New Moms Advocacy Guide

There I was, a physician in the middle of a packed clinic day, called away from my office patients to rush to day care and pick up my infant daughter. One moment I was listening to another mothers’ worries in the exam room; the next, I was in the car, staring at a $500 prescription for my own daughter’s routine childhood infection and an asthma flare from a simple cold. As I sat on hold with our health plan, hoping to reach someone who could tell me why her pediatric asthma medicine was “non-formulary” and denied coverage, the emotional whiplash hit hard—shifting in seconds from caring for another’s child to fighting a faceless system so mine could simply breathe.

Becoming a mom brings enough questions, and suddenly, you’re also responsible for navigating insurance plans- prescriptions, copays, deductibles, immunizations, referrals- and ongoing care decisions for both you and your child. When a child is sick, decisions happen quickly. Coverage varies by plan. Medications, urgent care visits, and specialist care all come with unexpected costs and/or prior authorization requirements. 

Preparation helps reduce delays, prevent surprise bills, and lets you focus on your child instead of paperwork.

Insurance + Health System Basics

Know your coverage
Understanding your plan (deductibles, copays, in-network providers, and prior authorization rules) helps prevent unexpected costs and delays in care.

My Recommendation: “Take time to review your insurance card and benefits before you need care so you understand copays, deductibles, and authorization requirements.”

Stay Organized and Ahead of Care

Track key health information
Keep a simple record of medications, symptoms, immunizations, appointments, and specialist visits. This helps you recognize patterns and communicate clearly with providers.

Schedule your own care
Your health matters too. Prioritize preventive visits and follow-ups so small issues don’t become larger ones.

My Recommendation: “Keep everything in one simple notes system or binder and put your own care on the calendar first.”


Advocacy Is Not Being Difficult

Parents are the central coordinators of their child’s care. We connect providers, medical history, and fill in gaps.

Asking questions, requesting clarification, following up on results, seeking second opinions, or pushing for answers is not being difficult; it’s responsible caregiving.

My Recommendation: “Stay organized, ask clear questions, and follow up so nothing falls through the cracks.”

Preparation for Urgent Care or the ER

In stressful moments, having key information ready saves time and eliminates confusion:

  • Insurance card 

  • Payment method 

  • Immunization records 

  • Current medications, doses, and allergies 

This helps providers act quickly and safely when every minute matters.

Final Perspective

Navigating healthcare as a mother can be complex. Clarity comes from knowing that responsibility does not mean doing everything. It means knowing when and how to take the next step.

When You Need Support

  • Ask your pediatrician and care coordinators to provide instructions in writing.

  • Call your insurance company directly (number on back of card) 

  • Ask for email or SMS reminders

Support exists, but it often must be requested.

 

Resources and additional guidance and information are available at drurquhart.com and in The Invisible Hand Wielding the Scalpel.


Click here for a shortened, printable resource.