Pregnancy & Childbirth
Services and stories about the unique pregnancy path offered to expecting, new and experienced moms at Swedish
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Read ArticleTime for your prenatal appointment? Get the most out of your visit with these tips from an expert.
A Providence Swedish midwife offers guidance for addressing concerns and tailoring care so that it works for you. Watch the video and learn more.
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Read ArticleThis caregiver has an exceptional gift for helping her patients feel heard and seen
Antepartum Registered Nurse Courtney Webster is the recipient of this year's Nils Johanson Award for Justice. Watch the video.
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Read ArticleStruggling to make sense of the news around vaccinations and acetaminophen? A Swedish doc is here to help.
A Providence Swedish pediatric infectious disease physician offers some expert guidance for navigating today’s mixed messages about kids’ health care. Learn more.
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Read ArticleProvidence Swedish helped this Sounders star score his biggest goal yet: becoming a #girldad
Watch the video to learn how Providence Swedish was there for Sounders FC forward Jesús Ferreira and his partner Calyn when they were getting ready to welcome their daughter.
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Read ArticleAt Swedish, doulas are central to support, advocacy and reducing health disparities
Listen to this episode of Talk With A Doc: Wellness Briefs, and learn more from Natasha Blanchard, a doula with Swedish First Hill in Seattle.
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Read ArticleA new mom finds help and reassurance at Providence Swedish's Lytle Center for Pregnancy and Newborns
Morgan Flake felt lost trying to nurse her newborn. Providence Swedish offered education, support and comfort for this new mother navigating one of life's steepest learning curves. Read more.
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Read ArticleEmbracing your postpartum body with care and acceptance
A Providence Swedish expert offers some tips for cultivating a new perspective on the amazing strength of your body — before and after baby. Learn more.
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Read ArticleNew study: A baby on board brings significant brain changes for mom.
A recent study sheds new light on the link between brain changes during pregnancy and postpartum depression.
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Read ArticleCan you laugh your way through labor pain?
Probably not. But nitrous oxide at our birthing centers offers laboring patients another option for pain management. Watch the video and learn more.
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Read ArticleAt Swedish, a historic drop in C-sections among Black mothers
JUST Birth and Team Birth are helping ensure that every family has the best, healthiest childbirth experience possible.
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Read ArticleHealthy pregnancy essentials: guidance for your prenatal journey
A Providence Swedish expert offers tips to support a healthy pregnancy and your baby's well-being. Listen to our "Talk With A Doc" podcast to learn more.
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Read Article“When it came to my birth plan, I just put my trust in Providence Swedish.”
These detail-oriented parents knew that their Providence Swedish maternity team would with them every step of the way. Watch the video and learn more.
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Read ArticleAfter a long journey, this "Spicy Noodle" was delivered with lots of extra hope and joy
The Swedish Foundation helps our experts manage high-risk pregnancies and ensure safe deliveries for moms like Rachel Butler. Learn more about the Butler family and their daughter Emily.
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Read ArticleYour generosity supports lifesaving care for our tiniest patients
Learn how your donations to the Swedish Foundation sustain innovations and technology that help more of our NICU babies survive and thrive.
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Read ArticleCould pregnancy brain be a superpower?
The term “baby brain” fails to capture the positive neurological changes pregnant and postpartum mothers experience. New research explains.
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Read ArticleYour Health: Today & Beyond. A healthy future you starts today at Providence Swedish.
Watch this KING5 special to learn more about our experts who are practicing tomorrow's medicine today.
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Read ArticleA labor of love: midwives offer comprehensive women's health care for every stage of life
Our midwives are committed to the healthiest pregnancy and best experience possible for birthing parents. And to supporting their patients of all ages live their healthiest lives.
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Read ArticleAt Swedish, a blood test device is easing stress for newborns and their parents
Philanthropy-funded transcutaneous bilimeters spare babies additional pain and anxiety.
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Read ArticleA brighter future for pregnant people with substance use disorders
Swedish Ballard's Substance-Using Pregnant People program supports better outcomes for birthing parents and their babies.
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Read ArticleAt Providence Swedish, prenatal and midwifery care in a supportive group setting
Watch video: Our CenteringPregnancy program often builds lasting bonds between parents-to-be. Learn more.
