Inside the Children's Hospital

Annie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Lindsey, mom to Memphis a son who suffered from Infant Botulism. Lindsey is an experienced mother of three when her son, Memphis, came into the world. She breastfed him like she had her others and when he started refusing to nurse and acting sleepy, she took him urgent care. After two urgent care visits had concluded that Memphis had a cold-virus, his symptoms continued and she took him to the ER where he was quickly diagnosed with Infant Botulism, which according to Kids Health.org is when when a baby ingests toxins is caused by a toxin (a poison) from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which live in soil and dust and can also be found in honey. In this episode, Lindsey talks about their hospital stay and how she managed to stay positive and alert during such a difficult time. Though recovery can be long, the doctors assured her that her son would fully recover from IB. She talks about how fortunate she feels that he has recovered and wants to urge parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Infant Botulism. You can find more information and resources about Infant Botulism 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 you are here. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Dafne, The Chronic Illness Coach. Dafne is mom to three college-age kids and she and her husband live in Houston, Texas. In this episode, we talk about how her children all suffer from chronic illness: Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes, Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis and Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis. She describes how: *Finding a medical team who includes you as the parent is important *Searching for a tribe of people who understand is worth the effort *Small children who deal with lifelong chronic illness can thrive You can follow Dafne on Instagram, Facebook and buy her book. 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 you are here. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Shay Shull from Mix & Match Mama. Shay is a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family. Shay is mom to four kids and she and her husband live in McKinney, Texas. Today, we talk about her daughter Ashby and how their family copes with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). Ashby is one of her adopted children from China and has had over 22 surgeries since joining their family. She describes how: *Learning to navigate the intimidating healthcare system took time *Ashby's optimistic attitude helps her implement coping skills to deal with pain *Their family was blessed with this sweet girl who has in turn prompted other families to adopt from China You can follow Shay on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. 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 you are here. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist welcomes back Shani (a.k.a. Child Life Mommy) to the podcast. Shani is a Certified Child Life Specialist who has a private practice in Northern California and you can learn more about her community-based program in a previous episode here. But, today Shani puts on her "mom hat" and talks about the journey of having a child with learning differences like #anxiety, #adhd, #dyslexia and #dysgraphia. She describes how: *She has had to learn to advocate to get her child the appropriate testing and IEP's *Community plays an important role of getting the answers and support they need *The pandemic and virtual learning has been challenging for children with learning differences. The books Shani recommends are: Overcoming Dyslexia, The Dyslexia Empowerment, 8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD, Facebook groups, Understood.org, Barton reading programs, Wrights Law. You can follow Shani on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 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 you are here. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Amanda, mom to two micro preemie twins born at 23 weeks. Amanda and her husband met at Baylor University and had a normal pregnancy and delivery with their first son. Their second go at getting pregnant was not as easy and included fertility treatments, bed rest and an traumatic, emergent c-section at 23 weeks. She describes how: *Her faith was instrumental for getting through their experience *Detailed preparation from NICU team before hand helped her understand what was happening *Creating community within the NICU setting (with both families and staff) was necessary for getting through. 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 you are here. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Effie Parks, mom to Ford who was born with a rare disease called CTNNB1. Effie is the host of the Once Upon a Gene podcast and in this episode she shares about her journey into parenthood and what it's like raising a child with special needs. She describes how: she learned to advocate for her son's needs self-care is non-negotiable she came to the realization that although parenting is different than she envisioned, her son has taught her more than she could ever imagine. Listen Effie's podcast, Once Upon a Gene, or watch her new show on the Disorder Channel. 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 your self and your family through life's challenges. We are so glad you are here. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Dana Burnett, Certified Child Life Specialist for the Bougier City, Louisiana school district. Dana talks about her child life journey up until this point and how she has transitioned to supporting K-8th grade students through 1:1 interventions. She focuses on serving students with chronic illness, children facing illness and loss, and children with parents who have an illness. Follow along with Dana on Instagram @takingchildlifetoschools. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks to Danielle, mom to Della a daughter with Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis. You may know Danielle formally as Danni Starr, the media personality, but she is also momma of two girls, one of which suffers from invisible, chronic illness. Danielle takes us through what the journey to a diagnosis was like (spoiler: it wasn't easy), how their entire family copes with the ups and downs and one surprising revelation: chronic illness isn't all bad. Listen to Danni's own podcast, Help A Human Out, and read her book Empathy and Eyebrows. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Teresa, a mom of a teenage daughter with Spina Bifida. With no signs of abnormalities during her pregnancy, Teresa was shocked to learn that a fatty lump on her daughter's skin at the base of her spine would lead to a diagnosis of spina bifida occult with a tethered spinal cord. Teresa walks us through the shock of the diagnosis and the power that a one-on-one discussion with an empathetic doctor had on their ability to cope. Motivated by their story to help kids like her daughter be able to disguise some of the necessary medical equipment she must wear every day, they created www.hiddenunderwear.com Follow along with Teresa on Instagram and Facebook. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

