Confident Care: Why I Want Every Parent to Know CPR

The content provided on this health blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have and to learn more about your child's specific needs.

If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately and follow instructions from trained emergency personnel. 

By: Shayna Babb, BSN, RN, CPN

As a pediatric nurse, a mom of three, and the founder of The Medical Mamas, my passion has always been rooted in one core mission: helping parents feel confident, capable, and prepared—especially in the moments that matter most.

Because here’s the truth - parenting doesn’t come with a manual. And when it comes to your child’s health and safety, the unknown can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to education. Not just clinical knowledge, but real-life, practical, usable information that meets parents where they are and empowers them to take action when it counts. 

One of the most important skills I believe every parent and caregiver should have is CPR education.

It’s one of those things you hope you never have to use, but if you do, it can be the difference between life and death.

I’ve seen firsthand, both inside and outside the hospital, how quickly emergencies can happen. A choking incident. A near drowning. A sudden medical event. These moments are every parent’s worst nightmare but they are also moments where knowledge becomes power.

When you know what to do, you're not powerless.  You have tools. You have a plan.

You can respond because you are empowered.

CPR isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared enough to act. It’s about buying time. It’s about giving your child the best possible chance while help is on the way. I always tell my families, “You may be the first person there when an emergency happens and knowing how to respond while help is on the way can really matter.”

And yet, so many parents don’t feel equipped.

Not because they don’t care,but because they’ve never been taught in a way that feels approachable, digestible, and realistic for everyday life. 

That’s exactly why I created The Medical Mamas: to bridge that gap.

To take the fear out of the “what ifs” and replace it with confidence.

To give parents tools they can actually use.

To remind them that they are more capable than they think.

This is also why I’m so proud to partner with Owlet.

As a nurse and a mom, I value tools that support, not replace, parental awareness. Technology, when used appropriately, can provide an added layer of reassurance and insight, especially during those early stages of parenting when everything feels new and uncertain.

Owlet and Medical Mamas share a mission to  support informed, empowered parenting. It’s about giving families access to information that can help them feel more connected, more aware, and more confident as they care for their little ones.

At the end of the day, no product replaces education.

But when you combine knowledge with the right tools, you create something powerful: preparedness, confidence, and peace of mind.

And that’s what every parent deserves.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s this:

You are your child’s first responder.

And you are capable of more than you think.

Invest in learning CPR.
Ask questions.
Stay curious.
Lean into education.

Because in those critical moments, what you know truly matters.

And I’m here to make sure you feel ready. 

Author Bio: 

Shayna Babb, BSN, RN, CPN, VA-BC is a pediatric vascular access nurse, educator and founder of The Medical Mamas, a platform dedicated to empowering parents with life-saving medical knowledge. With extensive experience at a local children's hospital in Orange County, CA, she specializes in pediatric care and emergency preparedness, helping families feel confident in high-stress situations. As a mom of three, Shayna blends clinical expertise with real-life parenting insight to make complex medical topics approachable and actionable. Through her in-person courses and digital education, she equips caregivers with the tools to respond calmly and effectively when it matters most.