Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
Katie Taylor, CCLS
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Top 10 Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Episode 166 | Lo’s Story - Milk Making, Breastfeeding and Lactation Support in the Hospital Setting
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
04/19/23 • 29 min
On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Lo Nigorish, certified IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Host of The Milk Making Minutes Podcast. Whether your journey consisted of breastfeeding or not she shares how lactation consultants can assist with feeding the NICU and beyond. Lo shares her heart and mission behind supporting families. Whether you are a parent of a baby in the NICU or a clinician, you will not want to miss this episode.
[4:21] Introductions
[6:05] Parents are experts
[7:04] Perceptions of what a lactation specialist is and does
[8:38] Listening is so important
[10:45] Helping families feel heard and supported
[13:00] Focusing on what you can do in those moments
[14:12] Bottle feeding support
[17:20] It's ok to say no
[18:50] The evolution of breast feeding
[20:47] Congenital Heart Defect Mama's breast feeding journey
[22:32] Support is key
[23:09] Reframing your mind and not comparing your journey during
[24:00] How Chelsea's Story inspired Lo to connect with Child Life Specialists
[25:00 ] Assessing needs as a clinician prior to seeing the parent
[26:00] Creating an inclusive community
[28:00] Judgement free support zone
Connect with Lo The Milk MakIng Minutes Podcast' Letting go of Breastfeeding Comparisons' episode with Chelsea Bea
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.
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202: Infantile Spasms, Healing from Trauma and Emotional Resilience
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
01/17/24 • 47 min
In this episode about parenting a child with infantile spasms, Katie Taylor, a certified child life specialist, has a profound conversation with Hailey, a resilient mother navigating the complexities of raising a child with a disability. Join us as we delve into Hailey's journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs of parenting under extraordinary circumstances.
"It's not always about thriving in the traditional sense; sometimes it's about finding small victories in our daily struggles and embracing them." - Hailey Adkisson
About the Episode:
This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Hailey, a mother from the Pacific Northwest, and her blended family. Hailey shares her experiences managing her professional life while being a dedicated caregiver to her youngest child, diagnosed with infantile spasms. The discussion also touches on the significance of mindfulness and the power of being present, especially during challenging times.
From the episode with Hailey and Katie, here are three key takeaways:
- The Importance of Advocacy and Community: Hailey emphasizes how advocacy and connecting with a community have been vital for her. She discusses the therapeutic aspect of advocating for her child and how it has helped her connect with other families in similar situations.
- Challenges and Adaptations in Parenting: The conversation highlights the difficulties of parenting a child with medical complexities. Hailey shares her experiences of managing work-life balance and the adjustments she and her family have had to make to accommodate their child's needs.
- Mindfulness and Presence in Caregiving: Both Hailey and Katie touch upon the theme of mindfulness in caregiving. They discuss the challenges of staying present and mindful while dealing with recurring medical crises and the importance of finding ways to disconnect momentarily without losing focus on the child's needs.
"I've learned so much from my daughter. Even though the journey is tough, it has opened my eyes to a different kind of love and strength." - Hailey Adkisson
In our enlightening talk with Hailey, we discover the often-overlooked realities of caregiving and the resilience it fosters. Her parenting journey is a testament to the strength found in adversity and the importance of mindfulness in the face of life's challenges. We hope this episode inspires and provides valuable insights to caregivers and families facing similar journeys.
You can buy Hailey's book, What is Epilepsy?, on Amazon.
About Katie Taylor, CCLS and Child Life On Call:
Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform revolutionizing pediatric healthcare by putting parents at the center of the medical journey. With over 13 years of experience as a certified child life specialist, Katie has made significant contributions to the field of child life and the families she’s served with over a decade of working at the bedside. She is an accomplished author, engaging child life and entrepreneurship speaker, and the Child Life On Call Podcast host. Katie's work emphasizes the vital role of child life services in supporting caregivers and enhancing children's medical journeys.
Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe During Procedures
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[Child Life 101] How to Have Difficult Conversations with Kids
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
06/12/23 • 2 min
So happy to share this "child life insight" with parents and professionals, but first let's answer the question:
What are child life specialists?Child life specialists are trained professionals who provide emotional support and guidance to children and families facing challenging life experiences. They are experts in helping children cope with difficult topics and ensure that children's development is as smooth as possible while going through challenging times.
In this episode, we talk about how caregivers navigate difficult conversations:Here's a break down of what we cover:
- First, take time to explore your own emotions around the information.
- Talk to your child about the situation in a way they can understand.
- Validate your child's emotions.
- Create a safe environment for your child to express their emotions.
