Feeling overwhelmed and Googling for answers? Here’s what I wish I had found sooner:
You’re not broken—you’re overloaded. This post is part pep talk, part survival guide for the overwhelmed medical mom. I’m sharing five things that helped me breathe again when it all felt like too much, plus a free checklist to help you stop spiraling when plans change (again).
If you’ve ever whispered “I can’t do this” between specialist appointments, or cried in the car before going into the pharmacy again, I see you.
There’s a unique kind of exhaustion that comes with being an overwhelmed medical mom trying to care for a medically complex child. It’s the kind that doesn’t go away with a nap or a latte (although, let’s be real, caffeine is still a must).
When I first entered this world, I thought the appointments, the acronyms, the equipment would be the hardest part. But honestly? It was the constant overwhelm—the mental load, the fear, the pressure to do everything right—that nearly broke me.
So if you’re Googling “how to stop feeling overwhelmed as a special needs parent” or just trying to survive the day without sobbing in the shower—this post is for you.
Overwhelmed, Medical Mom? You’re Not Failing. You’re Overloaded.
Let’s be clear: if you’re an overwhelmed medical mom, it’s not because you’re not strong enough. It’s because this life is a lot.
The number of hats you wear would terrify a normal person: nurse, advocate, scheduler, pharmacist, therapist, insurance negotiator, snack fetcher, emotional rock…
Honestly, some weeks I feel like I’m running a tiny hospital out of my SUV—but let’s be real—a minivan-turned-hospital is probably in my future, since the list of things we need to bring everywhere is constantly growing.
And most of us are thrown into this life with zero training and very little support. So yeah—it makes sense that it feels impossible sometimes.
📌 Pro tip: Save this post to Pinterest so you can come back to it when the next wave of chaos hits.
The Moment It Hit Me (And What I Did Next)
“There were no pool days, no summer fun outings, no lazy mornings—just driving, appointments, and trying to keep up with weight gain schedules from the NICU.”
For me, the overwhelm hit hard when we started outpatient therapy. Both of my twins had different appointments—different times, different days, different therapies. It felt like we were living in the car. I wasn’t even working that summer (I’m a teacher), and still, I couldn’t figure out how it was all supposed to work.
We were dropping one kid at the babysitter while the other went to therapy. There were no pool days, no summer fun outings, no lazy mornings—just driving, appointments, and trying to keep up with weight gain schedules from the NICU. I remember thinking, “If I can’t manage this now, how the heck am I going to do it when I go back to work?”
The real shift happened when I finally pushed (okay, borderline begged) the therapy scheduling team to put us on a consistent weekly schedule. I explained that we were both working parents and couldn’t keep up with the chaos. Slowly, it started to shift. Some appointments lined up. Fewer trips. More time together. And by the end of summer, we found a splash pad nearby—and suddenly, we had a tiny sliver of summer fun after all.
5 Things That Helped Me Feel Less Overwhelmed (That You Can Try Today)
These aren’t about becoming supermom—they’re about surviving today a little more sanely.
1. 📋 Stop memorizing—start documenting.
I created a one-page medical snapshot to stop repeating myself at every appointment. I keep it in a binder with everything else we need. If you’re feeling totally overwhelmed trying to remember everything, start here.
Related: Medical Mom Burnout Nearly Broke Me—Until I Did This
2. 🧠 Pick ONE place to track medical info.
Whether it’s a ClickUp folder, a Google Doc, or a paper binder, stop using 15 random notes apps. My favorite digital option is ClickUp (affiliate link), and if you like things printable, check out my Reset Workbook. Related: How I Stay Organized as a Medical Mom Without Losing My Mind
3. 🕰 Schedule 10 minutes of non-medical time.
Even if it’s sitting in silence after bedtime or watching trash TV (I miss you, Bravo). That moment between tube feeds and laundry? Claim it.
4. 🧳 Keep a go-bag packed.
Unexpected ER trip? Therapy reschedule? I keep a small bag ready with snacks, diapers, meds, chargers, and wipes. This car organizer has saved my sanity more times than I can count. You can also grab my free Emergency Bag Checklist to help you pack what you’ll actually need—no overthinking required. Click here to download it.
5. 🙋♀️ Stop pretending you’re fine.
You’re not a robot. You’re a mom with a lot on her plate. Ask for help when you need it. Cry in your car. Laugh inappropriately. Text someone who gets it.
Related: Dear Mom of a Medically Complex Kid: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
FAQ: Quick Answers for the Overwhelmed
How do I know if I’m burnt out or just tired?
If you’re constantly snapping, zoning out, or fantasizing about disappearing (like, poof), it might be more than just tired. Burnout is real—and common.
What if no one in my life understands what I’m going through?
That hurts more than people realize. But you’re not alone. There’s a whole world of medical moms out there who get it—and I hope this space helps you feel seen.
Do I need to be super organized to use a medical binder?
Nope. My system is designed for the “organized chaos” crowd. If you can shove papers into a folder, you’re qualified.
Need a Starting Point? Grab the Free Emergency Bag Checklist!
If this post hit a little too close to home, don’t leave empty-handed. I made the Emergency Bag Checklist because I know what it’s like to leave for a quick appointment and end up at the ER without a charger or snacks.
✅ A quick list to pack what actually matters
✅ Fillable and printable so you can grab and go
✅ Designed by a fellow hot mess mom who’s been there
Click here to download it and feel more prepared, instantly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an overwhelmed medical mom reading this and wondering if anyone really gets it—I do. And I hope this post gave you something you can take with you today (besides your chaos binder). Medical mom life is a marathon with zero training and 100 hurdles. But even when it feels like too much, you’re still showing up. That matters.
You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to keep going—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
If this post helped, share it with a friend who might need it too. And if you’re a fellow hot mess trying your best? You’re in the right place. 💛
Don’t forget to pin this post to your “Medical Mom Life” or “Special Needs Parenting” board on Pinterest so you can find it later.
**Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. I only recommend things I actually love and use in my own medical mom life!
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