Inside the Children's Hospital

Latest Episodes:

Episode 146 | Caryn's Story - A daughter with ALCAPA Congenital Heart Defect Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

Caryn shares about her daughter Elaina developing ALCAPA, a congenital heart defect, and how they found out weeks after an uneventful pregnancy. Caryn will shed light on how she coped with Elaina's diagnosis and how she strongly advocated for her along the way. You will feel moved by Caryn's fierce love and commitment to her daughter

[2:25] Takeaways on numbing cream from Katie

[7:22] Caryn introduces her family

[10:16] Experiencing a wide variety of symptoms

[12:56] A visit to the emergency room

[15:16] Diagnosis of ALCAPA and emergency surgery

[18:40] Caryn was not able to go home to get belongings

[19:14] Thoughts about getting a second opinions

[20:56] Elaina quit eating after her first surgery

[21:58] Advocating for a transfer to a different hospital

[23:13] Elaina needed ventilation to recover from her first surgery

[23:47] Getting devastating news that Elaina may not pull through a repeat surgery

[25:00] She struggled with feeding difficulties

[27:29] Honesty and Empathy

[29:39] Crash course on the anatomy of the heart

[33:13] The early diagnosis was a better outcome for Elaina

[34:50] Caryn shares statistics about ALCAPA

[35:49] PTSD symptoms arise while Elaina is hospitalized

[36:57] Covid + Thanksgiving

[39:22] Everyone has their own pain

[40:37] Taking turns going home

[42:15] How she turned her own worry into company

[44:33] Why she wrote My Scar is Beautiful

[46:39] What Elaina has taught Caryn

[47:40] Heartfelt words of encouragement from one medical parent to another

Connect with Caryn

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 145 | Ashley and Martha's Stories from Dear NICU Mama Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

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

**Trigger Warning**: This episode talks about infant loss. If your heart isn't in the place to listen today, feel free to fast forward through Martha's part of the story.**

[3:30] Introducing Dear NICU Mama

[3:48] Martha Introduces herself

[5:11] Sharing how she became septic and had to have an emergency c-section

[6:48] Her son was born at 25 weeks gestation

[7:24] Receiving a bleak prognosis

[7:58] How JP's life changed the trajectory of Martha's life

[8:14] Discovering she had a bicornuate separate uterus

[9:00] JJ was born at 29 weeks gestation

[10:09] Struggles with PTSD from the past

[10:50] Ashley's story

[12:33] Finding out she had sub-chorionic hemorrhage in early pregnancy

[15:45] Learning her son had a heart condition

[16:35] Ashley becomes pre-eclamptic

[17:55] Ashley was rushed to the OR for an emergency C-Section

[18:55] Silas was transported back to their local NICU

[19:37] Adjusting to a private room from a pod

[21:34] Ashley's positive emergency room experience

[22:55] Ashley posting about her NICU journey lead to Martha reaching out

[26:25] Unfollowing accounts on social media is allowed

[29:05] The power of Facebook groups

[30:50] Delivering a message of hope

[33:07] Research about private rooms vs pods

[36:06] Empowerment and validation for parents on the facebook group

[37:53] Grief and joy can co-exist

[40:05] Leaning into grief and pain, finding the beauty in it all

[42:33] Every day is a miracle

[44:37] the fierce loyalty of the sisterhood of NICU moms

Connect with Martha + Ashley at Dear NICU Mama

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Course recommendation from Katie:

Soul Care

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 144 | Alex's Story - A NICU Dad Perspective Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

As a NICU Dad, Alex Zavala share his perspective and critical role as a father on today's episode of the podcast. Alex shares so many moments along his journey that impacted him and gives advice to fellow NICU dads out there. This episode is for you too moms and partners-- you will learn more about the dad perspective and how to support your spouse.

[3:32] Alex shares about his family

[7:39] Giving his wife daily injections

[9:49] Went to the store to register for baby gifts

[10:41] Alex's wife called to let him know her water broke

[11:00] The drive to the hospital

[14:16] Feeling like you are in the movies

[16:00] Finding new found strength as the situation gets harder

[17:36] Feeling like you are drinking water from a firehose

[18:27] Stat C-Section

[19:34] Alone and scrubbing in

[23:45] Pleading with the doctor

[24:10] Putting faith in the team

[26:30] Being in the OR was traumatic for Alex

[27:10] Alex's attention turns to his wife as she has post delivery complications

[30:25] Dad's are responsible for relaying so much information in the NICU

[31:32] Baby was transported to the Children's Hospital

[33:00] Setting foot in the NICU for the first time

[34:40] His wife meeting the baby

[37:20] The trauma and the stress is at a different level for Dads

[37:52] The NICU is just a warm up for home life

[39:15] Taking better care of yourself

[41:09] Sharing your experience makes you feel less alone

Connect With Alex

Instagram

NICU Dad Website

Hand to Hold NICU Dad Podcast

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 143 | Emily's Story - Staying Organized as a Medical Parent Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

On today's episode of the podcast, Emily Lemke shares how to stay organized as a medical parent. Emily's expertise comes from being a medical parent herself and a clinical social worker. She shares about her own journey navigating the world of being a medical parent and the passion behind creating The Medical Mama Compass. You will learn how to manage everything that comes with this title without becoming overwhelmed.

