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

"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 Cline Jamie 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 they came to the decision to do a lower leg amputation. Jamie shares Callie's journey of learning to walk with a prosthetic as well as the emotional journey she embarked on as a mother. [3:00] Jamie shares about their family and hobbies [4:50] Close monitoring during Jamie's pregnancy due to her pre-existing type 1 diabetes [5:37] Callie was born 7 weeks early via c-section [6:43] Learning of Callie's heart condition, Tetralogy of fallot [8:30] The grief and anger to follow the initial diagnosis [10:35] Feeling cheated of

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 the babies [8:20] Overwhelming feeling that finding out about one issue after a next, [8:49] Joining a support group felt like accepting the mis-diagnosis she received [9:57] The doctor noticed her daughter stopped growing and told her she needed a c-section [11:12] Soon after birth, she noticed her skin was light in color and Judith wondered if she had albinisim [13:14] Baby girl had to stay a little longer to gain some weight when brother got discharged. [15:25] Judith and her family were concerned about others not accept

"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 Wallace Rebekah 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 what she is doing today to bring awareness to food allergies. [3:15] Rebekah shares her about her every day life as a teen with food allergies [5:30] The struggle as a young child not understanding why she couldn't eat certain foods [6:40] She began to understand the importance of the allergies around age 10 [7:45] Rebekah shares the first time she had to use an EPI pen [8:00] She explains how remaining calm during a reaction is key [10:30] How Pageantry made her feel confident to speak up about bringing awareness to f

"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, Audiologist Dr. 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] The hurricane feeling her parents felt after receiving her diagnosis [5;26] Struggling with the news of hearing loss [6:14] Seeking second opinions after struggling with the diagnosis [7:00] How Michelle's parents processed her diagnosis [9:15] The inspiration behind creating a community for parents [10:18] Through the community she has created, she feels like she is paying it forward  [13:00] Creating tools to helped newly diagnosed families  [16:00] Katie+ Michelle discuss how parenting is full circle [17:33] How

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 Tanisha's husband helped her feel included in Jaleel's care [14:16] Healing is on-going for Tanisha and her family [18:39] She describes how she had the urge to walk one evening and the next morning learned she was in labor [20:35] Jaleel was born and was immediately rushed to the NICU for respiratory issues [22:57] Tanisha explains the emotional reunion in the NICU [24:51] Her husband advocated for Tanisha become involved in Jaleel's care to connect with him [26:49] Tanisha shares how she went into learning mode to not

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 the news that Jakob has ADA-SCID [9:12] Postpartum depression struggles during isolation [11:10] Sharing the importance of opening up about your struggles [13:44] Being a first time Mom and medical mom  [15:03] Paola describes how she fights the good fight [17:44] Her cervical cancer diagnosis after Jakob’s diagnosis  [19:29] Paola’s campaign to fight for Jakob’s treatment [20:21]She describes how her cancer diagnosis was her moment to pause [26:50] Coming up with a plan and leaning on community helped Paola cope with t

"Never listen when they tell you your child will not, encourage them to do the best they can do"- Belinda Hammond, CCLS Belinda 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 as an infant [10:00]  Belinda shares a touching moment in her son’s journey to run a 5k [12:39] Finding activities your child likes to incorporate into therapy [13:34] She gets a phone call from Justins school, Belinda begins to search for answers [14:57] Additionally, she learns her son is having absent seizures and after a neurology referral learns he has Epilepsy [15:41] After hearing feedback from her son's school, Belinda decides to homeschool Justin [19:53] Getting her Masters degree helped her become a stronger ad

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 keep in mind as you talk to your children about COVID-19. Children are looking to adults for honest, easy-to-digest information. Give a listen to learn how to break it down into a way that they can understand. [3:20] Katie explains that children and adolescents crave a strong compassionate leader who establishes boundaries [6:00] It's important to remind children that a lot of the information they hear may not be factual [8:53] Katie explains to empower your children by validating what they are already doing  [9:19] S

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’s health around.She talks about small changes and the "no limits" attitude their family lives by. [1:39] Maura shares about her family and introduces us to Ryan and his journey with Down syndrome [2:40] Maura explains how resilient Ryan is despite his struggles with chronic illness for his first six years of life [3:27] Never giving up was key to their success at navigating Ryan’s diagnosis of Down syndrome [4:00] Maura shares how Ryan’s diagnosis with Down syndrome was not going define him and put limits on what he c

