Our medical system in America is built upon a disease model. Most pediatric visits involve routine immunizations, quick checklists, and antibiotics for common illnesses, but very little health education for parents. The doctor is seen as the expert, and there’s rarely time for real conversation.

But what if there was a different way?

What if you could find a doctor who truly listened - who saw you as the expert on your own child? What if the focus was on wellness rather than illness? Today, I want to talk about a different approach to medical care - one where you curate a team of practitioners who have your family’s best interest at heart and who respect and support your role as the decision maker.

My Wake-Up Call: Learning to Trust Myself

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I did all the things many of us do—I read the best books, followed weekly updates on an app, and asked for recommendations for the best pediatrician. But I had no idea what I really needed in a provider.

After my daughter was born, I quickly realized that I lacked confidence in my own knowledge, and I didn't have the right resources to guide me. I asked my doctor questions, but I felt timid, unsure if I was "allowed" to challenge conventional wisdom. After all, I had been raised to believe that doctors always know best.

But as time went on, I saw things that didn’t sit right with me. I didn’t want to give my baby an antibiotic at the first sign of an earache. I wanted to discuss the pros and cons of the vaccine schedule. I wanted natural options when possible.

I stayed with that practice for a year, believing I had no choice. Then, I was given an ultimatum: conform or find a new provider.

So, I searched for a new pediatrician—and I found someone who completely changed my perspective. This doctor respected my questions, offered natural solutions alongside conventional care, and became a true partner in my child’s health.

That experience showed me something invaluable: I had options.

Since then, I’ve built an incredible team of professionals - naturopaths, chiropractors, homeopaths, and functional medicine practitioners - who have all contributed to my understanding of true wellness.

And now? I trust my intuition. I make informed choices for my family. And I want to help you do the same.

Finding the Right Doctor: Be a Partner, Not Just a Patient

Maybe you’re expecting your first baby and looking for a pediatrician.

Maybe you’ve been seeing the same provider for years simply because your family always has.

Or maybe you just go to urgent care when needed because you don’t know where else to turn.

No matter your situation, you’re not alone. Many parents today feel disillusioned with the traditional medical system—high costs, rushed appointments, overprescribed medications, and minimal emphasis on prevention. If you have ever felt dismissed or rushed at a doctor’s appointment, you know exactly what I mean.

So how do you find a doctor who actually aligns with your values? Look for a provider who:

Treats you as a partner in your family’s health
Respects your intuition and concerns
Encourages you to ask questions and do your own research
Focuses on long-term wellness, not just quick fixes
Is willing to learn and grow, rather than sticking to outdated protocols

When you find a practitioner who values your role as a mother, your entire approach will change.

Trust Your Intuition—It’s There for a Reason

One of the most common things I hear from moms is: "I didn’t feel right about it, but I went along with it because the doctor told me to." So many parents experience gaslighting in the medical field - being dismissed, belittled, or made to feel like their concerns aren’t valid.

But here’s the truth: As a mother, you have an undeniable connection with your child. You are designed to sense when something isn’t right. Just as every part of the body is interconnected, your family’s wellness is deeply connected to you. Your instincts are powerful, and they deserve to be honored.

Trusting your intuition means:

Learning how to set boundaries with providers
Understanding that a medical degree doesn’t override your lived experience
Knowing when to seek a second (or third) opinion

Question, Research, Decide

Many of us rely on doctors because we simply don’t feel confident in our ability to manage illness. Pharmaceutical ads, public health campaigns, and a lack of generational wisdom have conditioned us to fear symptoms. We’re told to see a doctor for everything, from fevers to ear infections to stomachaches.

a mom who is doing research to learn how more about her children's health

And more often than not? The answer is another antibiotic - with little discussion about diet, lifestyle, or root causes. There is a stigma in the medical world against moms with their “Google degrees” - insinuating that research can only be done by those with letters by their name. But here’s my perspective: Knowledge is available to anyone willing to seek it. Information isn’t reserved for people with medical degrees. If you’re willing to learn, you have the power to make informed choices for your family.

How to start building your knowledge base:

Take a course on natural health or childhood wellness
Build a home library of trusted health and wellness books
Find high-quality websites and research-based resources
Work with providers who welcome your questions and concerns

If your doctor shuts you down when you bring them legitimate concerns, they’re not the right doctor for you.

It’s Okay to Seek a Second (or Third) Opinion

If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor…leave. If they aren’t meeting your needs, find someone who will. With the rise of holistic medicine and telehealth, you have more options than ever. You can search local Facebook groups, explore databases of holistic practitioners, or even find doctors who work remotely.

How to find the right fit:

Follow potential providers on social media - local groups often have great recommendations
Call their office and ask about their approach to wellness - have a list of questions that are important to you
Stop by in person to get a feel for their practice

Your family’s health is too important to stay with a provider who doesn’t align with your values.

Diversify Your Wellness Team

The truth is, no single provider will meet all your needs. That’s okay! Instead of relying on just one doctor, consider building a team of trusted professionals.

In our family, we work with the following (among others):

A homeopath for most everyday health needs
A nurse practitioner for occasional medical concerns
An urgent care clinic for emergencies
A chiropractor for structural health and alignment
A naturopath for holistic and root-cause care

We don’t see them all the time, but having them in our wellness toolkit gives me peace of mind and confidence in my choices.

Empower Yourself, Empower Your Family

Over time, as you connect with practitioners who respect you, learn more about natural healing and preventative care, trust yourself more and fear illness less…you’ll find that you rely on doctors less and less.

And you’ll feel more confident, more empowered, and more in control of your family’s health. Mama, you’ve got this. 💛

Let’s Stay Connected!

If this resonates with you, subscribe below to my Seeking Wellness newsletter for more tips on holistic health, practical wellness strategies, and inspiration for creating a thriving, toxin-free home. Or, reach out here to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if coaching would benefit your family.

Mama, Take Control: The Key to Family Wellness is Partnership