The first days and weeks of a newborn’s life are precious—and sometimes precarious. As families settle in at home, feeding can quickly feel overwhelming.
Thanks to Providence’s Postpartum and Lactation Clinic in Everett, parents have a lifeline to expert, compassionate care, giving babies a strong start to long-term health.
While the clinic cares for families from all walks of life, Clinic Manager Anitra Suchan says moms who had their first child after age 40, have given birth to twins or triplets, or are transitioning home after a NICU stay, can face extra challenges.
The clinic serves as a bridge between hospital and home, offering options for same-day or next-day lactation support and feeding education appointments for parents, as well as wellness checks for babies in their first week of life to address small issues before they become serious.
“In coordination with pediatricians, our team of international board-certified lactation consultants identify feeding concerns, like poor weight gain and latch issues,” said Suchan. “Weighted feeds—checking a baby’s weight before and after nursing with a sensitive scale—can reassure parents their baby is getting enough milk or give the care team data to recommend adding formula.”
In 2025, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett invested nearly $2.5 million in this community benefit program, helping the clinic support 60-to-80 families a week, regardless of where they delivered, their ability to pay or insurance coverage.
“Seeing new parents come in anxious and overwhelmed is always disheartening,” Suchan said, “But when we’re able to give them tools and encouragement, they leave knowing they are doing a good job and giving their baby what they need. That’s magical.”
