Northwest Family Clinics

06/10/2026

A baby who hasn't pooped in a few days doesn't always mean constipation. For breastfed babies especially, going several days between bowel movements is completely normal as long as the stool is soft when it comes.

True constipation is about consistency, not frequency. Hard, dry, pebble-like stools that are difficult to pass are the real sign something needs attention.

If your baby is straining but still passing soft stool, that's a normal developmental phase called infant dyschezia and it resolves on its own.

For babies on solids, pureed prunes, pears, and peas are the most effective natural remedy and can work within 24 hours.

06/09/2026

That 3pm crash? It’s not just a “long day.” It’s often blood sugar.

Signs:
-Energy crashes
-Sugar cravings
-Irritability
-Brain fog

Simple fixes:
-Protein at every meal
-Walk after eating
-Pair carbs with fat/fiber
-Prioritize sleep

Small changes make a big difference.

06/06/2026

Summer screen time guilt is real. But here’s what actually matters: It’s not the hours. It’s what screens replace.

If your child still has:
- Good Sleep
- Outdoor time
- Movement
- Real connection with people and socialization time

You’re doing just fine.

The one non-negotiable? No devices in bedrooms at night.

Everything else is about intention, not perfection.

06/05/2026

Every breastfeeding mom hears this: “Drink more water.”

But how much is actually enough?

About 128 oz per day. And that includes ALL fluids (not just water).

Try this: Drink a full glass of water every time you start a feeding.

And one important myth to clear up:
Drinking more than your body needs will NOT increase milk supply. Hydration supports production, but remember it doesn’t actually boost supply.

05/28/2026

That 2am moment when your baby won’t stop crying and nothing is working?

You’re not missing something.

Sudden fussiness in healthy babies is almost always developmental:
• Growth spurts
• Developmental leaps
• Teething (even before you see teeth)
• Gas
• Overstimulation

Most phases last just a few days.
Call your doctor if you see:

• Fever
• Unusual crying
• Refusal to eat

Otherwise? Hold them close. And remember this phase passes.

05/21/2026

Just a friendly reminder that we will be closed 5/25 for Memorial Day. However, both Crystal and Rogers Urgent Care will be open 8am-12pm.

04/28/2026

End-of-day meltdowns can feel confusing.

Is your child tired… or overstimulated?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Signs of tiredness:
• Rubbing eyes or yawning
• Slower, clingier behavior
• Difficulty focusing

Signs of overstimulation:
• Seeming “wired” or unable to calm down
• Big reactions to small things
• Trouble settling after a busy day

Here’s the key: By the end of the day, many kids are both. Their bodies are tired, and their brains have taken in a full day of noise, activity, and interaction.

That’s why evenings can feel the hardest.

What helps most:
• Reducing noise and stimulation
• Creating a calm, predictable routine
• Allowing space to decompress before bed

You don’t have to get it exactly right. Understanding what your child is experiencing is already a meaningful step.

04/25/2026

Baby congestion is very common, especially in the spring. But it can still feel stressful when you’re not sure what’s normal.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

What’s usually normal:
• Stuffy or noisy breathing
• Mild congestion without fever
• Baby is still feeding and sleeping okay

When to pay closer attention:
• Difficulty feeding due to congestion
• Breathing that seems faster or more labored
• Persistent symptoms that aren’t improving
• Fever or signs of illness

Babies have very small nasal passages, so even minor congestion can sound like a lot more than it is.

If your baby seems comfortable overall, it’s often something that can be managed at home. But if you’re unsure, it’s always okay to check in.

You’re not expected to figure it all out on your own, that's what we are here for!

04/21/2026

Choosing a prenatal provider isn’t just about pregnancy. It’s about the care you receive before, during, and after.

Many families don’t realize that a primary care doctor can often guide you through pregnancy and then continue caring for you and your baby after birth.

Here’s why that matters:
• You’re not starting over with a new provider after your baby arrives
• Your doctor already knows your health history and preferences
• Care feels more personal, consistent, and connected
• You have one trusted place for both you and your child

Prenatal care is about more than appointments. It’s about feeling supported, having your questions answered, and knowing you have someone who understands your full story.

If you’re expecting or planning for pregnancy, it’s worth thinking about the kind of care experience you want, not just during pregnancy, but beyond it.

Northwest Family Clinics - With a whole life care approach; we are with our patient’s from birth until geriatric years, getting to know who they are and where they come from within these many years of care.

03/31/2026

Minnesota’s warm weather brings hiking, cabin trips, and plenty of time outdoors. It also brings ticks (most active from early spring through late fall). Most are harmless, but some carry illnesses like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or babesiosis.

Here are the key things parents and outdoor lovers should know:

Where ticks live:
• Wooded areas
• Tall grass, brush, leaf piles
• Along trails where humans and pets walk

Most common Minnesota tick illnesses:
• Lyme disease (spread by blacklegged/deer ticks)
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Powassan virus (rare but serious)

Tick bite symptoms to watch for:
• Expanding rash (not always the classic bull’s-eye)
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Headache or body aches
• Joint pain
• Symptoms that worsen over a few days rather than improve

How to protect your family:
• Use bug spray with DEET or picaridin
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
• Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks on wooded trails
• Do daily tick checks (scalp, behind ears, armpits, waistline, behind knees)
• Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors

If you find a tick:
• Remove it with fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin
• Pull straight up
• Clean the area with soap and water
• Note the date and monitor for symptoms over the next 30 days

When to schedule an appointment:
• Flu-like symptoms within 1–4 weeks of a bite
• A rash that expands or spreads
• Fatigue or joint pain that doesn’t improve
• Concern that the tick was attached for more than 24 hours