I remember it all too well. The panic as I felt an episode of Dysautonomia or POTS creeping in. Every time, it felt like a wave of helplessness crashing down. And yet, what made it worse was knowing that I wasn’t just managing my body shutting down—I was also navigating the fear and confusion of my 2-year-old.

POTS and Dysautonomia weren’t new to me. I’d been managing these conditions for years. But during my second pregnancy, everything became exponentially harder. My immune system took a hit, and a dormant Babesia infection reawakened with a vengeance, leaving me in a constant battle with fainting episodes and severe exhaustion.

I remember hearing every word people said while I was seemingly unconscious—debating whether to call 911 or trying to wake me with water. Add to that my screaming toddler, scared and confused, and it felt like the hardest moments of my life.

I visited countless child psychologists and counselors to help my eldest son cope with these changes. Looking back, I realize how much of what I learned could save other parents time, money, and heartache. If you’re a mom navigating POTS, Dysautonomia, or a chronic illness, I hope these insights can make your journey just a little easier.

Parenting with POTS or Dysautonomia brings a unique set of challenges. It’s not just about managing your symptoms—it’s about creating stability and security for your little one, even when your health feels out of control.

Whether you’re fainting, going to the doctor, or recovering from an episode, the hardest part is often the emotional toll it takes on your child. They don’t understand why Mommy suddenly falls asleep, why you need to leave, or why you can’t always pick them up when they cry.

This post is for the moms who’ve been there, or are there now. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing.

Before my second pregnancy, I had learned how to live with POTS and Dysautonomia. I managed episodes with careful planning and support from my husband.

But everything changed when I became pregnant again. My immune system weakened, and Babesia—a co-infection that had been dormant for years—came roaring back. Suddenly, fainting spells became more frequent and severe, and managing daily life felt nearly impossible.

One of the hardest parts wasn’t my own symptoms—it was the impact on my eldest son. He was just 2 year old when I started fainting regularly and by regularly I mean at least 3 times a day . I’ll never forget the fear in his eyes the first time it happened.

Things became harder before they improved. Each time I fainted due to Dysautonomia or Babesia flares, I could hear my son crying, his voice filled with fear, but my body refused to move.

Paralyzed, I was trapped in a state of helpless awareness, overhearing the panic of those around me—well-meaning yet misguided attempts to decide what to do. Their voices debating whether to call 911 or how to “wake me up” only magnified the stress. There were moments I wished the fainting spells would render me truly unconscious, sparing me the torment of being fully aware yet unable to respond.

In those moments, I felt like I was failing—not just as a mom but as the stable, comforting presence my son so desperately needed. The weight of his fear and my own limitations was almost unbearable.

The turning point came after one particularly bad episode. I sat down with my son and explained, in the simplest terms, what was happening. I told him that Mommy’s body sometimes needed a “reset,” and that when I fainted, it was like my body taking a nap to feel better.

He didn’t fully understand at first, but he calmed down. I could see the relief in his face—he wasn’t scared anymore.

Here’s what I learned from child psychologists, counselors, and my own trial and error. These tools became a lifeline for me and my family during the most challenging moments:

1. Explain Your Health with Honesty and Simplicity:
   Use simple language to explain what’s happening. For example, “Mommy’s body is a little tired and needs a short nap to feel better.” Honesty builds trust, and trust creates security.
2. Reassure Them You’ll Be Okay:
   Reduce their anxiety by reassuring them: “This is just something Mommy’s body does sometimes. I’ll wake up soon, and everything will be okay.”
3. Set Expectations About Time:
   Predictability calms children. Tie your return to familiar events, like “I’ll be back before your favorite show is over.”
4. Create a Visual Calendar for Trips or Treatments:
   Use a photo calendar to map out what to expect: a plane for travel, a hotel, a clinic, therapy equipment, and so on. This makes the unfamiliar feel familiar and reduces anxiety.
   One year, I took four clinic trips as a family, each lasting three to five days. My eldest son often came into the clinic with me and watched the procedures. I treated it like an ordinary errand, but if I knew something might hurt or make me visibly uncomfortable, I asked my husband to take him out for ice cream so he wouldn’t see me flinch.
5. Provide Comfort with Familiar Items:
   Pack a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or photo. Record yourself reading a story or singing to reassure them of your presence, even when apart.
6. Don’t Sneak Away:
   Always say goodbye to build trust and let them know when you’ll return. Keep it positive, like “Mommy is going to the doctor, but I’ll see you after snack time.”
7. Normalize the Experience:
   Treat fainting episodes, doctor visits, and treatments as routine. Explain them as you would any other errand: “Mommy is going to the doctor to stay strong for you.”

Today, I don’t faint at all. After years of navigating POTS, Dysautonomia, and Babesia, I’ve made incredible strides in my health. But the journey to get here wasn’t easy, and during those challenging times, these tools were my lifeline.

Using these strategies not only helped my son feel secure when I was unwell, but they also allowed me to focus on my healing journey. They gave me the space to rest and recover while ensuring my child still felt loved and supported.

Even though I no longer experience fainting episodes, I look back on those moments with gratitude for what they taught me about resilience, trust, and the unshakable bond between a mother and her child.

Lessons We’ve Learned

Navigating POTS, Dysautonomia, or chronic illness as a mom is never easy, but the tools I used during my journey taught me valuable lessons:

• Honesty Builds Trust: Explaining your condition in simple terms helps children understand and feel secure.
• Familiarity Reduces Anxiety: Visual calendars and routines make the unfamiliar feel normal.
• Reassurance is Key: Letting your child know you’ll be okay helps ease their fear.
• Small Comforts Make a Big Difference: Familiar items and recordings of your voice provide a sense of connection during separation.
• Your Calm is Their Calm: Children take emotional cues from you—normalize the experience to help them feel safe.
• You’re Not Alone: Building a support system of loved ones and professionals is crucial for both you and your child.

These lessons not only helped me manage my condition but also created a sense of security and love for my children during times of uncertainty.

As a mom living with POTS or Dysautonomia, you’re not just managing your health—you’re showing your child what it means to face life’s challenges with courage and grace.

Even in your hardest moments, you’re teaching them resilience, trust, and unconditional love. You’re doing an incredible job, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

If this resonates with you, take these tools and apply them to your own journey. Save yourself the time and money I spent learning this, but never hesitate to seek therapy or support. My personal favorite? Resonance Repatterning.

You’re not just surviving—you’re thriving, one step at a time.

XX to your Invisible Battles & Unseen Strength,

Carola Le-Wriedt
Founder, Wellhistic & The Holistic Detox

Carola

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