Episode 127 | Courtney’s Story - A daughter born at 25 weeks [MOST DOWNLOADED] At just 25 weeks pregnant, Courtney was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and was hospitalized. Just 5 days later and after a terrifying emergent c-section, she would meet her daughter, McKenzie. In this episode, Courtney talks about her entire experience from her own hospitalization and her daughter's 5-month stay in the NICU and eventually going home. She talks about the balance of being a single, working mom and the struggles that come along with having a child with medical needs. Courtney will leave you feeling inspired and in utter awe of how she loves and supports her daughter.  [2:47] Courtney is informed she has high blood pressure and is admitted to Labor and Delivery [4:24] Courtney is transported to a larger hospital that has a higher-level NICU [6:35] Courtney asks tough questions about her condition and her daughter [9:12] Courtney is informed she will need to have a c-section [11:12] Courtney is informed she will need an e

Episode 126 | Supporting Children in Hospice On this week's episode, Shani Thornton, CCLS,  from Child Life Mommy shares how to support children in hospice. Shani wears many different hats in the Child Life world including supporting children in the hospice setting .Shani shares how to connect with children during this difficult time and ways to explain things that are honest and easy to understand. To help children feel more connected during this challenging time she shares some of the meaningful exercises and activities she does to help children cope.  Connect with Shani: Instagram Website Click on this link to view the books Shani talked about in today's episode!  [6:50] Shani talks about working with a local hospice agency to provide support [8:44] Interventions in the hospice setting  [10:07] Importance of following the child’s lead.  [11:05] How children digest information [13:35] Explaining differences in medication, for illness versus comfort [15:22] Explaining to children the care team that will be

This week’s episode is a throwback from Katie’s June 2021 interview with Child Life Wild Life host, Jessica Lewin, who was also recently a guest on Child Life On Call. In this episode, you will learn about how Katie’s experiences as a child life specialist and a new mother influenced each other in the most positive ways. From sharing her ‘why’ about podcasting, to preparing her own children for medical procedures and balancing her career and motherhood, you will get to know the heart of our host, Katie Taylor.  [5:20] Intro about Katie and her family [9:30] Going back to work after having her baby [11:10] How motherhood transformed her career [12:00] Podcast inspiration [14:32] Supporting parents in the NICU [18:08] Challenges while working pregnant in the field [19:50] Best part of being a mom and child life specialist [21:02] Dental appointment preparation  [22:30] Torticollis diagnosis [24:36] Importance of relationship building with parents [28:05] Postpartum anxiety struggles [30:45] Tips for CCLS Stude

In this episode, we will hear from Laura about navigating hospital life and finding the balance between caring for her family and taking care of herself. She focuses on the importance of self care and how it has made her be the best version of herself. Laura shares how life after the hospital doesn’t have this glamorous feeling but is another marathon in itself. In this episode, she speaks on the positive takeaways from this journey. This episode is full of nuggets of wisdom that you will not want to miss! If you are in the middle of a long hospital stay, this episode will speak to your heart.    [3:54] Leaving Trey for the night   [5:56]- Daily Routines   [7:40]- making time special with the big kids   [12:07]-Touching interaction with CT Tech   [17:47]- How our children heal us and we re-strengthen bonds    [18:50]- Dividing and Conquering responsibilities   [19:57]- Trey’s homecoming   [22:00]- Feeling of being alone   [24:49] Trey’s strong emotional intelligence   [28:29] Laura shares how motherhood is a

Friends, you are not going to want to miss this episode! On today’s episode of the podcast,we hear about Laura’s Birth story and the beginning of her son Trey’s journey with congenital Leukemia. Laura shares the raw emotion and grief when she and her husband learn of Trey’s diagnosis. She goes intimately into detail about her first time seeing her newborn son, how it broke her to her core and how she began to pick up the pieces. Laura shares how her friends rallied behind her during this extremely challenging time and how we can support others going through a crisis. There is a part 2 to Laura’s story, sharing all about life during and after an extended stay in the hospital.    [4:10] How they chose Trey’s name   [5:20] Unexpected diagnosis    [9:25] Emergency C-Section   [10:48] Pep Talk with Mom   [15:59] Neonatologist gives them difficult news   [19:40] Laura describes that ‘tsunami’ feeling of their world crashing down around them   [22:24] Meeting the transport nurse who helped transport her son   [27:12

On today’s episode of the podcast, we will hear from Ryan Judd, Music Therapist and creator of Cool Koala. In this episode, Ryan places an emphasis on helping our children develop gratitude, compassion and learning how to cope with our worries. He shares how music helps children feel relaxed and how having the practice of guided meditation can carry into creating healthy habits for children as they move through the different stages of life and into adulthood. Ryan shares vital information on how to teach these practices to children in the hospital and in our everyday routines at home. [3:30]-Ryan shares how he started working with kids [4:20] Discovering Music Therapy as a profession [5:56] Ryan shares about his family [6:36]Ryan’s music on the App [7:24] Ryan shares about Cool Koala and when to do meditation  [9:00 ]Alexa Skill integration and Cool Koala Collab  [10:05] How music calms the nervous system  [11:05] Letting go of worries [12:18] Sleep is the foundation of health [15:00]Worry Box and Gratitude G