(This episode was developed in partnership with Aflac. I was compensated for this episode, but all opinions are entirely my own. #ad) In this episode, Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist talks about the importance of a community for caregivers. She interviews Nichole who shares what her son's experience with cancer has been like. Sara Stewart, Child Life Specialist at Lurie Children's Hospital discusses how she supports children and families during their cancer journey. Nichole refers to My Special Aflac Duck as a "game changer" for her son during his second fight with cancer. My Special Aflac Duck gives kids with cancer the chance to find joy through play. From feeding and bathing the duck to singing with it and hearing its heartbeat, this interactive companion helps kids find a distraction from their diagnosis. Listen to more stories and find more resources for children, professionals and families at Child Life On Call. This podcast episode is featured in Aflac's "Do Good" community newsletter, which spotlights insights, ideas and individuals making a difference in the pediatric cancer community. Visit Aflacchildhoodcancer.org to sign up for their newsletter and register for a My Special Aflac Duck. Authorized professionals at licensed health care facilities can order a duck free of charge to give to pediatric cancer patients, age 3+, to own forever, and use with them during their cancer care. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

In another version of "Katie and Jamie's Top 5" these two friends and child life specialists try to lighten the mood by talking about our favorite things of 2020. We can all admit the year was...meh... so why not chat about some of the good parts. Jamie and Katie talk about fun things like their favorite lounge wear, shows to binge, holiday traditions and more game-changing revelations like favorite recipes (spoiler: wine). From Jamie's favorite flavor of NyQuil to "sympathy chores" she had as a "sick child"... we hope to make you laugh, smile, and feel like you're hanging out with your friends. Listen to other episodes with Jamie here: Top 5 things about being a Cardiac Kid for Heart Month Liz and Jamie's Story - A daughter with Tetralogy of Fallot and HIV Pediatric Pain with the Meg Foundation Katie Chats with other Child Life Specialists Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

In this episode, Annie, Certified Child Life Specialist, talks to Eilieen. She is the amazing mom of a determined, fun loving, 4-year-old hero named Brady. Brady was diagnosed with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). While he inspires all who meets him, his favorite thing is just being a typical boy and being treated as such. After a move from Texas to Colorado to find the best care and environment for him, life shifted and their family became advocates in the RDEB community. Eileen is on the board of the EB Research Partnership and they have an absolutely star studded (like for real a ton of A-listers) event coming up on November 18th that will be streamed on Amazon. EB Research - On November 18th, 2020 at 8pm EST, we will be hosting an extraordinary fundraiser with several A-List celebrities, and streamed on Amazon!!! This is an unparalleled opportunity for others to learn about Brady's condition, and get us closer and closer to our goal for a cure. Learn more here!! DEBRA is the organization talked about that welcomes donations of supplies etc for children with EB Follow along with Eileen and Brody on Instagram and Facebook. Find more resources, parent stories and support on www.childlifepodcast.com. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie talks to two Certified Child Life Specialists and military spouses, Savannah Self and Lisa McWhorter about ways to support military families. From long waits in military hospitals to helping children navigate the deployment of parents, child life specialists have an important role in helping families cope. A lack of consistency in providers due to moves across the country, and the world, is one of the biggest healthcare challenges military families face. Savannah and Lisa share tips and tools to help families with these unique concerns. Resources for families mentioned in the episode: Fisher House Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Meg, is mom to four children one of whom is living with syndromic craniosynostosis. Her daughter, Avery, who is now six-years-old is proof that children are resilient and capable of so much. She discusses the exhaustion that comes from being the caregiver for a child who requires around the clock care. Meg attributes family (20+ cousins!) constantly surrounding her with love to be one of the biggest parts of their coping. "The first year is so tough, so buckle up. But once it's over, you'll be an expert on your child's care and condition. Everything gets easier with times." Meg says that following other families on social media who have similar conditions can be a great resource for connection and support. To learn more, you can follow @meg_apperson and go to her blog www.fourfinelives.com. Read her book Sky Full of Stars. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter I worried that she might suffer some cognitive delays, but she is an incredibly bright kid! In my experience, when someone looks "different", people automatically assume that they aren't able to communicate or understand what's happening around them. People act surprised when Avery speaks to them. Yes! You can find me on my blog, www.fourfinelives.com and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meg_apperson/

