Inside the Children&#8217;s Hospital

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When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Episode 155 | Travis' Story - A daughter with Cystic Fibrosis Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

Travis shares how they discovered his daughter's cystic fibrosis diagnosis at age 4. Just months earlier, Travis learned his half sister was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. He shares how the journey impacted his life on a professional and personal level creating the foundation, Piper's Angels to help support families dealing with a Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis.

[3:50] Introductions

[6:43] Showing signs of respiratory issues

[8:11] Chest X-Ray to determine the cause of the Cystic Fibrosis

[8:37] Adamant state of denial

[9:16] The earth-shattering news of the Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis

[11:06] Oldest half sister was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis months before

[13:00] Prescreening for Cystic Fibrosis

[14:22] Gene expression can create varied symptoms

[15:32] Travis and sister have mild Cystic Fibrosis system

[18:25 Learning how to advocate started with becoming apart of the CF community

[18:44] Piper became very sick around age 8

[20:36] Roller coaster of having a child with a chronic illness

[22:44] Creation of Piper's Angels

[25:14] Being vulnerable

[27:00] Adversity is the starting line for courage

[28:50] Growth is the hearts expansion

[30:40] Piper's Angels

[33:10] Scholarships available for Saltwater Camps for CF patients

[34:10] Mindfulness activities

[36:15] Paddling contest annually

Connect with Travis

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 154 | Savannah's Story - Traumatic birth, Micro Preemie Twins, and Cerebral Palsy Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, Savannah shares what it means to have wreck-less hope. Through her traumatic birth, having micro preemie twins and receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis for one of the twins, Savanah explains how her twins have changed her outlook on life and how she cherishes the little things life has to offer. Savannah opens up about maternal mental health and how it affected her. It is her mission to help other moms experiencing a traumatic brith feel not alone through the gift of artwork and support.

[4:05] Introductions

[4:55] Stories of hope

[6:47] History of pre-term labor

[7:29] Going into labor at 24 weeks gestation

[8:34] Journaling became therapeutic

[11:32] Finding out both boys had brain bleeds

[13:00] Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus diagnosis

[14:45] Leaning on each other and family and friends

[17:00] The answers to the hard questions

[20:00] The shift of worry

[22:30] Charm and Wit of Lochlan

[25:29] Staying in the present

[27:05 The strength within came from

[30:30] Cards of hope for mothers who experienced a traumatic birth

[31:27] Survival mode

[36:00] Caregivers needs the proper help

[40:21] Beads of Courage

Connect with Savannah

Additional Resources

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 153 | Expert: Virtual Speech Language Pathologist Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of the podcast, Lenora from BetterSpeech shares about virtual speech language pathology services and how they can be beneficial for not just the child but for the family. Lenora explains how making a connection with the child positively impacts the progress of speech therapy. This episode is informative of what a virtual session would look like and provides valuable insight to parents seeking out virtual therapy services.

[2:50] Lenora introudces herself

[3:59] How she got started in Speech Language Pathology

[4:32] Integration of therapy into the family setting

[5:35] Putting parents at ease

[8:03] Parents can share more information

[9:22] Providing dedicated time for practicing speech

[10:55] Asking your child how they would like to learn to motivate them

[12:31] First experiences with children and connection with a child

[14:20] The humor children bring

[16:40] There are no stupid questions

Connect with Lenora

Better Speech Website

Better Speech Instagram

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 152 | Kelly's Story - A daughter with Epilepsy [Trigger Warning: Death] Jan 18, 2023

Show notes

This episode is full of tangible truth about what it means to be a caregiver and advocate. Kelly shares about her daughter's epilepsy diagnosis and how it changed her entire world. After a normal pregnancy and delivery, Adelaide wasn't gaining weight and had low muscle tone which was the beginning of her epilepsy diagnosis. Kelly became involved in CURE Epilepsy's mission and shares how Adelaide's spirit lives on through the work she does today.

**Trigger warning: Kelly talks about her daughter's death in this episode**

[3:20] Introductions

[4:35] Adelaide's diagnosis

[5:15] Miguel getting the call

[6:00] Moving to Chicago

[7:50] A friend's advice

[10:35] Learning how to find your voice as a medical parent

[14:05] Talking with other parents

[16:40] Adelaide's seizures

[17:31] Having a plan for seizures gave control over the situation

[19:08] Regression after seizures

[21:00] Accepting the reality of the situation

[22:20] Finding empowerment and advocacy through working with CURE Epilepsy

[24:51] CURE Epilepsy's research on Infantile Spasms

[26:24] Adelaide passed away in 2019

[29:00] Adelaide's spirit lives on with the research

[31:15] The forever connection with epilepsy families, clinicians and doctors

[33:31] Learning patience along the way

[36:00] How to connect with Kelly

Connect with Kelly

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 151 | Gavin + Cindy's Story - A son with Osteosarcoma Jan 11, 2023

Show notes

Cindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan's diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspective of dad and professional and shares how he started a new position at the Hospital his son was being treated at the very same day as a diagnosis. They openly share the ups and downs of their journey and how Ryan's legacy lives on today.

