Moms In Scrubs

A Note From Us

Hi friend — as we head into Memorial Day weekend, we're thinking about all the healthcare providers, nurses, first responders, and military families who've shaped this country. Today is also a quiet moment to acknowledge something we often forget to say:

You are not alone in this.

Whether you're raising a medically complex child, navigating a new diagnosis, or just feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it all — there is a community of parents who understand. Who've sat in those same waiting rooms. Who've fought for the same answers. Who know what it feels like to be both strong and completely terrified at 2am.

This week's issue is short and intentional. We wanted to refocus on what matters most: you, your child, and the strength you carry every single day. The strategies in our first issue are still in your inbox. The tools are still there. Today, we just wanted to remind you that you're doing better than you think you are.

With love and solidarity, Amanda & Jessica 🩺

Feature · Advocacy

What "Advocating for Your Child" Actually Looks Like in the Appointment Room

And the exact phrases that get results.

Every parent has heard it: "You need to advocate for your child." But nobody tells you how. What does that look like when you have 12 minutes with a provider who's already typing before you finish your sentence?

As nurses, we've watched thousands of appointments. We've seen parents leave with their questions unanswered, their instincts dismissed, and their child's chart unchanged — not because the provider was bad, but because they didn't know how to use their 12 minutes effectively.

Here is what we've learned, from both sides of the stethoscope.

The single most important shift: Stop describing symptoms and start making requests. Instead of "she's been so tired lately," say "I'd like to rule out iron deficiency — can we run a full iron panel including ferritin?" The first is a complaint. The second is a clinical conversation starter. Providers respond differently to the second one.

Before your appointment, prepare three things:

And if you ever feel dismissed? This is the phrase that changes rooms: "I hear you. I want to understand your reasoning. Can you help me understand what we would expect to see if this were ___?" It's not confrontational. It's collaborative. And it forces a clinical conversation instead of a pat answer.

You are not a burden when you ask questions. You are doing your job. And we are here to help you do it well.

Functional Nutrition

This Week's Root Cause Spotlight: Magnesium

The mineral most chronically ill kids are quietly depleted in — and what to do about it.

If your child has ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, constipation, muscle cramps, or just can't seem to wind down at night — magnesium deficiency should be on your radar.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It calms the nervous system, supports sleep, regulates blood sugar, and is essential for muscle and nerve function. And yet, studies consistently show that a significant portion of children don't get enough through diet alone — and many chronic conditions deplete it further.

Which form matters: Not all magnesium supplements are equal. For anxiety and sleep, look for magnesium glycinate. For constipation, magnesium citrate. Avoid magnesium oxide — it's poorly absorbed and mainly used as a laxative.

⚠️ As always, discuss supplementation with your child's provider before starting, especially if your child takes medications or has kidney concerns.

Nurse Mom Wisdom

This Week's Resources

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