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Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, talks with Jamie Gentille, Director of Child Life Services at Inova Children's Hospital and Dr. Jody Thomas, from the Meg Foundation for Pain, in this episode. Dr. Jody Thomas is a licensed clinical psychologist, and specialist in pediatric medical illness and trauma and the founder of the Meg Foundation for Pain. She discusses the mission of their organization which addresses pain in children head-on. Listeners today will walk away with a better understanding about why children shouldn't be in pain if there are ways to reduce it as well as tangible tools the foundation is working on to support parents and children. Jamie adds her own perspective as someone who has spent her life in the medical world, personally and professionally. Jamie's stories show the reality of how the trauma of pain in childhood has effected her to this day. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Spit up, and even reflux, can be a common problem for infants, but what happens when it's more than that? In this episode, Amrita shares with Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, about what happens when a child's reflux became severe and leads to a three-week hospitalization, a feeding tube, and ongoing support from developmental therapists. This is the reality of severe gastroesophogeal reflux disease. Listen to Amrita's story to hear how she has coped with this experience and how her son is now thriving with love and support from his amazing parents. Listen to more stories and get resources to support your children at www.childlifepodcast.com Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

In this episode, Katie interviews Lisa, mom to Riley. Sweet Riley is a spunky and sweet two-year-old living with Sickle Cell Anemia. Lisa talks about how they knew it would be a possibility while she was pregnant due to the trait being passed down, but they had hoped and prayed to avoid it like they did with their first born, a son who is now nine years old. She says that she can handle the frequent trips to the ER, but watching her daughter in pain is a feeling no mother should have to experience. Lisa attributes prayer, family, and educating herself helps her cope with the realities of her daughter's condition. If you'd like to follow along with Lisa, you can find her on Instagram at @thelisasykes. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

Meet Ashlyn, momma to her sweet and smiley boy, Myles. Myles was born with a rare disease that effects his limbs and other parts of his body. These symptoms are known as VACTERL association. As a self-proclaimed "planner," Ashlyn talks about the difficulties of having so many unknowns during her pregnancy and how she coped... and is coping... with their journey. She attributes her strong partnership with her husband and prayer as key components to getting through difficult times. If you'd like to follow along with Ashlyn and Myles, you can follow their Instagram account at @_aboutlaw. When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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 wide lens helped them turn Ryan's health around. She talks about small changes and the "no limits" attitude their family lives by. If you'd like to follow along with Maura Senneff and her son, Ryan, you can follow their Instagram @Maurasenneff. Guest: Maura Senneff, Released: Aug 12, 2020 When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie talks to Dominique, mom to Mila, who shares her birth story and NICU experience. Born at just 1lb 11ounces at 26 weeks old, Mila has made tremendous progress thanks to proactive parents, therapies and her momma's un conditional love. Dominique talks about the fear that comes with being an African American pregnant woman in the healthcare setting as well as the impact that sharing her story and community has had on her ability to cope with their journey. You can follow Dominique Pompey through her blog www.dominiquepompey.com on Instagram and YouTube @dominiquepompey. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Katie interviews Meg and Jess, two certified child life specialists who also have dual certifications in rec therapy and nursing! These two ladies host a podcast called Don't Worry Bout My Hair and they are your @friendswithfros! We tackle tough questions that are way overdue in the field of child life: Have you received any feedback or comments from black families regarding challenges due to limited diversity of the hospital staff? What's been the most challenging thing about being a black woman in a predominantly white profession? While I know you do not represent your entire race, like I don't represent mine, do you have any things you'd like white clinical and hospital staff to know, hear, or change? What vital resources and habits would you like to for share children's hospital, specifically, that promote anti-racism and diversity? This episode is also available on the Child Life On Call YouTube channel. Go listen to Jess and Meg's podcast and follow them on Instagram at @friendswithfros! Released: Jun 10, 2020 When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

