Fighting for Your Child’s Needs: One Mother’s Relentless Journey

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Michelle, a devoted mom of two, medical professional, and fierce advocate for children with complex needs.

Michelle shares her journey through a high-risk, “geriatric” pregnancy, the trauma of delivering her son at 32 weeks with no amniotic fluid, and the terrifying reality of premature birth. She opens up about the years of advocating for her son’s health, navigating feeding issues, speech delays, ADHD symptoms, and an eventual rare genetic diagnosis affecting only around 200 people in the world.

Through her story, Michelle highlights the critical importance of listening to your mama gut, even when medical professionals dismiss your concerns, when others label you “overreactive,” and when you feel like the “crazy mom” in the room.

You’ll hear powerful conversations on:

• How to trust your instincts when something feels wrong with your child

• The emotional toll of being constantly questioned and doubted

• Why early intervention matters so much for long-term outcomes

• Practical tips for navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and the school system

• How to advocate for your child’s needs without apology

This episode is not only a testament to a mother’s unwavering love but also a resource for parents of children with complex needs, disabilities, or undiagnosed challenges.

Michelle now helps parents as a non-attorney special education advocate through her platform Wisdom for Complex Kids, empowering families to secure the support their children deserve in school and beyond.

💬 “If I knew then what I know now… I would tell every mother: follow your gut. It’s there for a reason.”

📌 Connect with Michelle:
Website: wisdom4complexkids.com (Free Advocacy eBook available)

• Instagram: @michellechoairy

• Facebook: @michellechoairy

• Website: https://wisdom4complexkids.com

• Resources/ Freebie: 

• Parents who are just starting their ride into this world: https://wisdom4complexkids.com/ultimate-advocacy-training 

• Parents who want to check if they have a complex kid can take the quiz right here:  https://www.wisdom4complexkids.com/complex-kid-quiz

  
  

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Ways to Support:

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Hosted by Maria Moreno, I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant, coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to the preschool years and beyond.

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⁠➤ Sleep training & parenting support⁠

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