[1:52] Introducing her family

[2:38] Nora's premature birth and 97 day NICU stay

[4:26] Coming home from the NICU with a G-Tube

[5:48] Finding a feeding tube solution for Nora

[7:15] Feelings surrounding taking your medically complex baby home from the hospital

[8:40] Solution focused mindset

[11:10] How to help manage the new equipment

[12:20] Learning all about health insurance

[16:00] The Medical Mama compass uses (A first time discharge MUST have!)

[16:37] Document everything, even for insurance. it is a practical way to advocate

[17:58] Keep track of your child's progress no matter how small

[19:06] Ask questions to gain understanding

[20:08] Keep a big picture view as much as possible

[21:01] Taking care of yourself

[24:00] In order to cope you have to think about it

[26:37] What Nora has taught Emily

Connect with Emily

Instagram

Etsy

Shop for the Medical Mama Compass Code: CLOC15 15% off for CLOC Listeners

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 142 | Swapnil's Story - A daughter with severe food allergies Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

Swapnil, father of two, shares on this episode of the podcast about his daughter, Anya, who has severe food allergies. Swapnil shares about Anya's first symptoms of a food allergy and the event that revealed the severity of her allergies. Whether you are a parent or Clinician, you will gain so much understanding and knowledge about food allergies by listening to Swapnil's story.

[2:10] Value of resources along the journey

[4:00] Introducing the family

[4:56] Eczema struggles at 6 months old

[5:30] Anya had a anaphylactic reaction to cashew butter

[6:44] Awareness is arising about food allergies

[7:46] Preparation for Anya to go to school

[9:07] Testing from a local allergist

[10:20] Keeping a variety of foods in her diet

[11:30] Keeping a spreadsheet to keep track of food and reactions

[14:50] How manufacturing changes created an issue

[16:00] How mitigating the risk is a form self care

[17:23] Sub-lingual Immunotherapy treatment (SLIT)

[19:00] Finding a team of allergists for Anya

[21:30] The differences in a school settings and away from home

[25:13] Swapnil wrote a book to help Anya cope

[26:10] How the Allergy Community online was extremely helpful

[28:22] Practical ways to remember to take the Epi pen

[31:08] Using the epi-pen is never easy

[32:00] Sharing about Anya's character

Connect with Swapnil

Instagram

Recommended Resource

Book by Swapnil Patel

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 141 | Hannah's Story - Kids with Febrile Seizures Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

Hannah bravely shares how her two young daughters developed febrile seizures. Although febrile seizures are common, it is something that isn't talked about enough. Hannah will shed some light for families walking through this diagnosis and provide you with ways to navigate the practicality and emotions that come along with it.

[2:47] Hannah introduces her family

[4:45] Sharing symptoms and instincts

[6:08] Finding her daughter, Hadley, unresponsive in her crib

[8:16] Hand foot and mouth was the initial culprit of the fever

[10:52] Discharge instructions after having a febrile seizure

[11:43] How prayer and a supportive husband gave Hannah the ability to cope

[12:45] Hannah shares about her second daughter, Madison

[14:40] Madison has her first febrile seizure

[16:39] The after effects of a febrile seizure

[19:09] Madison's second seizure

[20:58] Hannah shares how the week prior she had a CPR and First Aid refresher course

[23:27] Madison showed no symptoms but ended up having a UTI, ear infection and pharyngitis

[27:04] Madison's third seizure

[30:28] Back to back seizures

[32:16] Hannah shares the instructions from the dispatcher

[33:29] Bloodwork to diagnose Madison

[34:45] Hannah explains how reoccurring febrile seizures can result in a seizure disorder

[37:40] Connecting with a friend whose son has had febrile seizures

[38:33] Tips for prevention

[40:12] After effects of febrile seizures

[41:07] Being sensitive to illness

[44:24] Talking about motherly instinct

Connect with Hannah

Instagram

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 140 | Melanie's Story - A toddler diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

" It was like I was leaving home with a newborn because I had no idea what to do. We were in survival mode for those 3 days in the hospital. It was just nothing that I ever expected to be dealing with.'-Melanie Smith

Melanie shares how she learned of her daughter's diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when her daughter was 18 months old. She so vulnerably shares their journey from diagnosis to life at home. This story is packed full of great insight to families navigating a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