In this episode, Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, interviews Jessica, mom to two special needs children and one of which who is on the Autism spectrum. Jessica is also an adult clinical neuropsychologist and also hosts a podcast with her husband called, Thriving in the Midst of Chaos. Jessica discusses their journey to get a diagnosis, how they are coping with virtual therapy during covid19, and provides great resources and information about the Autism community. If you'd like to share your story on the Child Life On Call podcast, please send an email to [email protected] Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

Elizabeth, mom to three girls, shares with us her experience of having a daughter with cancer. In just an hour and a half, her 9-year-old daughter went from a pediatricians office to a cancer ward. Elizabeth discusses her Elizabeth's "out of body" experience, how she was able to identify the "gifts" in each of her girls, and offers wisdom and compassion to others going through similar experiences. We also talk about how the global pandemic of Covid19 and subsequent quarantine has impacted their family. Elizabeth is a writer by trade and published a book called The Puddle Jumper's Guide to Kicking Cancer which is available in both English and Spanish. You can listen to the book on YouTube. To get in touch or follow along with Elizabeth, you can email her at [email protected] or see her Instagram @teachingkidsaboutcancer. When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist, talks with Meg Casano, mother to Ella who has Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and also created the nonprofit Medi Teddy which is a stuffed animal cover for intravenous medications. Meg talks about the journey to discover her daughter's diagnosis and how an initial prediction that Ella's ITP would only last six months but has turned out to be a life-long chronic illness. She discusses the financial and emotional challenges that exist when you have a child with a chronic illness, but she also talks about how a school project and a driven child can turn into a fully functioning nonprofit that helps other kids like Ella. Connect with Meg and Ella on Instagram or at www.Medi-Teddy.org Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

In this episode, Katie interviews Delanie, an American and child life student currently living in Beijing. She has been in quarantine since January 27. She shares what quarantine life has been like in China ... the center of the Covid19 pandemic. She shares advice from Chinese families who want Americans to know what the number one thing to have on hand at home is... and she talks about what they say life has been like in quarantine with children. She shares how government and culture have played a role in the way the Chinese have handled their quarantine and what life is like now that conditions are improving. The resources Delanie recommends: Austin-based company providing "quarantine kits" for kids. Booklet on explaining Coronavirus to kids Virus song for kids Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

When it comes to the Coronavirus, how we inform our children is incredibly important. If you're wondering though, how can we talk to our kids 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. Children are looking to adults for honest, easy-to-digest information. Break it down into a way that they can understand.

Katie sits down (across the airwaves) with Jamie Gentille, Certified Child Life Specialist, Director of Child Life Services at Inova Children's Hospital, author and self-proclaimed animal themed yoga enthusiast to talk all things cardiac-life in honor of Heart Month. Jamie is living proof that "cardiac babies" can not only survive, but THRIVE in spite of challenges, surgeries and so much more. Today she talks about the Top 10 things she knows now as a Cardiac Baby turned Bad Ass adult. We cover everything from the perks of messing with people while wearing holter monitors, to passing out at celebrity parties and tips and tricks for dealing with the T word... Tape. Want to hear more about Jamie? Listen to her CLOC episode here or buy her book, Surviving HIV, on Amazon. Don't forget to subscribe to the Child Life On Call podcast to keep up with the families and parents who share their story and all things Child Life. Interested in sharing your story? Do that at the bottom of the page on this link. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

