© 2025 Caffeine Before the Chaos

Caffeine Before the Chaos

Hi! I’m Abbey

I’m a Midwest mom of medically complex twins who were born at 25 weeks—one with cerebral palsy, one with a feeding disorder, and both keeping life interesting. Between feeding tubes, endless appointments, and full-time teaching, I run on caffeine and chaos (and a ridiculous number of sticky notes).

I get it—medical mom life is a lot. That’s why I’m here to share real talk, practical tips, and sanity-saving strategies to help you juggle it all—without the guilt or perfectionism.
You’re in the right place if you’re tired of Googling at 2 AM and just want answers that actually help. Start by grabbing my Medical Mom Cheat Sheet and let’s tackle this together—one sip of coffee at a time.

Blog

Split image depicting financial stress and help: a worried woman at a laptop, hands counting money, overlaid with dollar bills. Text: "5 Ways to Get Financial Help as a Medical Mom."

5 Lifesaving Ways to Get Financial Help as a Medical Mom (That No One Talks About)

by Abbey on Apr 11

Let’s face it—being a medical mom is like having a full-time job you didn’t apply[…]

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Close-up of a baby with a G-tube in the abdomen. Text overlays: 'G-Tube Terms Parents of Medically Complex Kids Need to Know' and 'Feel 10x More Confident with Tube Terms (No Degree Required).' The tone is informative and supportive.

G-Tube Terms for Parents Explained (Without the Medical Degree): A Medical Mom’s Survival Guide

by Abbey on Apr 9

If your child just got a G-tube and you feel like you’re drowning in medical[…]

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A stressed woman with a smartwatch looks at her phone, next to a laptop. Text overlays: "Overwhelmed as a medical mom? Start here. Get the checklist to calm the chaos.”

Overwhelmed as a Medical Mom? 5 Ways to Cope Without Burning Out

by Abbey on Apr 2

Feeling overwhelmed and Googling for answers? Here’s what I wish I had found sooner:You’re not[…]

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Text on a soft sunset background reads: “What I packed for our first trip with our medically complex child (and what I’ll never pack again)." Tone is reflective.

How to Take a Road Trip with a Medically Complex Child (What I’d Do Differently Next Time)

by Abbey on Mar 29

Planning a road trip with medically complex kids? I’ve been there. This post shares our[…]

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Alt text: "Text on a textured beige background reads '10 Survival Tips Every New Medical Mom Needs to Hear'. Website link at the bottom."

10 Survival Tips Every New Medical Mom Needs to Hear

by Abbey on Mar 25

Just got a scary diagnosis? This post is for the mom who’s overwhelmed, googling symptoms[…]

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Text reading "NICU Milestones Worth Celebrating" with decorative leaf sketches. Subtitle: "A Parent’s Guide to Celebrating Progress in the NICU." Button: "Read Now."

NICU Milestones: A Parent’s Guide to Life in the NICU

by Abbey on Mar 21

Wondering what NICU milestones actually matter when you’re just trying to survive the day? Between[…]

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Mother and son smiling at each other outdoors with large building in the background. Text overlay says, "Dear mom of a medically complex kid, you're doing better than you think. Here's why."

Dear Mom of a Medically Complex Kid: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

by Abbey on Mar 11

Dear Mom of a Medically Complex Kid, Because I know you won’t say it to[…]

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Image with text "5 Common Mistakes When Switching Doctors". Below, a smiling doctor interacts with a young girl holding a teddy bear, conveying a caring tone.

Breaking Free: A Parent’s No-Nonsense Guide to Finding the Right Doctor for Your Child

by Abbey on Mar 8

Switching doctors or therapists is basically an extreme sport for medical parents. Whether you’re moving[…]

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A close-up of an adult and child's hands clasped, symbolizing support. Text reads: "The Truth About Parenting a Medically Complex Child." Mood is caring.

The Raw, Unfiltered Truth About Parenting Medically Complex Kids

by Abbey on Mar 2

People act like parenting a medically complex child is just constant sadness and stress—like we’re[…]

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"Toddler refusing food, covering mouth with hand. Overlay text reads 'Toddler not eating? How to tell if it's medical or just drama'. Tone is concerned yet informative."

The Truth About My Toddler’s Feeding Issues That Changed Everything

by Abbey on Feb 27

Mealtime in my house is a high-stakes guessing game. At first I thought I was[…]

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A tired mother sits on the floor with her head in hand, surrounded by playful children in a messy room. Text reads, "10 Truths About Special Needs Parenting."

10 Powerful Truths About Being a Medical Mom (That Changed Everything for Me)

by Abbey on Feb 22

If you’re a new medical mom, welcome to the club you never signed up for[…]

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Stethoscope on an open spiral notebook, with blister packs of pills nearby, resting on a wooden table. The scene suggests a medical or clinical setting.

Tired Of The Chaos? Try These Little-Known Medical Mom Hacks

by Abbey on Feb 20

💡 Medical mom life is already a full-time job—with zero days off. Between juggling appointments,[…]

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© 2025 Caffeine Before the Chaos