Child Life On Call: Parents Of Children With An Illness Or Medical Condition Share Their Stories With A Child Life Specialist

Dr. Korie Leigh is our guest today on the podcast, sharing with our listeners what grief feels like. Dr. Leigh is a  Child Life Specialist, Thanatologist, Associate Professor, and most recently a Children's Book Author. Katie and Dr. Leigh have an essential conversation surrounding grief and what it feels like and how her new book, "What does grief feel like?" can guide parents and professionals to navigate the questions that come with talking about grief with children. [3:55] Dr. Leigh introduces herself [5:00] Sharing her why [6:24] Growth in grief [7:49] Dr. Leigh's new book launched [9:33] Helping children navigating grief [11:02] Reflecting on the grief process [12:47] Conversations about grief take place over time [13:42] How grief is felt in the body [15:51] Asking for feedback and input to expose pre-teens and teens [17:43] Dr. Leigh's new book Connect with Korie Bookshop link: https://bookshop.org/a/85078/9781631987069 Publisher link -the 20% off code is A23LEIGH https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Rylee Neal who decided to become a Child Life Specialist from her past experiences being hospitalized with a heart condition called tetralogy of fallot.  An experience with a Child Life Specialist during one of her hospital stays lead her to pursue the field of Child Life. Katie and Rylee have some great conversation about scars, our feelings and how as Child Life Specialists or parents we constantly are looking to better ourselves. You will leave this episode with a heartfelt perspective from Rylee as she shares pieces of her journey as patient and clinician. [3:23] Rylee introduces herself [4:41] First memory of her diagnosis [5:45] Realizing her diagnosis was serious at age 13 [6:45] Aversion to medical care [8:01] Reading consent forms at a young age [10:00] How preparing ahead would have helped Rylee [12:07] Wanting to know more the Child Life Specialist who helped her [14:30] How she fell in love with the Child Life field [16:50] How her parents get sa

Katie along with co-host Mijha from Jambo books interview Dr. Kate Lund, TedEx speaker, clinical psychologist and hydrocephalus warrior. She brings an incredibly important perspective as provider, patient and parent. Dr. Lund shares with us how the support she received throughout her childhood had a positive impact on her life and journey with hydrocephalus. From her wise words and experiences, you will leave this episode feeling empowered with actionable things you can do today. This message is so inspiring. [4:00] Mihja shares about her daughter [5:44] Dr. Kate introduces her self [8:05] Wally, the Facility Dog [9:36] Discussing support she received as a child [11:24] Working hard put her ahead of the game [13:00] Focusing on what you can do [14:19] Diagnosed with hydrocephalus when she was 4 [15:53] Finding out she had 2 different kinds of tumors [17:15] A Child Life Specialist became her friend during a hospitalization [20:50] Katie shares how it is a choice who is in your room [23:12] Modeling interacti

[Child Life 101] How to Support Kids in Pain As a child life specialist, I know that pain can significantly impact children. It can affect them physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Research has shown that uncontrolled pain can lead to long-term effects such as stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as changes in brain function and delayed recovery. Helping children cope with pain can be particularly challenging as they may not be able to articulate what they're feeling or understand what's happening to them. That's where child life specialists come in. What we cover in this episode: Pain can have a significant impact on children, both physically and emotionally. Child life specialists play an essential role in assessing kids in pain and determining what they need to feel better. Child life specialists use a combination of observation, conversation, and other techniques to understand a child's pain experience. Child life specialists work closely with healthcare providers and other professiona

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Courtney Morey, Mother to Annie who was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, AVSD and Pulmonary Hypertension. Katie and Courtney have such great dialogue and raw conversation in this episode. Courtney shares the positive impacts on her marriage and the questions that arise when receiving a life altering diagnosis. Sharing about her journey of self discovery along the way and how it has changed her view on life, this episode will leave you feeling validated and inspired by Courtney's strength. [4:00] Introducing her family [6:00] Receiving a life changing phone call [8:24] Misconceptions about Trisomy 21 [8:59] Spencer having experience working with children who had Trisomy 21 [10:20] Learning Annie had AVSD [12:00] Being asked if you are a medical professional [12:50] Coping by learning about Annie's diagnosis's [15:25] Learning how to ask the right questions [16:55] Annie's birth [18:40] Annie's first heart surgery at 4 months old [20:40] Refusing to google and reach

