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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

(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

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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

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. 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. 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