This episode is not a cancer story. This is a story about a loving family, a precious child, and how to find miracles during the darkest parts of life. In this episode, Katie interviews Scott Kramer, father to Maddie. Maddie was diagnosed with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) at just two and a half years old and sadly passed away after 8 months of treatment. However, Maddie's story is far from over. Scott and his wife are founders of Dancing While Cancering, a nonprofit that shares joy by delivering SmilePacks to children facing cancer. This episode is not a cancer story. This is a story of a loving family, a miracle child, and how to find miracles during the darkest parts of life. Maddie's life was full of miracles that continue to make a positive impact on anyone who hears her story. Follow Maddie's story and Dancing While Cancering on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

In this episode Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Tara Geraghty, President and Founder of Making Cancer Fun. Tara is momma to Emily who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma at just three years old. Tara used positivity and FUN to help herself and her daughter cope with their cancer journey. Tara is an author, webinar host, TedX Talk speaker, and just an all around inspiring person. Follow Making Cancer Fun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and follow Tara on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

This isn't your typical Child Life On Call episode! Katie sits down with two other child life specialists and each talks about their journey into child life, some "child life wins," and the hilarious things that kids have said to them over the years. About twenty minutes in, you'll hear Jamie second guess whether or not she should actually continue with the story she's begun... there are lots of laughs! This is a quick, fun episode that we hope bring you some smiles! Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

This episode of the Child Life On Call podcast is different that what you're used to hearing, but I fell in LOVE with a book called Tiger Livy and I knew I had to interview the authors. Tiger Livy is the story of a brave six-year-old who inspires empathy, patience, and grit in young readers. It was created for children living with chronic illness but is a great read for any child, even if they're not sick. Co-Authors, Betsy Miller, who experienced her own limitations as a child and Erin Garcia, who grew up with a brother who required multiple hospitalizations, authored the book and in our conversation they give great insight into how friends and family members can support families facing challenges. You can find the book here and see Betsy Miller's other published books here. Follow along with the Tiger Livy Project on Instagram and Facebook. Information on Juvenile Myositis can be found at www.curejm.org Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

This is Lauren's Story - A daughter with congenital heart defects on the Child Life On Call Podcast, hosted by Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist. Little Everly is just over two years and has more fight and life inside of her than most of us could ever dream of. And she's not the only one… prepare to be amazed by big brother too. Their mom, Lauren, shares with us her optimistic perspective even when they've had had their share of complications and setbacks. Lauren mentions resources that include: Ronald McDonald House Charities Starlight Children's Foundation Books that Heal Happily Everly After If you'd like to follow along in real time with Lauren, you can find them on Instagram, @happilyeverlyafter8417 or on Facebook you can check out their page titled Jack and Everly. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

This episode features Alexandra Ortega, mom of three. She shares the stories of her two son's Theo and Noah. First, we talk about her second-born, Noah, who suffered a traumatic brain injury during his birth at 35 weeks. Next, we talk about her third-born, Noah, who was born at 28 weeks. Alex talks about their NICU experiences, the ups and downs of having children with special needs, and how she copes herself. Alex's words in this episode will resonate with anyone who has a child or loved one who needs medical care. She is inspiring and it's an honor to share her story with you. Follow along with Alex and her family on Instagram or Facebook. This podcast is a place for parents and loved ones to find connection in one another's stories. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

