Episodes

Cindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan's diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspective of dad and professional and shares how he started a new position at the Hospital his son was being treated at the very same day as a diagnosis. They openly share the ups and downs of their journey and how Ryan's legacy lives on today.[3:16] Introducing their family[5;34] A bike accident lead to t...

On today's episode, Katie shares with our listeners how Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids during an illness or diagnosis. During the holidays with lots of family time, this topic came to mind. Grandparents are an integral part of the family, whether they live near or far. This episode gives practical ways Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids.[1:58] Hard conversations during the holidays[2:17] How can Grandparents give support[4:05] When your child is hurting. y...

On this week's episode, Katie wraps up the year with, Lyndsey (CLOC admin + podcast editor) sharing about what the common themes across the episodes were in 2022. This year was a memorable one as there were so many parents who so candidly shared their story on the podcast and clinicians who shared their expertise to inspire our listeners. 2022, you were SO good to us! 2023 we look forward to all the amazing stories and insight this next season will bring![00:45] Lyndsey Introduces herself[3:...

Katy shares about her daughter Charlotte and how her surgeries that left scars inspired her to write a book about seeing scars in a positive way. Finding out about her daughter's diagnosis at 32 weeks on a Thursday morning and then welcoming Charlotte that Friday evening, talk about a whirlwind! Katy shares so many truths that will resonate with parents and how Charlotte has changed her life forever.[5:00] Katy introduces herself[6:23] Deciding what to share and not share[8:44] Finding you...

On today's episode of the podcast we will hear from Kirsten Black, a Certified Child Life Specialist, who had the opportunity to visit children's hospitals in Sweden. Kirsten shares her perspective on the major differences in pediatric healthcare, what she learned along the way and how it has influenced her as a Child Life Specialist. She shares her unconventional yet beautiful journey to the field of Child Life.[4:00] Introducing herself[7:15] Pivoting after the economy crashed[8:30] A see...

Caryn shares about her daughter Elaina developing ALCAPA, a congenital heart defect, and how they found out weeks after an uneventful pregnancy. Caryn will shed light on how she coped with Elaina's diagnosis and how she strongly advocated for her along the way. You will feel moved by Caryn's fierce love and commitment to her daughter[2:25] Takeaways on numbing cream from Katie[7:22] Caryn introduces her family[10:16] Experiencing a wide variety of symptoms[12:56] A visit to the emergency...

On today's episode of the podcast, Ashley + Martha from Dear NICU Mama share their personal stories of trials and joy as they navigated difficult seasons as NICU moms themselves. You will feel right at home with the wit and charm Martha and Ashley bring to this episode. You learn why and how these amazing women created the Dear NICU Mama community all while giving us bits of wisdom, laughter and empowerment along the way.**Trigger Warning**: This episode talks about infant loss. If your heart ...

As a NICU Dad, Alex Zavala share his perspective and critical role as a father on today's episode of the podcast. Alex shares so many moments along his journey that impacted him and gives advice to fellow NICU dads out there. This episode is for you too moms and partners-- you will learn more about the dad perspective and how to support your spouse.[3:32] Alex shares about his family[7:39] Giving his wife daily injections[9:49] Went to the store to register for baby gifts[10:41] Alex's w...

On today's episode of the podcast, Emily Lemke shares how to stay organized as a medical parent. Emily's expertise comes from being a medical parent herself and a clinical social worker. She shares about her own journey navigating the world of being a medical parent and the passion behind creating The Medical Mama Compass. You will learn how to manage everything that comes with this title without becoming overwhelmed.[1:52] Introducing her family[2:38] Nora's premature birth and 97 day NICU ...

Swapnil, father of two, shares on this episode of the podcast about his daughter, Anya, who has severe food allergies. Swapnil shares about Anya's first symptoms of a food allergy and the event that revealed the severity of her allergies. Whether you are a parent or Clinician, you will gain so much understanding and knowledge about food allergies by listening to Swapnil's story.[2:10] Value of resources along the journey[4:00] Introducing the family[4:56] Eczema struggles at 6 months old...

Hannah bravely shares how her two young daughters developed febrile seizures. Although febrile seizures are common, it is something that isn't talked about enough. Hannah will shed some light for families walking through this diagnosis and provide you with ways to navigate the practicality and emotions that come along with it.[2:47] Hannah introduces her family[4:45] Sharing symptoms and instincts[6:08] Finding her daughter, Hadley, unresponsive in her crib[8:16] Hand foot and mouth was ...

" It was like I was leaving home with a newborn because I had no idea what to do. We were in survival mode for those 3 days in the hospital. It was just nothing that I ever expected to be dealing with.'-Melanie SmithMelanie shares how she learned of her daughter's diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when her daughter was 18 months old. She so vulnerably shares their journey from diagnosis to life at home. This story is packed full of great insight to families navigating a new diagnosis of type 1 diab...