Today in [Child Life 101] we are answering the question we get ALL THE TIME: WHAT IS CHILD LIFE?! You've asked and now we're answering. Did you know that SO many of the parents on our podcast haven't ever even met a child life specialist before our interview?! Our goal during this series is to help people understand what child life is all about by getting rid of any misunderstandings or roadblocks. What do child life specialists do? Why is play an essential component of child life services? Family Centered Care and Child Life Services How do you become a Child Life Specialist? Where do child life specialists work? Why Should Hospitals invest in Child Life Services? Challenges and Barriers in the Field Wrapping it Up Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you. Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids: 10% off Coping Kits and

On this week's episode, Katie and Co-Host Serheen Noor Ali from Hello Sleuth interview  Dr. Kelly Fradin about building trusted relationships with your child's pediatrician. Dr. Fradin shines a light on parent and patient experiences through being a physician in public health and in private practice. She touches on ways to have productive conversations with your child's pediatrician to create a lasting and effective relationship.  [4:00] Introductions [6:45] Barriers her patients were experiencing [9:00] Information to create independence and confidence [9:24] Reading your audience as a Pediatrician [11:00] Dr. Fradin's book on Advanced Parenting [13:00] Choosing a Pediatrician [14:54] Finding a new Pediatrician first [16:41] Who to share feedback with [18:36] Finding different Pediatricians for different age groups [20:04] Listening to your adolescent about doctor preferences [22:30] Atria Institue [25:30] The power parents have [27:30] Developmental screenings from the pediatrician's office [31:06] Judgemen

I'm SO excited to share a new podcast series we are starting at Child Life On Call! [You can watch this via a screencast on YouTube here] Child Life 101 is a new 10-week podcast series dedicated to all things related to all things child life specialists and the important role they play in the lives of children and families. This series was born from some of the questions I've gotten over the past 6 (almost 7!) years that we've been producing Child Life On Call. Each week we will cover a new topic: Child Life 101: What is Child Life Child Life 101: Kids in Pain and Procedure Support Child Life 101: Difficult Conversations with Kids Child Life 101: Preparing Kids for Procedures Child Life 101: Empowering Parents Child Life 101: Digital Resources in Hospitals Child Life 101: Child Life Entrepreneurship & Private Practice Child Life 101: Family-Centered Care Child Life 101: Child Life Tips Child Life 101: How to Support Child Life Programs I promise to keep it awkward (like always) and fumble over my words

Today we have another Dad on the podcast. Katie interviews Oliver Bernier, father of Emilio and filmmaker, about his son's unexpected diagnosis of down syndrome. You will learn what inspired Oliver to create a film to educate and empower parents of children with Down syndrome how to navigate the school system and be the best advocate for their child. Oliver's passion to educate parents about the importance of inclusivity will shine through as he shares an inspiring message. [3:45] Introductions [5:10] Forever connection to New York [6:22] Filming the moments [7:12] Misconceptions about Down syndrome [9:28] Giving Emilio the world [10:22] Building the bridge to understanding living with disabilities [12:17] An atmosphere of acceptance [15:01] Putting a dent the world to raise awareness [17:20] Sharing other families stories on the film, giving him hope [19:28] Living in the moment [21:34] Universal design for learning [23:18] Empathy taught by practice [24:53] All parents advocating to be in classes with diffe

Katie and Cortney Given, host of the Mindset for Medical Moms Podcast, interview Leah Ward about her son Jackson and his journey with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS.) Leah shares the ups and downs of being a heart mom.  Jackson received the gift of life through a Heart Transplant after he went into heart failure and was placed on the Berlin Heart for several months. Leah and Cortney's conversation (Cortney is a heart Mom too!) with Katie will leave you feeling inspired to live in each moment. You will not want to miss this episode of the podcast. [6:50] Introductions [8:40] 20 week ultrasound and subsequent echocardiograms [9:57] The unimaginable grief of losing her older son months ago [11:29] First surgery at 4 days old [12:05] After Fontan surgery, Jackson developed a lung condition [12:50] Rhinovirus caused Jackson to go into heart failure [13:32] Jackson was put on a Berlin heart [14:00] 15 month hospital stay [15:14] Explaining to Jackson about his heart transplant [16:00] Jackson's will to figh