In this episode you will hear from Gillian, cohost of the For Grits and Giggles podcast. Gillian describe her personal journey that includes a cancer diagnosis for her infant daughter and life altering accident that happened a year after she finished chemotherapy. She shares her own personal struggles in coping and how she sought medical help, and she'll describe how meeting another mom whose life paralleled hers turned into a lifelong friendship and a special bond that will stay with her forever. To follow along with Gillian's story, you can find them on Instagram. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Meredith, mom to now 8-year-old Lola, shares her experience with her daughter who was diagnosed with Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) shortly after she was three-years-old. However, their story didn't begin there. As an adventure, Meredith talks about how she and her husband moved to Costa Rica from Indiana after they were married. Lola was born there and shortly after birth, her mom began having questions about her health and development. From infantile spasms to possible lissencephaly (smoothing of the brain), they searched for answers and were eventually led to the NR2F1 gene mutation which explained many of Lola's symptoms. Meredith gets real in our conversation about the ups and downs associated with having a child who is legally blind and has developmental delays. She talks about her own struggles and how she finds balance being a working mom. If you would like to connect with Meredith, you can send her an email or find her on Instagram and Facebook at Say Hola Lola. Please rate and review this podcast on iTunes so that it makes it easier for other parents and listeners to find us. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

It's a moment that many parents on this podcast have talked about. Your at your ultrasound, pregnant with your child, and all of a sudden the mood of the room changes. Either the technician leaves, or a doctor walks in to "take a closer look" … a million questions and thoughts and fears run through your mind. In today's episode, you will get to hear from Jade Marie from Portsmouth England. At 16 years old and after being told she could never have children, Jade Marie was shocked to learn that she was 16 weeks pregnant. At at an emergency ultrasound less than 24 hours later, she learned that the baby inside of her had one of the most severe heart defects - she was missing the entire left side of heart. In this epsidoe, we will hear Jade Marie describe what the journey with her daughter, Dawn Louise, has been like and what it is like to have a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Instagram: @DawnLouise_HLHS Facebook: Dawn-Louise HLHS Blog YouTube: Archer Adventures UK HLHS Support: Little Heart Families Listen to and read about more stories from parents of children with an illness or medical condition here: Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

After a long fertility journey and a high risk, stressful, and very sick pregnancy, Stephanie gave birth at 26 weeks due to severe preeclampsia. Stephanie, mom to Adeline, shares her experiences in the NICU and describes Addie's difficulty with digestion. A long road of unknowns eventually led to a diagnosis of functional short bowel syndrome. Stephanie shares her perspective about important topics like how having a child with an "invisible disease" can be a blessing and a curse, how she actually felt relief when they received Addie's diagnosis, and how she handles tough to answer questions from well-meaning friends and families. Stephanie talks about how she has been an advocate for her daughter and fought for a diagnosis, and how she continues to fight to give her daughter the best care possible and her family travels every 4 to six weeks to Boston from Baltimore to get Addie around and in front of experts in the field. Listen to Stephanie's story on the Child Life On Call Podcast. Follow Stephanie and Addie: @addie.belle + She Got Guts Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Email

Belinda, a mom, certified child life specialist, teacher and creator of ChildLifeConnection.com shares her story with us today on the final episode of season two of the Child Life On Call Podcast. As a cancer survivor herself, Belinda knew that she wanted her life's work to positively impact hospitalized children and thus she became a Child Life Specialist. After getting married and having her first child, she applied her knowledge of child development and expertise with children to her own son when she began to notice that he wasn't developing typically. You will get to hear how Belinda has used goal-setting and other self-motivating tools to help her son accomplish things doctor's said he never would. Belinda will also talk about her son's autism diagnosis at the age of five as well as an epilepsy diagnosis a few years later. Belinda has helped her son in so many ways and has great advice and suggestions for parents facing similar challenges. If you would like to connect with Belinda, you can email her, or connect through her website and Facebook pages.

At Alex's 20-week ultrasound appointment, she and her husband learned that their daughter, Lucy, had heterotaxy and congenital heart defects. From that moment, their lives changed and they became advocates and fighters for their spunky daughter who is now one year old. In this episode, Alex talks about Lucy's birth, surgeries, hospitalizations and ER visits. She talks about how their cardiologist became one of their biggest champions and what a difference the congenital heart defect online community has made for them. Alex recommends the poem Welcome to Holland and the Mended Hearts organization for parents going through similar situations. If you'd like to connect personally with Alex, you can do so on Instagram or Facebook. Alex would like to share Lucy's diagnoses: Heterotaxy: right sided stomach, midline liver and gallbladder, mirror lungs, asplenia. Congenital heart defects: complex Single ventricle with: complete unbalanced AV canal defect, hypoplastic left heart, double outlet right ventricle, total anamoulous pulmonary venous connection, pulmonary atresia, and bilateral superior vena cava.

