Italian (lasagna and lobster ravioli, so good!)

  • Hawaiian Bros - seriously just trust the island girl (Honolulu chicken with an extra scoop of mac salad… and also spam musubi)

  • Kind Food LLC - great plant-based menu

Saint Luke's North

Saint Luke's East

Advent Health Birth Center

Olathe Medical Center- The Birth Place

  • Mod Pizza - create your own pizza

  • Strips Chicken - a local family-owned fresh-made fast food. Chicken strips are AMAZING!

  • Bonito Michoacan- best authentic street tacos in KC. and the place my Mexico native husband craves.

Research Medical Center

Delivery Service: If you are not in the mood to leave the hospital there are always Uber Eats and Grub Hub in Kansas City to bring it to you!

When congratulations are in order, treat yourself to something yummy. You more than deserve it!!!

Charity Vazquez
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