SEATTLE — Swedish says it delivers more babies than any other healthcare system in the Puget Sound region. Providers care for a full spectrum of patients, from those with uneventful deliveries to the tiniest preemies.
The new Small Baby Unit at Swedish First Hill is part of the neonatal intensive care unit and serves babies born between 22 and 29 weeks. The small babies often face big challenges and require a great deal of care.
“The Small Baby Unit is really using the absolute cutting-edge best practices, everything from the right ventilator to the right kind of medications,” said Dr. Tanya Sorensen, executive medical director of the Providence Swedish Women’s and Children’s Institute.
Swedish has learned that these babies do well in calm environments. The Small Baby Unit is calm and quiet and has reduced light.
“It’s actually improved our morbidity and mortality in those kids by 50% over the year, so it’s pretty incredible,” Dr. Sorensen said. “I’m super proud of that team.”
Throughout pregnancy, Swedish cares for both low-risk and high-risk patients. Women who have pregnancy complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, blood pressure problems, fetal abnormalities and placental problems can get high-tech care. Those with low-risk, uneventful pregnancies can receive high-touch, low-tech care and can benefit from the personalized attention of both midwives and doulas.
Swedish recognizes that there are inequities in birth outcomes among the BIPOC population and works to educate and train caregivers about shared decision making, cultural sensitivity, inclusion and communication before, during and after pregnancy.
The JUST Birth initiative connects Black and Native patients with Black and Native doulas. Swedish also provides cultural navigators who help patients with language barriers and connect them with culturally appropriate care.
“We’re really working hard to reduce disparities,” Dr. Sorensen said.
With Swedish’s TeamBirth program, there are huddles between the care team, patient, family and doula and midwife, if appropriate. This ensures the patient is included in every decision.
“It is just a way to improve outcomes but really improve the patient experience and put that patient at the center,” Dr. Sorensen said.
Swedish has clinics serving patients throughout the region. To find care that’s close to you, visit the Swedish website.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish.
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.