Sarah shares her experience with a son who acquired a common called RSV and how it eventually led to pneumonia and being hospitalized for a week. We talk about some of the hardest parts of being in the hospital like waiting for a diagnosis, not being able to cuddle your child who is hooked up to oxygen and IVs, and trying to find ways to cope cope as a mother during the experience. Sarah discusses about how this entire experience has changed the way she looks at health, being aware of spreading germs, not taking for granted the small moments in life like a cuddly or clingy toddler and being aware of what really matters in life. Sarah shares tips from how to support a toddler for a week-long hospital in addition to the recovery period at home. She also talks about how one night nurse completely helped make their hospital experience so much better. If you would like to follow along with Sarah you can find her on Instagram and Twitter. Thank you to Janet Anderson Photography for the beautiful pictures of Sarah and her family. Go book Janet Anderson Photography today!

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. Courtney recommends Preemies - Second Edition: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature BabiesHelping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating: A Step-by-Step Guide for Overcoming Selective Eating, Food Aversion, and Feeding . If you'd like to connect with Courtney you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or on her blog. Thank you to Laura Morsman Photography for the beautiful pictures of Courtney and McKenzie. Follow along with this podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Meredith, a nurse and mother of two, describes her experience as a new mom and what happened when her five-week-old had a fever. After several tests in the ER, she and her family learned that their new son had meningitis. Meredith talks about what their ER and hospital was like with a newborn. Two years later and after suffering from several sinus infections and sleep apnea, her son underwent a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Meredith talks about how they came to the decision to move forward with surgery and how she helped Joshua through his experience.

Torie is a young adult with gastroperesis. Torie's journey has been a long one which includes a car accident, receiving total nutrition through an IV, NOT EATING FOOD FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR, and being told her illness was related to anxiety. These things, however, don't even touch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Torie has been through. Eventually with the help of the device and taking control of her invisible illness through being diligent and sticking to a "Torie-Friendly Diet," Torie has been able to eat food and live her life in a way that brings her joy. Torie is currently a child life intern living in New York, pursuing her dream of becoming a child life specialist. Torie attributes her positive coping to keeping a grateful attitude, the help of her family and friends, and the people she's met along the way that she refers to as "spoonies." Torie recommends G-PACT, the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation, The Spoon Theory, and social media to helping connect her with others going through similar experiences. You can connect with her on Instagram. Torie's optimistic and positive perspective on life is infectious, and we are honored to have the opportunity to hear her story. To follow along with this podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

When Lyndsey's newborn daughter failed her initial hearing screening, she wasn't too worried—her older son had also failed the first test. But after a second failed newborn hearing screening, Lyndsey was referred to an audiologist, where she learned her daughter had severe hearing loss. What followed was a journey of emotions, decisions, and hope as her family explored treatment options, including cochlear implants. In this episode, Lyndsey shares: The newborn hearing screening process How she learned about her baby's severe hearing loss What went into the decision to move forward with cochlear implants What the five-hour cochlear implant surgery was like The moment her daughter heard her voice for the first time Their work with auditory verbal therapy (AVT) after implantation The support she received from Texas Hands & Voices and other hearing-loss resources This is a powerful and emotional parent story for anyone navigating: newborn hearing screening failures pediatric hearing loss diagnoses cochlear implant evaluation auditory verbal therapy (AVT) resources for families of children with hearing differences If you'd like to connect with Lyndsey or have questions about any part of her journey, email [email protected] and we will connect you. A special thank-you to Laura Morsman Photography for the beautiful family photos featured with this episode. Austin families—be sure to book her for your next session. Follow us on Instagram to stay connected with the Child Life On Call community When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host: Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

Today's episode features two women. First, we will hear from Alexis whose son went through a fairly common surgery, ear tubes, and she will talk about what their experience was like. However, as child life specialists and parents we know thate despite how "common" or "routine" a surgery may be, those words don't begin to cover all the emotions and experiences that come along with these "common" surgeries. You can follow Alexis through her business or her blog. As a part of celebrating child life month, after Alexis' story we will hear from Liz Anderson, a certified child life specialist who has spent a bulk of her career working in with children and families going through surgery. If you are a parent you will definitely want to stay tuned so you can hear great advice and suggestions for parents whose children have upcoming surgeries. If you are listening to this as an aspiring child life specialist or as a current CCLS, Liz shares a lot of useful information about her experiences and also how she created a program to help children with autism going through surgery.