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Read ArticleDid the baby blues arrive with your newborn?
It is completely normal and expected to experience a range of emotions after childbirth. Identifying and understanding these feelings can help you navigate them.
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Raising your child on a vegan diet
Is a vegan diet right for your children? A nutrition expert at Swedish shares tips to help make plant-based eating a positive experience for the entire family.
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Black Maternal Health Week event celebrates human connection while highlighting deadly, ongoing inequities
The JUST Birth Network hosted a second annual event that marked progress, celebrated activism and called out continuing disparities in maternal and infant care.
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Comprehensive care for people with complex pregnancies
Patients with medically complex pregnancy require specialized, holistic care. Swedish’s maternal and fetal medicine experts are there for them. Learn more.
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Preventing cervical cancer
A gynecological oncologist at Swedish outlines the benefits of early vaccination and regular screenings to prevent cervical cancer.
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At Swedish, the very best care for every woman at every stage of life
Seattle’s KING 5 TV hosted a panel of Providence Swedish women’s health experts for a series of conversations about the extensive, world-class women’s health-care available to our patients.
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How pediatric physical therapists design care for kids
Therapy or play? Pediatric PT at Swedish is both, thanks to our expert specially trained therapists. Watch video: A Seattle Sounders FC star visited with pediatric therapy patients and caregivers.
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Read ArticleWatch video: Meet some of our most boo-tiful little patients. Prepare for a Halloween jumpSQUEEE!
For NICU babies and their families, a sweet treat from Providence Swedish caregivers.
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Preguntas y respuestas con expertos de Swedish: Cómo preparar a su hijo para un nuevo año escolar
La temporada de vuelta a la escuela es el momento ideal para programar el examen anual de rutina de su hijo y verificar que tenga las vacunas al día.
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Q&A with Swedish experts: Preparing your child for a new school year
Experts at Swedish offer tips and strategies to help prepare your child for a successful new school year.
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Not just the baby blues. Swedish experts on postpartum anxiety and depression
With a new baby, most birthing people experience emotional highs and lows. Persistent mood changes and impaired functioning may signal something more serious.
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JUST Birth Network hosts inaugural Black Maternal Health Week conference
Event affirms Swedish's commitment to Black women's right to joy, dignity and well-being before, during and after pregnancy.
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Addiction and recovery during pregnancy
Women with substance use disorder reflect on challenges they overcame during pregnancy with help from addiction and recovery services at Swedish.
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U.S. News & World Report names Swedish Issaquah among best U.S. maternity hospitals
Rankings in the annual survey are based on a host of key quality and safety measures.
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Do you know how a midwife can help you?
Learn more about how midwives at Swedish provide unique patient-centered care to parents and their newborns.
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Meet the 2022 Swedish Doula Diversity Scholarship recipients
Swedish proudly offers an annual Doula Diversity Scholarship in an effort to aid the professional development of more doulas of color, LGBTQ doulas and doulas from underrepresented groups. Learn more.
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Read ArticleA big day for our littlest Sounders fans
Watch video: Sounders FC forward Paul Rothrock spent a recent afternoon at First Hill with some of our very own beanie babies.
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Read ArticleProvidence Swedish: your partner in parenthood
Dedicated pregnancy and childbirth services for you.
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The Lytle Center: a decade of nurturing families
The Center provides those families with a welcoming place before and after birth for learning, health evaluations and ongoing support.
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U.S. News & World Report names Providence Swedish among nation’s best hospitals for maternity care
Providence Swedish delivers more babies each year than any hospital system in Western Washington.
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At Swedish, midwives’ expansive role in care is helping build community
Swedish’s Medical Director of Midwifery, Mary Mittell, CNM, discusses how midwifery supports inclusive, holistic care.
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TeamBirth maternity program launches at Providence Swedish
The initiative, a joint venture with the Washington State Hospital Association and others, seeks to ensure shared decision-making processes between birthing parents and clinicians.
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New residency program addresses OB/GYN shortage
With a groundbreaking program at Swedish, first-year residents are leading change in their field.
