EP. 28: How to Advocate for Your Child in High-Stress Medical Moments (Even When You're Overwhelmed)

You're standing in the ER with your child. Medical staff are moving fast. Someone's asking you to make a decision—now. Your heart is racing, your brain is foggy, and you're supposed to know what's best. But do you? In this raw and personal episode of Motherhood Aligned and Assigned, Dr. Serena Coffman shares the story of her son Duke's emergency hospital visit while she was traveling in Denmark. What started as a suspected choking incident led to a high-risk bronchoscopy under anesthesia—only to discover it was croup, not choking. Through her story, Dr. Serena and Dr. Veronica Schiltz reveal the lessons every parent needs about advocating in medical emergencies, even when you're overwhelmed and out of your depth. Discover why most of us weren't raised to question medical advice, how to recognize when you're being rushed into unnecessary procedures, and the power of simply asking "How much time do we have?" Learn practical language to use with providers, why you're the expert on your child (even when they're the expert on emergencies), and how a regulated nervous system gives you the clarity to make better decisions under pressure. If you've ever felt unheard, dismissed, or bulldozed in a medical setting—or if you want to be prepared before it happens—this episode will give you the tools and confidence to trust your voice again. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:54 A Personal Story: Navigating a Medical Emergency05:04 The Importance of Asking Questions09:36 Reflecting on the Experience12:42 Advocating for Your Child's Health06:58 Trusting Pediatric Experts15:20 Parental Expertise and Advocacy16:51 The Dance of Collaboration17:27 Co-Regulation in Emergencies18:36 The Role of Chiropractic Care23:49 Practical Tips for Advocacy27:27 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer Connect with Veronica:WebsiteInstagramFacebook Connect with Serena:WebsiteInstagramFacebook