"A patient becomes so vulnerable with them because they don't even realize what they are doing. When you are in that moment petting the dog, every emotion, feeling and thought runs free because you aren't having to focus on a conversation, it is so natural."-Shelby Bonnet, CCLSShelby Bonnet, a certified Child Life Specialist and Animal Assisted Therapy Coordinator, shares how facility dogs are utilized in children's hospitals. This episode is packed full of information on how facility dogs im...

On todays episode, we will hear from Rita Ho-Bezzola, CEO and Founder of Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 inspired health and happiness company for kids. Rita shares her inspiration behind Piper + Enza and how her goal is to make common health experiences positive for children and parents. You will not want to miss this episode![2:30] Sharing about her family[6:14] How Covid-19 was her inspiration create Piper + Enza[8:10] The moment Rita discovers her mission[10:10] Using Literacy to help child...

On today's episode of the podcast we hear from Lauren about her son's diagnosis of Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS.) She shares how her uneventful pregnancy followed by a NICU stay and numerous hospital visits with unanswered questions eventually resulted in a diagnosis. Lauren shares how coaching changed her life and how she is now a life coach for mothers of children with disabilities.[4:32] How ranch living was a dream come true[5:20] After an uneventful pregnancy, Lauren gives birth[7:...

"It's not a time to say I'm sorry, It's a time to acknowledge that, yes in fact you had something you did not plan for, a traumatic event. But also you did have a baby and to step into that joy and gratitude and not lose sight of those things.-Jamie ClineJamie shares how her daughter Callie has persevered with tetralogy of fallot and later on a limb loss.She learned about her daughter's tetralogy of fallot just hours after having her 7 weeks premature. When Callie turned one, she shares how th...

Judith shares how one of her twins was born with albinisim and how she stayed positive during the diagnosis and beyond. This episode will absolutely touch your heart, Judith is a natural story teller and captures hows she embraced her daughter's albinism and has seen the beauty through it all.[3:15] Judith shares her busy life and routine with the twins[6:25] She shares about her high risk her twin pregnancy journey[7:27] How the ultrasound tech noticed the bridge of the nose on both of th...

"I've connected with food allergy patients and we have all come together. That is the most important thing, to make sure that nobody feels alone."-Rebekah WallaceRebekah shares her life today as a teen with food allergies. This episode brings perspective to our listeners about how we can take our challenges and turn them into advocacy and awareness. Rebekah, shares her first memories of having food allergies and how she and her family learned to cope. She shares how she coped with the news and ...

"I really feel like I'm paying forward with everything that I lived and everything I've experienced as a professional. My program is my heart in a basket for them."- Dr. Michelle Hu, AudiologistDr. Michelle Hu shares how she was diagnosed as hard of hearing as a young child and what lead her to become an audiologist. This episode is packed full of wisdom.[3:12] Michelle's teacher encourages her mom to get her hearing checked[3:49] Getting hearing aids after a mild hearing loss diagnosis[4:44...

Tanisha tells a story of strength and perseverance as her son Jaleel was born with a lower urinary tract obstruction. This story highlights the powerful ways Tanisha and her husband, Quentin work together as a team for Jaleel and their family. From her experiences in the NICU and beyond, Tanisha created a community to support NICU Medical Moms.[3:52] The journey to motherhood for Tanisha[6:13] Learning that Jaleel had a lower urinary tract obstruction at her 20 week anatomy scan[9:30] How Tan...

Paola shares the shocking diagnosis her son received as a newborn of ADA-SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.) This powerful story a he shares how she navigated hospital life during the beginning of the pandemic and her journey with postpartum depression. She shares words of wisdom on how to deal with the feelings that come when your child gets a life altering diagnosis.[5:22] Paola describes the grief she experienced with Jakob's diagnosis[7:10] She describes the shock and acceptance of th...

"Never listen when they tell you your child will not, encourage them to do the best they can do"- Belinda Hammond, CCLSBelinda shares her son's journey with low tone, epilepsy and autism and how her professional and personal experiences collided, giving her an invaluable perspective as a parent and professional. This episode is in our top 5 most downloaded episodes to date.[4:39] Belinda notices her son is not meeting some major developmental milestones[5:17] Receiving a low tone diagnosis ...

This episode originally aired in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. This topic is so important and rightfully so, it is our 2nd most downloaded episode of all time. When it comes to COVID-19, how we inform our children is incredibly important. If you're wondering how we can talk to our kids about COVID-19 when we as adults still don't know exactly what's happening, you're not alone. This episode covers suggestions for age-appropriate language to use as well as general considerations to...

On this episode of the podcast, you will hear an amazing story of resilience and hope.This episode originally aired back in August of 2020. This is the most shared of all of our podcast episodes; you will quickly learn why after listening to this inspiring story. Meet Maura Senneff, mom to sweet Ryan. Ryan is a thriving 8-year-old boy who has Down syndrome. The amazing advocate by his side, his momma Maura, describes that "zooming out" and looking at things from a wide lens helped them turn Ryan...