When the Hospital Stay Ends: Understanding Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress

For many families, going home from the hospital feels like the finish line. But what happens when the emotional impact of a medical experience lingers long after discharge?

On this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Jen Aspengren, founder of Alongside Network, to discuss pediatric medical traumatic stress (PMTS), a common yet often overlooked experience that affects children, parents, siblings, and caregivers following serious medical events.

Jen shares her family's journey after her infant son underwent life-saving airway surgery at just seven months old. While his physical recovery went well, the emotional effects lasted for years, leading Jen to discover a significant gap in support for families navigating life after hospitalization.

Together, Katie and Jen explore:

• Jen's son's diagnosis of congenital subglottic stenosis and emergency airway surgery

• The unexpected emotional toll that followed after returning home

• What pediatric medical traumatic stress (PMTS) is and how it affects the entire family

• Common signs of traumatic stress in children, parents, and caregivers

• Why many families feel isolated after discharge despite receiving excellent medical care

• The importance of validation, community, and coping skills during recovery

• How small moments of connection from healthcare providers can build trust and resilience

• The impact of emotional support on long-term health outcomes and medical adherence

• How Alongside Network is helping families and healthcare providers better navigate medical trauma

Jen also shares practical insights for healthcare professionals, highlighting how simple actions—such as a follow-up phone call or a few moments of acknowledgment—can make a lasting difference for families facing difficult diagnoses and hospitalizations.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing doesn't end when a child leaves the hospital. Supporting the emotional well-being of children, parents, and caregivers is an essential part of recovery.

About Our Guest

Jen Aspengren

Jen Aspengren is the founder of Alongside Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and healthcare providers address pediatric medical traumatic stress. Prior to founding Alongside, Jen spent over 20 years working in systems-change initiatives and supporting social entrepreneurs around the world. Today, she combines her professional expertise with her lived experience as a healthcare parent to improve support systems for families navigating medical challenges.

About Alongside Network

Alongside Network works to ensure that families affected by pediatric illness, injury, and hospitalization have access to the emotional support they need during and after medical experiences.

One of their core offerings is a free six-week virtual well-being program for parents and caregivers based on the evidence-based Take a Breath curriculum developed at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The program focuses on:

• Validation of family experiences

• Building supportive community connections

• Developing coping and resilience skills

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Alongside Network: https://www.alongsidenetwork.org

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Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family.

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress, Medical Trauma, Medical Parenting, Child Life Specialist, Family-Centered Care, Pediatric Mental Health, Caregiver Support, Pediatric Hospitalization, Trauma-Informed Care, Family Resilience