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Congratulations to our 2023 Doula Diversity Scholarship recipients
The scholarship is part of our commitment to support the professional development of more doulas of color, LGBTQ doulas and doulas from underrepresented groups.
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Newsweek ranks Swedish among best U.S. maternity hospitals
Providence Swedish's First Hill and Issaquah campuses received the highest-possible rating in the 2023 survey.
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The JUST Birth Network
The JUST Birth Network provides Black and Native patients at Providence Swedish with a network of culturally affirming care throughout the pregnancy journey.
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A Brighter Future for Our Smallest Babies
The Small Baby Unit provides highly skilled and specialized care for extremely preterm infants born before 28 weeks.
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Swedish invests in community health
Read our 2021 Community Benefit Report and learn how we care for our communities outside the hospitals.
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New OB-GYN residency will boost maternity care access
Washington and surrounding states don’t have enough OBGYNs to meet patient needs. The new Swedish residency program will help solve that problem.
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Five things you should know about the baby formula shortage
A Swedish expert offers advice for anxious parents.
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Women’s health: Changes for every phase of life
Women’s health issues change through all phases of life. Find out what to expect at every age.
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Questions about the COVID vaccine for kids? Swedish has some answers for you.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its guidance for COVID-19 vaccinations for kids ages 5 to 11. Learn more.
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Helping kids face change and uncertainty
A child psychiatrist from Swedish shares tips and answers questions about improving children’s resilience during the pandemic.
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Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination
Answers to your vaccine questions if you're pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding.
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Celebrating, supporting all mothers’ breastfeeding journeys
Breast/chest feeding is a beautiful, natural experience but it’s not always easy. Women – especially Women of Color – face barriers and need resources to help along their journey.
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Keep kids healthy, safe with recommended vaccines
As you prepare to begin the school year, get the facts about what vaccines are required for kids and why.
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Twice upon a time
Andrea Lee and Sam Dulay invest in maternal and newborn care at Swedish
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Depression before and after birth: You are not alone
Millions of women struggle with anxiety, depression and mental health issues during pregnancy and after childbirth. Find ways to cope.
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Building healthy, thriving communities through cycling
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Supporting parents and helping children thrive through partnerships
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Know how to recognize subtle signs of stroke in women
Symptoms of stroke in women can be subtle and easy to ignore. Find out how to recognize the signs you're having a stroke and why it's important to know your risk factors.
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Women’s health screening guidelines for every age
Learn the key screenings women of all ages need to maintain their health and detect potential issues in the earliest stages when they’re most treatable.
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Help your child weather the pandemic with the fine art of self-expression
When children express themselves, it can improve their self-esteem, build confidence and encourage independence. Swedish offers fresh ideas for creative self-expression that parents can try at home.
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Children and Grief: How to Support Your Child
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Caregiver Support: Emotional Wellbeing
While trying to be the perfect caregiver for your loved one, do not forget to take care of yourself as well.
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“To-do” or “To-be,” in the Time of COVID-19
With the impact of COVID-19, our world has changed, our priorities have shifted and our lives have slowed down.When things do not go as planned, practice leaning into a "to-be" list.
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A Seattle mom's story: Welcoming a new baby after testing positive for COVID-19
‘Even with COVID, welcoming a baby is an amazing experience.’
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Fall Recipe: Apple Pumpkin Shake
Our Swedish Cancer Institute dietitians are in on the Fall food fun, and have provided a pumpkin recipe for your enjoyment.
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Healing Music Playlist | On-demand healing music at your fingertips!
Creating & listening to music playlists is fun, but did you know it can be therapeutic? Here are some tips from a Board-Certified music therapist, to help fight cancer by finding just the right mix.
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Getting to know the Swedish Hereditary Cancer Clinic
An interview with a gene detective. What you should know about genetic counseling and testing when impacted by cancer.
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Exercise after delivery: How to avoid injury
Osteitis pubis can cause groin pain during pregnancy and after birth. Listen to your body and take your time getting back to exercise.
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Pregnancy and marijuana use
More women are using marijuana during pregnancy than in the past. Is it safe or does it pose avoidable health risks?
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Swedish launches first-ever hospital-based postpartum doula services
Unique program offers in-home care after your baby’s arrival to help create a strong foundation for your growing family.