In honor of March and the fact that is Child Life Month, this episode features Shani Thornton from Child Life Mommy. Shani shares her entrance into the child life field and how she chose to move forward in the field as a community-based child life specialist. Along with being the author of the children's book "It's time for your check up: What to expect when you're going in for a doctor's visit," Shani is a big voice in the child life world as she has her own blog and shares valuable resources for parents and child life specialists on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In today's episode, you will hear her talk about her child life career, current private practice, and how she's involved with the ACLP and community-based programs. Shani talks about her current role with the Standish Foundation, and my favorite part of the episode is when she gets real about finding the balance in her roles as "mom" and child life specialist.

In this first episode of the second season of this podcast, we hear from a self-proclaimed "crunchy granola mom" Nina, whose fourth child was born with what she calls "a funny shaped head." Nina goes on to describe her son's first few weeks of life and her appointments with her pediatrician and an osteopathic doctor. With little to no help from the osteopathic doctor, she trusted her instincts and returned to her pediatrician who then referred her to a surgeon at Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C. and would learn that her son had craniosynostosis. Nina then discusses their surgical journey and all that in entailed. In addition to the stress of building a new business and homeschooling three other older children, Nina talks about the challenges and emotions that she felt at that time. She also talks about how her view of what a hospital is like has changed and how she talked to her older children about what Cohen was going through. She attributes the help of her friends and church congregation to helping her family cope with this experience. If you would like to follow along with Nina and her family, you can find her on Instagram or through her family's wellness business, True Whole Human.

This episode closes out Season 1 of the Child Life On Call Podcast. This podcast went from a dream to a reality thanks to the help of the all the courageous families who came forward to share their stories about having a child with medical needs. Season 1 covered the spectrum in illnesses, diseases and conditions, and all episodes had a similar theme: children are resilient and teach us more about the world and ourselves than we could ever imagine. Katie gives life updates and talks about her need to bring to Season 1 to a close, but gives a preview of what is to come next season. In Season 2, you can expect to hear more brave parents come forward and share their inner most thoughts and feelings. We will talk about routine surgeries and the stress they can bring, as well as not-so-routine surgeries that can be life changing. We will hear from a parent whose daughter spent months of her life in the NICU after a scary delivery at 25 weeks, and we will hear from parents whose children have chronic health issues. Regardless of the diagnosis, each of these parents have an important message and story to share. In this finale episode, you will also get brief updates about how Season 1 families are doing now. A big thank you to all those who listen, share, and enjoy this podcast. We are always looking to record and share more stories, and if you are interested in doing so, you can contact Katie at [email protected]. Another big thank you to all the photographers who took photos of these families... you have given them and the world a gift that can never be replaced!

At just six years old, Susan's son began complaining of belly pain along with other alarming symptoms. After a trip to the doctor, they were quickly sent to meet with a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and would eventually learn the news that one of her sons, Preston, had Crohn's disease. Susan shares personal details about their journey, procedures, and treatments that are associated with Preston's experience with Crohn's. She discusses how she and her family cope with living with this disease. Susan is honest, articulate and gives priceless advice to parents who may be going through similar situations. Susan says that reaching out to her own doctor and support system was invaluable in helping her cope with a child who has an illness. She and her husband face each challenge with trusting fully in her sons health care team, leaning on each other, and prayer. If you would like to connect with Susan, you can follow along with her on Instagram or Facebook. She recommends the Crohn's section on kidshealth.org and researching your child's specific medication in order to feel empowered. If you would like to share your story, you can message Child Life On Call's Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or submit your information on childlifepodcast.com or email [email protected]