This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers! On today’s episode, Annie Jones, CCLS is our guest host! We will hear from Sarah about her daughter Adalee having an ischemic stroke with no pre-existing conditions. With strokes, the recovery process is different for every individual and doctors initially thought she may not have a full recovery. Sarah shares how her faith got her through this period of time, her daughter's remarkable recovery and self care tips for parents who have children with medical needs. This episode is packed full of wisdom on how to listen to our intuition when we navigate difficult situations as parents. Sarah will also share the inspiration behind her devotional book, The Perfect Storm.  Listen to: Events Leading up to Adalee’s Stroke  [4:03] How Sarah followed her mothers intuition [9:00] Diagnosis at a hospital away from home [11:24] Processing an open ended diagnosis [17:42]  How Adalee’s siblings were impacted during her hospital stay [22:20] Adalee running in rehab [26:24] Sarah shar

This episode is sponsored by SmileMakers   Abbie Pabon and Emily Enstad share their motherhood journeys through the pandemic, how it shaped their careers and how they created a company that gives hands on tools to help children regulate and express their emotions. In this episode, you will learn more about:   +Learn how to empower children with tools and strategies they can access in moments of dysregulation.   +How to be self-compassionate as a parent   +Learn about current barriers for parents, and how connection, coregulation, and creativity are pillars to supporting social emotional learning with kids.   Have you heard? The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022.  Sign up to stay informed here. Child Life On Call is a community of parents and professionals that share ideas, stories and resources to help YOU navigate your child’s unique experiences. We give you strategies to support yourself and your family through life’s challenges.  We are so glad yo

Today we have a guest co-host AND a guest! Our guest co-host is Sehreen Noorali, and you may remember her from Episode 112 of the podcast. Her younger daughter has some medical needs and has been through neurosurgery. Like Sehreen, our guest Michelle has also spent her fair share of time in the rehab setting. Her son, Gideon, was born with heart defects that required hospitalization.   In this episode, we talk about… [6:25] Michelle’s family [8:08] Discovering low oxygen levels in a newborn [11:24] Receiving diagnoses: Tetralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia and MAPCAs [15:34] Advocating for your child in the medical system [18:31] Collaborating with your child’s care team [26:12] Handling stress as a parent of a child with medical needs [29:38] Creating community in the inpatient pediatric rehab setting [35:44] How Michelle’s son has changed her [38:45] An update on Gideon   CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: Facebook Instagram   CONNECT WITH SEHREEN: Website Instagram   Have you heard?  The Child Life On Call mobile ap

I’m bringing you a quick episode about a commonly asked question. This topic also happens to be one of our most downloaded resources on the website (in case you didn’t know, you can get free downloadable resources here!) We’re talking about how to get your kids to take medicine - liquid, pills, eye drops, and more. In this episode, I talk about… [1:37] Helping ourselves to help our children [2:12] Helping children to understand the need for medicine [3:02] Step 1: Setting expectations [3:34] Step 2: Recognize that medicine is non-negotiable [4:29] Step 3: Consider the child’s developmental level [7:16] Step 4: Offer choices about how to take the medicine [8:20] Step 5: Practice and getting the child comfortable with taking medicine [9:00] Giving eye drops to children [10:38] Helping children to swallow pills Have you heard?  The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022.  Sign up to stay informed here. Child Life On Call is a community of parents and profess

This is a very worthy repost episode, as April is Limb Difference Awareness Month. We first shared Ashlyn’s story over a year ago, but I wanted to bring it back. The two things that I continue to take away from this story is the true partnership between Ashlyn and her husband, as well as the importance of having fun with the cards you’re dealt. I encourage you to listen to her story, follow her on Instagram, and share her page and this episode so others can learn more about limb differences. In this episode, we talk about… [4:55] Ashlyn’s family [6:07] Ashlyn’s pregnancy with her son [14:47] Getting the results from the fetal MRI [23:45] How Ashlyn and her husband renewed their partnership [30:29] Myles’s birth and NICU stay [41:17] Getting the diagnosis of VACTERL Association [42:34] Bringing Myles home from the hospital [49:37] How Ashlyn changed her mindset and coped with grief [51:40] Connecting with other parents of children with special needs [57:58] What Ashlyn has learned from her son [1:01:24] An upd