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Care for yourself while you care for your new baby
Make yourself a priority and stay healthy after childbirth.
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Sex after baby
How sex will be different after having a baby.
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How to eat right for two
Learn what types of foods will most benefit you and your baby during pregnancy.
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Call the midwife: Learn more about why you should consider midwifery care
For many people, the role of a midwife might seem hazy. Midwives can be present at a birth, but what exactly do they do? Midwifery is actually a highly specialized field, and its practitioners...
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Read ArticleBreastmilk basics: does diet really matter?
Certain foods, diets, medications, and more can influence breastmilk production, and every lactating mother should know what foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding.
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Read ArticleTips to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
While Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is rare, it is a source of worry for many parents. We don't know exactly what causes SIDS, but we do know some ways to reduce the risk.
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Read ArticleFlat head syndrome FAQ
Many cases of plagiocephaly are benign flat spots or slight abnormalities on a baby’s head that will resolve on their own over time.
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The 5 most common misconceptions about pregnancy
As an expectant mother, you need to learn what truly is and isn’t safe for you and your developing baby, based on the best available medical evidence.
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New car seat recommendations for kids
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new information and recommendations on car seats for young children. In an updated policy statement, entitled “Child Passenger Safety,” the AAP...
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Read ArticleBreast pumping tips for traveling moms
Although pumping can be done in the privacy of your own home, you may find yourself in situations where you’ll need to pump on the go, especially while traveling.
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Read ArticleHaving problems with breastfeeding? Here are some ways to make it better
If you're not comfortable nursing, you're not alone, so take advantage of the many services out there that can improve the experience for you and your baby.
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Read ArticleDuring pregnancy, get by with a little help from your friends
There’s the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” For some people, it also takes a village to have a child. That community-based philosophy is at the heart of CenteringPregnancy, a...
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Read ArticleAsk a midwife: What pregnant women should know about CMV
Simple precautions can help those at risk prevent contracting the virus.
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Read ArticleAsk a midwife: Could preeclampsia affect your pregnancy?
If you’re a woman who’s expecting or trying to conceive, you’ve probably heard of the term preeclampsia. But do you know what it means, and how it could potentially affect you if you develop this...
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Read ArticleWhat to do about pelvic floor problems – decision making is a team event
How are you? Each of us is probably asked that question several times each day. We often go for the quick answer: Fine, great, getting along. For many women, some things can be much harder to say...
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Why does a fever seem to spike at night?
The time of day affects our health, and fever symptoms are no exception, increasing in intensity at nighttime.
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Read ArticleHow to tell if your child needs mental health care
If there’s long-term behavior change, it’s more than just a phase. There are signals that children can suffer from anxiety, depression or general behavior issues. Parents can help.
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Ovarian cysts: When should you worry?
It can be frightening to hear the phrase “ovarian cyst,” but start with this knowledge: ovarian cysts are a naturally recurring part of the ovulation cycle and most of the time, they resolve...
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Read ArticleCan you catch tuberculosis on an airplane? Answers to common TB questions
Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease, and Swedish works hard to ensure their employees and their patients are not at risk.
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Read ArticleIf you could become pregnant, take prenatal vitamins
For women of childbearing age, it’s a good idea to take what are known as “prenatal vitamins” -- vitamins containing folic acid, iron and often, some other compounds, such as calcium, Vitamin D...
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Read ArticleKids can have high blood pressure, too
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, isn’t just an adult disease. It occurs in 2 to 5 percent of all pediatric patients, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). But it often goes...
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Read ArticleParents take new approach on preventing peanut allergies
Everything parents used to do about peanut allergies may have been wrong.
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Read ArticleTop 5 sugar shockers
When it comes to sweet treats like doughnuts, cakes and cookies, it’s pretty obvious that they’re loaded with sugar. But what about the not-so-obvious foods?
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Bundle up! Cold weather safety tips for the whole family
Advice from a Swedish expert to help you prepare for winter. Learn more.
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Read ArticleLimiting your children's exposure to phthalates
The chemical that makes plastics pliable has unknown effects on kids.