[2:50] Melanie introduces her family

[5:33 Noticing an excessive thirst in her daughter was the first symptom of diabetes

[7:05] Malia's energy levels were depleted

[8:55] Melanie made a list of concerns to tell her doctor

[11:30] The pediatrician urges them to go the emergency room

[13:04] Melanie shares the trauma that incurred for her

[15:45] Advocating for Maliah to eat while hospitalized

[17:36] Processing the news of her daughter being diabetic

[19:17] Learning how to care for Maliah

[21:30] Melanie shares the range of emotions she felt processing the news of the diagnosis

[24:30] Using a continuous pump monitor her diabetes

[25:13] Counting the carbohydrates

[28:08] Watching her sugar levels at first was overwhelming

[30:39] Advocating for your young child

[33:00] Feeling reassured starting Maliah in Preschool as her teacher is diabetic

[36:30] Melanie shares her concerns about her newborn having diabetes

[38:16] Type 1 diabetes misconceptions and value of education

[39:26] Questioning how long Maliah had diabetes for

[40:59] Finding a community to lean on

[44:30] Celebrating Maliah's diaversary

Connect with Melanie on Facebook

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 139 | Facility Dog's In Children's Hospitals Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

"A patient becomes so vulnerable with them because they don't even realize what they are doing. When you are in that moment petting the dog, every emotion, feeling and thought runs free because you aren't having to focus on a conversation, it is so natural." -Shelby Bonnet, CCLS

Shelby Bonnet, a certified Child Life Specialist and Animal Assisted Therapy Coordinator, shares how facility dogs are utilized in children's hospitals. This episode is packed full of information on how facility dogs impact patient care and how to balance patient and clinician needs. If you are a parent who has ever wondered about the purpose of a facility dog in hospitals or a clinician who is wanting to have a facility dog be apart of their hospital's program, you will want to give this episode a listen!

[3:00] Shelby shares about her career being a Child Life Specialist and Facility Dog handler

[5:00] How they started the Facility Dog Program

[6:30] Child Life Specialists role with Facility Dogs

[7:12] How her workflow changed

[8:25] Balancing the needs of patients and clinicians

[10:10] Being intentional with your time

[11:18] How Pinto, the facility dog helped with a with an intervention with an oncology patient

[14:08] How Pinto altered the entire families experience, not only the patient

[17:38] Common misconceptions of having a facility dog

[19:07] Life at home with Pinto

[21:04] How to get the process started

[23:22] Splitting time amongst different units in the hospital

Connect with Shelby:

Instagram

Shelby's Recommended Resources:

Canine Companions

Canine Assistants

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 138 | Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 Inspired Health and Happiness Company for Kids Sep 21, 2022

Show notes

On todays episode, we will hear from Rita Ho-Bezzola, CEO and Founder of Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 inspired health and happiness company for kids. Rita shares her inspiration behind Piper + Enza and how her goal is to make common health experiences positive for children and parents. You will not want to miss this episode!

[2:30] Sharing about her family

[6:14] How Covid-19 was her inspiration create Piper + Enza

[8:10] The moment Rita discovers her mission

[10:10] Using Literacy to help children cope with medical experiences

[14:45] Growing pains of parenting and children

[15:00] Changing our perspective on pain

[16:56] Our worldview vs our children's worldview

[17:50] Empowering parents to be their child's biggest advocate

Connect with Rita:

Instagram

Website

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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 137 |Lauren's Story - A son with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS) Sep 14, 2022

Show notes

On today's episode of the podcast we hear from Lauren about her son's diagnosis of Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS.) She shares how her uneventful pregnancy followed by a NICU stay and numerous hospital visits with unanswered questions eventually resulted in a diagnosis. Lauren shares how coaching changed her life and how she is now a life coach for mothers of children with disabilities.

[4:32] How ranch living was a dream come true

[5:20] After an uneventful pregnancy, Lauren gives birth

[7:00] A nurse tells Lauren to get a second opinion

[9:15] Lauren and Katie chat about the NICU life

[11:00] How staying at the hospital added to the emotional and stressful times

[12:25] Asking about Lauren's pregnancy history

[14:00] An MRI reveals some answers

[16:50] Living in flight or fight mode

[19:50] Leo stopped eating and had a swallow study

[21:00] The doctors grasp for answers

[26:30] Genetics appointment results

[27:30] How diagnosis day holds trauma

[29:11] Finding a specialist who has experience working with children who have AGS

[31:20] How Lauren found healing through coaching

[35:28] Lauren shares Leo's love language

[37:24] Self care is what works for your stress management

[39:22] What is driving your action and feelings?

[42:27] Our definitions of being a good mom

Connect:

Lauen's Coaching Website

Lauren's Instagram Page

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

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

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.

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