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Lo Nigorish, certified IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Host of The Milk Making Minutes Podcast. Whether your journey consisted of breastfeeding or not she shares how lactation consultants can assist with feeding the NICU and beyond. Lo shares her heart and mission behind supporting families. Whether you are a parent of a baby in the NICU or a clinician, you will not want to miss this episode. [4:21] Introductions [6:05] Parents are experts [7:04] Perceptions of what a lactation specialist is and does [8:38] Listening is so important [10:45] Helping families feel heard and supported [13:00] Focusing on what you can do in those moments [14:12] Bottle feeding support [17:20] It's ok to say no [18:50]  The evolution of breast feeding [20:47] Congenital Heart Defect Mama's breast feeding journey [22:32] Support is key [23:09] Reframing your mind and not comparing your journey during [24:00] How Chelsea's Story inspired Lo to connect with Child Life Specialists [2

Katie, along with co-host Serheen Noor-Ali from Hello Sleuth interview Kelsey Ward, mom to Scarlett who was diagnosed with gastroparesis and hereditary spherocytosis as an infant. Kelsey shares the ups and downs of what it means to be a medical mom and how Scarlett's diagnosis strengthened her marriage. Body confidence is something near to Kelsey's heart. She shares about how she empowers Scarlett to be proud of her g-tube and scars. This episode is packed with great dialogue and you will get at insight from both Kelsey and Serheen on navigating medical parenthood. [3:40] Kelsey introduces herself and her family [4:04] Finding out she had a blood disorder [4:31] Scarlett was losing weight at 2 months old [6:10] Gastric emptying scan revealed answers [6:56] G-tube placement [7:29] G-J tube placement [7:57] Pyloroplasty surgery success [9:27] Behind on developmental milestones [11:24] Connecting with parents on social media [12:20] Feeding Therapy 101 [13:21] Swallowing vs Textural [15:10] Sibling bond and inte

April is Child Abuse awareness month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse. Today’s guest expert is my mother, Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse advocate. She is here to provide tangible ways to make this concept less scary and to empower kids and parents. We want to leave you feeling confident about how to teach kids about child abuse. In this episode, we talk about… [3:50] Jane's background and her passion for advocacy [8:48] Using puppets to talk to kids about child abuse [15:04] Good touches versus confusing touches [15:54] Empowering children to tell an adult about abuse [17:31] Respecting personal space [21:08] Feedback about the puppet program [22:35] Reporting child abuse [25:42] Engaging in conversations with kids about child abuse [31:06] A safety sheet to create with your children Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here. Parents, download our free p

Katie interviews Emma Springer, mother to Sage who was born with Trisomy 18. Emma shares her journey to parenthood and how they learned of Sage's diagnosis. Prior to Sage being born, Emma was a pediatric nurse. Emma shares the struggles she went through in Sage's first few months to find care options. She opens up about how being on social media can be so empowering but also shares some of the challenges go along with it. Through Emma, you will get to know the joy that Sage carries with her each and every day. Katie dedicates this episode to her dear friend Anna and family who lost baby Jack to Trisomy 18.  [5:50] Introductions [7:12] Meeting her husband at College [7:41] Enrolled in nursing school [9:08] Opting out of first trimester screening [9:51] Navigating Covid in early pregnancy [10:27] Two blood vessel cord and cysts on the brain at 20 week ultrasound [11:45] The combination of symptoms were concerning [12:54] Blood test results coming back with high probability of Trisomy 18 [14:57] Being alone for

On todays episode of the podcast, Katie along with co-host Mijha Godfrey from Jambo Books, interview Kayla Gunderson, who's daughter was diagnosed with Ollier's disease. You will get to hear how Kayla navigated her daughter's diagnosis just weeks after giving birth to her son and her valuable perspective as a nurse and former Child Life Specialist. We talk about navigating grief, the support of her spouse and loved ones and what Claire has taught Kayla along this journey. [4:47] Mijha shares about Jambo books [7:00] Kayla introduces herself [9:40] Small bumps on her daughter's finger [10:27] Full body rash from amoxicillin reaction [12;23] Playing phone tag with the doctor [12:44] Mention of Ollier's Disease [15:29] Emotions run high after receiving a diagnosis of Ollier's disease [16:50] Blaming yourself [19:12] Understanding Ollier's disease [20:40] Expressing her feelings at her postpartum appointment [22:17] Ollier's is a rare disease [23:18] The delivery of information can make or break you [24:07] Mijha

