Swedish is a good facility if you are looking for a medically-necessary birth, like for multiples, elective cesareans, or compromised pregnancies. The doctors that I have worked with are really knowledgeable, caring, and are great to work with.
My more "natural" thinking clients report that they were not so satisfied with their care here, choosing either another hospital for their next baby or birthing at home with midwives (Washington State has the toughest criteria for licensure of midwives, so they are the best in the nation). My nieces were also born here, and my brother and his wife reported being satisfied with the birth they received.
This is the only hospital that does not allow midwives to provide care here. I have to question that, because midwives for normal, low-risk pregnancies and births have better outcomes, which other hospitals in the Seattle area recognize, which is why they have midwives on staff or give them privileges to catch. Before Swedish bought Providence, Licensed Midwives could catch there, but then they shut that program down. Even Swedish Ballard allows midwives, but the area's largest hospital (over 7,000 births per year) does not. 40% of pregnant women receive midwifery care for their pregnancies and births in the State of Washington, but this hospital shuts them out despite the consumer demand and the overwhelming evidence that they are safe and effective for normal pregnancies. Competition I guess.
Also, they use LPNs for patient care, instead of more qualified RNs. While Swedish may be a popular choice (they deliver the most babies in the region, so they are extremely busy), they may be a little too impersonal or medical for some. Visit Health Grades (www.healthgrades.com) for more hospital information, statistic, and comparisons.
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