Parenting Advice From Your Physicians at Kaiser Permanente

Is a Midwife Right for Your Pregnancy?

Choosing a maternity care provider is a big decision during pregnancy. More families are considering Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) because they offer caring, personalized, and evidence-based support for healthy pregnancies and positive births.  This guide explains what CNMs do, how they help during pregnancy and birth, and why many people choose midwifery care. What does a Certified Nurse Midwife do? A Certified Nurse Midwife is... READ MORE

Cold or Allergies in Kids? How to Tell the Difference

Not sure if your kid has a lingering cold or seasonal allergies? Learn the key differences and when to call your pediatrician. READ MORE

Home Safety for Your Growing Child

Once both of my kids were in elementary school, they started doing things more independently – showering on their own, walking to school together, sometimes even assembling their own PB&J for lunch. But the night my daughter slipped on a wet floor getting into the shower was a sobering reminder that parental supervision – and babyproofing the home – is never really finished, even after... READ MORE

How to Calm a Crying Baby

All babies cry some, and some cry a lot. Others have colic and cry for hours straight most evenings. No matter which kind of baby you have, the crying is hard on both of you! READ MORE

Kids and Concussions: What Parents Should Know

Concussions are one of those injuries that seem invisible: no cast, no stitches, no visible bruising. But beneath the surface, a concussion can disrupt a child’s ability to think, feel and function. With youth sports growing more competitive, and with many kids spending a lot of time on scooters and skateboards, I encourage parents to learn to recognize the signs of concussions so they can... READ MORE

The Power of Play at the Pediatrician’s Office

Some of my favorite patients in the pediatrics clinic are stuffed animals. Elmo was a regular visitor in the past, but these days Minnie Mouse has lots of appointments, as do Sonic the Hedgehog, Paw Patrol pups, and Pikachu’s pals. Sometimes, a whole zoo of stuffed animals comes through my doors with their preschool-aged zookeeper. Usually, these stuffies join the visit for moral support. Just... READ MORE

Coping With Early Labor at Home: 15 Tips for a Smoother Start to Birth

In early labor, contractions begin, and your cervix starts to soften, thin, and open in preparation for active labor. Early labor may last several hours or up to a few days. Staying relaxed during this time supports a smoother start to birth. As a nurse midwife, I see women almost every day in triage in early labor. It can be a long and frustrating part... READ MORE

Raising a Resilient Child

I was raised by a single mother in New York City until I was about 13. During those early days, she worked and went to graduate school. I went to school and took the city bus home to a small apartment. It was a good life – with some challenges. As a parent now, I can see my mother would have protected me from these challenges if she could have. READ MORE