Katie along with Co-host Cortney Given, host of the podcast Mindset for Medical Moms , interviews Dana who had micro-preemie twins at home. She bravely shares her story and how she and her husband acted quickly with the unexpected home birth. Dana shares how she navigated the long NICU stay and the moments to come afterward. You will get a glimpse into their life today and what it looks like to manage their medical care. Dana's  journey to advocacy and letting others into your life during challenging seasons as a medical parent is something that is talked about enough in this important conversation on today's episode of the podcast. [10:50} Introductions [11:47] Fertility struggles reveals PCOS diagnosis [13:04] Finding out she was having twins [13:55] Ultrasound revealed possible complications [14:30] Delivering the babies at home [15:57] How giving medical history is a whole process [17:41] Lower back pain just before bedtime [18:56] Dana delivers at home [19:55] James begins to breathe [20:34] Vera was bo

Katie has a co-host, Serheen Noor Ali from Hello Sleuth on today's episode where we hear Jodi's story of developing HELLP Syndrome and having a premature birth. Jodi walks us through her birth story along with those first moments meeting her daughter. She speaks to the joy we find in the unexpected and will leave you inspired to embrace where you are today. You will get to know Jodi's heart behind the creation of Fllrish. [5:40] Full circle of relationships [6:07] The crash course of becoming a medical parent [7:14] Special needs mother's quitting the workforce [9:30] Thinking ahead about Kindergarten [10:27] Jodi's husband went on his last business trip [11:21] HELLP Syndrome diagnosis [12:45] The calm reassurance from her provider [13:42] The birth plan [14:50] The onset of symptoms of HELLP [17:11] Not seeing her daughter for 2 days as she needed to recover [18:16] The meaning behind Jenna's middle name [20:44] Telling her doctor their was a problem [24:00] How life and death is transformative [26:32] Husb

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Ryan who's son has Becker's Muscular Dystrophy. Ryan tells the story of the road to diagnosis for his son Jack and how their family coped along the way. Hear about what fueled Ryan to start an organization to help fund research to change the lives of children and adults with Muscular Dystrophy. This episode is filled with inspiration, hope and the raw perspective of a father advocating for his son. [4:20] Ryan Introduces himself [7:24] They noticed Jack was toe walking at 3 years old [9:20] Braces helped Jack walk flat footed [11:11] Noticing a difference in Jack's muscles [12:30] Elevated protein levels indicate there is an issue [13:36] Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis for Jack and other family members [15:30] How Ryan coped with the diagnosis [18:50] Learning very quickly who your people are [20:00] Trust and rely on those who reach out to help [21:06] A family friend explains Jack's condition to his children [23:00] The regret of past decisions [25:09] Jack'

On today's episode, Katie meets with Kristen McNeely, a Licensed family therapist who is in expert on Anxiety in Children. Kristen shares the importance of how we respond to anxiety as parents and caregivers, helping children understand what anxiety is and how we can help them navigate their feelings. This episode is full of ways to support your child through anxious moments and knowing when to get them help. [4:12] Kristen introduces herself [5:45] Seeing more behavior disorders that are manifesting as anxiety [7:15] Your child's anxiety is not your fault [7:45] The way we respond to their anxiety is important [10:19] Understanding what anxiety is [12:15] Accommodating vs Supporting [14:42] Being systematic in your approach [15:45] Our children are people too [18:20] Getting a call about her son at school [19:18] Wearing a professional hat as a parent [20:23] Shifting your perspective [21:20] Every situation is not an indicator of a problem   Connect with Kristen Instagram Website SPACE Books Kristen Recomme

podcast, Katie interviews Crystal Polk, a Social Worker and Licensed Therapist speaks about the dual role parents of medically complex children hold as caregiver and parent. Crystal specializes in working with families who have children with special or medical needs. She gives parents practical things they can do today to start on the path of healing.  [3:30] Crystal introduces herself [6:00] Identifying the differences between caregiving and parenting [8:30] Acknowledging the stages of grief [9:40] Grieving what you once imagined [11:03] Delegation, being heard and frustration are common themes [14:08] Healing unprocessed trauma using EMDR [16:19] Lean into mindfulness [17:53] Giving your self the the gift of consistency [21:13] Type of support families receive varies from state to state [22:24] Parents are demanding positive changes [25:04] Getting the word out about parent caregiver support Connect with Crystal Website Instagram Crystal recommends using Psychology Today to search for a qualified therapist.