[3:16] Introducing their family

[5;34] A bike accident lead to the shocking diagnosis

[6:26] Going into remission

[7:00] Gavin begins a new job as a CFO the same day they got the Osteosarcoma diagnosis

[8:30] Diagnosis day

[9:30] Bedside Manner of Pediatrician

[10:26] Balance between hospital and home

[13:32] Being open with Ryan during his treatment

[15:38] Ryan learned how to golf during his treatment period

[18:03] Cindy shares about how she made a pillowcase for Ryan to make each stay more comfortable

[19:50] Finding out Ryan was terminal

[21:30] Case of Smiles being formed after a Martha Stewart Contest entry

[23:00] Coping with the new reality and loss

[25:20] Using Ryan's experience to help cope with a cancer diagnosis

[28:40] Finding your advocate voice

[30:00] The joy in Ryan's pranks

[32:32] Learning the ropes quickly

[33:05] Evolution of care

[35:15] Smiling and laugh through the hard times

[39:02] Just Sibs Program

Connect with Gavin and Cindy

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 150 | Grandparents Guide to Supporting Their Kids + Grandkids during Illness Jan 04, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode, Katie shares with our listeners how Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids during an illness or diagnosis. During the holidays with lots of family time, this topic came to mind. Grandparents are an integral part of the family, whether they live near or far. This episode gives practical ways Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids.

[1:58] Hard conversations during the holidays

[2:17] How can Grandparents give support

[4:05] When your child is hurting. your heart is in a million pieces

[4:45] When is it ok to ask questions

[5:25] "Can you let me know when a good time is?"

[6:32] I love you, I'm here, I want to be useful

[7:00] Let them know that you are there without expecting a response

[7:58] Write down your questions

[8:30] How can Grandparents advocate?

[9:26] Sitting down with your child and ask their wants and needs

[10:00] Helping with everyday tasks

[11:07] Resources for Grandparents

[11:32] Online resources to help navigate

[12:38] The role of Grandparents is so important

Download our free grandparents guide here. Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 149 | Last of the Year Dec 14, 2022

Show notes

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

[00:45] Lyndsey Introduces herself

[3:34] Listening to stories while in the hospital

[4:09] Diversity of topics in 2022

[4:32] Paola's Story {Episode 131}

[5:30] Laura's Story {Episode 123 + Episode 124}

[6:02] Dear NICU Mama's Story {Episode 145}

[6:28] Feeding pump interruption

[8:00] Acceptance of being an advocate and expert

[8:25]Find your people

[9:09] It's ok to use google

[11:20] We are grateful for you

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 148 | Katy's Story - A daughter with scars and a story Dec 07, 2022

Show notes

Katy shares about her daughter Charlotte and how her surgeries that left scars inspired her to write a book about seeing scars in a positive way. Finding out about her daughter's diagnosis at 32 weeks on a Thursday morning and then welcoming Charlotte that Friday evening, talk about a whirlwind! Katy shares so many truths that will resonate with parents and how Charlotte has changed her life forever.

[5:00] Katy introduces herself

[6:23] Deciding what to share and not share

[8:44] Finding your tribe and shared experiences

[10:32] The diagnosis was a complete surprise

[11:59] Abnormalities on the ultrasound on a Thursday morning

[12:46] Being admitted to the hospital at 32 weeks pregnant

[13:31] Emergency C-section on Friday evening

[15:51] Getting cliff notes for diagnosis and drew photos to explain

[17:02] That numbing feeling of receiving a diagnosis

[18:23] Thinking of her husband and how it unfolded for him

[21:25] Wedding rings gone missing

[24:36] Placing value on people rather than things

[26:14] Meeting Charlotte for the first time

[30:55] Becoming close with the staff

[34:44] Importance of a support system

[37:50] Finding an expert who knew her diagnosis

[39:42] Balancing time between home and schools

[41:45] Milestones hit a little differently

[46:43] Inspiration to write a book

Connect with Katy

Book

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

When you download our starter kit, you'll learn how to:

Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn't send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you're facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.

Episode 147 | Expert: Child Life Specialists in Sweden Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

On today's episode of the podcast we will hear from Kirsten Black, a Certified Child Life Specialist, who had the opportunity to visit children's hospitals in Sweden. Kirsten shares her perspective on the major differences in pediatric healthcare, what she learned along the way and how it has influenced her as a Child Life Specialist. She shares her unconventional yet beautiful journey to the field of Child Life.

[4:00] Introducing herself

[7:15] Pivoting after the economy crashed

[8:30] A seed was planted

[10:15] Utilizing her degree in education

[12:00] Using a brain map to help a patient with taking a medication

[14:00] Connecting with Pediatric Hospice in London

[15:15] Going to the Ronald McDonald House in Sweden

[18:33] Several connections lead to many different children's hospitals in Sweden

[22:27] Legal rights for children in Swedish Hospitals

[23:35] The value of children and families in Sweden

[25:48] Child Life specialists have an education degree in Sweden

[28:41] Advocating for ourselves as Child Life Specialists

[29:21] Nurses are trained to think through a poke plan prior to an injection

[34:05] Low technology toys and activities

[35:00] Accessibility to different languages in books

[37:30] Anatomically correct dolls in Sweden

Connect with Kirsten:

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