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Fever in kids: Myths and tips
A child with a high fever can be very scary for parents – and really uncomfortable for the child. But fever in itself isn’t dangerous, and it’s actually a good thing in many cases.
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Read ArticleWhat's up with the flu?
In the latest from our Ask Dr. Meade series, learn about the flu. How contagious is it? Do flu shots work? What is up with the flu?
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Read ArticleWhat we can learn from Serena Williams' complicated birth
Serena Williams’ childbirth experience highlights complications in care and disparities in maternal mortality that must be addressed.
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Read ArticleWhat to do when your little angel is a little bully
If your child is bullying someone else, there are constructive ways to deal with the problem to prevent it from escalating.
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Car seat safety
According to a report, up to 95 percent of families incorrectly install their newborns’car seats. Learn how to ensure yours is correctly installed.
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Read Article5 foods to counter seasonal affective disorder
These foods can lift seasonal depression when daylight savings ends.
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Read ArticleBorn at Swedish 92 years ago, and a receipt to prove it
Louis Larsen still has the bill for his birth at Swedish, and he’s been getting his care there ever since. Take a look at the typewritten document and read his story.
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Read ArticleThe importance of breastfeeding and alternatives if you can't
Maybe you’ve heard the rumors that breastfeeding isn’t necessary for your baby. Or perhaps you’ve heard that a bottle is the best way to get milk into your young one’s diet. Allow us to put these...
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Read ArticleCan I trust a pediatrician who doesn't have kids of their own?
“Doctor, do you have kids?” Early on in my career, I took offense to this perceived jab at my abilities and professionalism. It was as if not having children of my own was a “ding” against me....
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Parents are co-sleeping with their children more than they admit
Many parents co-sleep with their children. They just aren’t admitting it.
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Read ArticleWorried about bonding with baby? ‘Love hormone’ will help
Are you an excited mother-to-be, suddenly feeling anxious as your due date draws near, asking yourself whether you will actually be a good mother? You will have help bringing your child into the...
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5 things women should know about getting their tubes tied
Women, if you’re ready to stop having children or don’t want children in the first place, here’s what you need to know about tubal ligation aka getting your tubes tied.
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Read Article5 things to consider before signing your child up for sports
Sports are a great way to keep your child active, social and challenged. But there are some things to consider before signing them up.
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Read ArticleSwedish scholarships increase diversity among doulas
As the second-oldest child in a family of 10, Zeinaba Robele helped her mother bring many of her siblings into the world. Today she’s studying to become a doula with a Swedish Doula Diversity...
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Read ArticleSwedish helps women with doula services
Doulas provide emotional and physical support for pregnant women, and studies show they make a difference. Women with doulas tend to have shorter labors and a better experience with labor and...
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Read ArticleFor a baby cuddler, it’s rocking, cooing and cosseting
A baby cuddler at Swedish Medical Center talks about the rewards of volunteering with tiny patients, many of whom must remain in the hospital for weeks or months because they were born...
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Read ArticleStill carrying that baby weight? Don’t blame the pregnancy
Women have long blamed their pregnancy for weight gain that hangs around well after their babies are born, but a new study suggests the demands of motherhood itself – and age – are the real culprits.
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Read ArticleDon't suffer postpartum depression in silence - there's help
Model Chrissy Teigen started a conversation recently when she opened up about her battle with postpartum depression. Depression after having a baby can cause fears and anxieties that make it...
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Read ArticleScary thoughts after having a baby? We can help
“How did they let me leave the hospital with this brand-new baby? How will I keep him alive?” This is a common refrain voiced by new parents in the first few days after their baby is born....
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Read ArticleBreakfast and kids: Why this meal matters
Most of the 20 to 30 percent of children and teens who skip breakfast may think it’s no big deal, but the long-term consequences can be serious enough to warrant a big family discussion. Research...
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Read ArticleWhy all women should be aware of SCAD
As a woman, I am especially concerned with heart disease. It’s the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S., attributed to 1 in 3 deaths each year. What’s even more concerning is the added risk of a...
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Read ArticleCould you be a breast milk donor?
Donating breast milk can be an act of kindness for an infant in need, especially preemies and low birth-weight babies whose mothers can’t breastfeed. Breast milk contains substances that boost...
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