- Encourage your child to name trusted adults and explore coping strategies.
Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe
Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids:
10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect
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.
Episode 17 | Torie's Story - A young adult with gastroperesis
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
03/26/18 • 45 min
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.
Episode 150 | Grandparents Guide to Supporting Their Kids + Grandkids during Illness
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
01/04/23 • 14 min
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.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 167 | Leah’s Story - A son with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
04/26/23 • 52 min
Katie and Cortney Given, host of the Mindset for Medical Moms Podcast, interview Leah Ward about her son Jackson and his journey with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS.) Leah shares the ups and downs of being a heart mom. Jackson received the gift of life through a Heart Transplant after he went into heart failure and was placed on the Berlin Heart for several months. Leah and Cortney's conversation (Cortney is a heart Mom too!) with Katie will leave you feeling inspired to live in each moment. You will not want to miss this episode of the podcast.
[6:50] Introductions
[8:40] 20 week ultrasound and subsequent echocardiograms
[9:57] The unimaginable grief of losing her older son months ago
[11:29] First surgery at 4 days old
[12:05] After Fontan surgery, Jackson developed a lung condition
[12:50] Rhinovirus caused Jackson to go into heart failure
[13:32] Jackson was put on a Berlin heart
[14:00] 15 month hospital stay
[15:14] Explaining to Jackson about his heart transplant
[16:00] Jackson's will to fight
[17:45] A sequence to to build up to the question
[19:00] Accepting reality that all life will end
[20:27] Advances in the medical field with the best quality of life
[22:11] How Leah supported Mae
[24:35] Grappling with the concept of finality
[27:14] Staying in the present
[29:35] It's ok to grieve the dreams you had for your children
[31:28] Letting yourself feel the feelings
[35:15] Taking things day by day
[36:31] Someone has lived through my worst fear
[38:30] You have be stronger than the diagnosis
[40:15] Advocate for your child
[43:00] Not having an end date
[48:33] Simple moments with family
Connect with Leah Connect with Cortney 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.
Episode 38 | Elizabeth's Story - A daughter with Leukemia
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
04/27/20 • 50 min
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.
Navigating HIE: Hope for Families, and Life Beyond the NICU [REPOST]- Betsy's Story (245)
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
03/12/25 • 49 min
"I remember sitting in the NICU thinking, ‘Am I going to lose my baby? Is this the best outcome for him? What will his life look like?’ And then I realized—I wasn’t alone in these thoughts. Other parents had been here before, and they found a way forward. That’s when I knew we needed a community like Hope for HIE." — Betsy Pilon, Founder Hope for HIE
We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more information about this product, and we invite you to learn more by visiting their website.
What happens when your child’s birth doesn’t go as planned, and you're suddenly navigating a diagnosis you never expected? For Betsy, the experience of welcoming her son Max was a crash course in resilience, advocacy, and finding a community that changed everything.
In this heartfelt episode, we explore:
✅ What HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy) is and how it affects newborns
✅ The emotional rollercoaster of an unexpected NICU stay
✅ How Betsy became involved with Hope for HIE and transformed it into a global support network
✅ The power of peer support, self-advocacy, and the importance of access to resources
Whether you're a NICU parent, healthcare professional, or simply looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this episode is for you.
📢 This Episode is a Repost!
We’re bringing back this powerful conversation with Betsy from Hope for HIE—an episode that resonated deeply with so many listeners. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting her inspiring journey, this story of resilience, advocacy, and community is one that never loses its impact.
Timestamps & Key Topics⏱️ [00:00] – Episode Intro
Welcome to today’s episode featuring Betsy and her journey with Hope for HIE
⏱️ [01:00] – Meet Betsy
How her son Max’s unexpected birth led to a life-changing mission
Her background in healthcare communications and how it shaped her advocacy
⏱️ [03:00] – The Start of an HIE Journey
Betsy’s pregnancy, the first signs of concern, and an unexpected emergency C-section
The overwhelming first hours and days in the NICU
⏱️ [09:00] – Understanding HIE & Cooling Therapy
What cooling treatment is and how it helps babies with HIE
The difficult reality of not being able to hold or interact with your baby immediately
⏱️ [13:00] – The Emotional Impact of NICU Life
Coping with uncertainty and the rollercoaster of NICU ups and downs
How self-advocacy played a role in making decisions for Max’s care
⏱️ [24:00] – Finding Hope for HIE
How a Google search connected Betsy with a community of families navigating the same diagnosis
The power of peer support in the rare disease and medical parenting world
⏱️ [30:00] – From Personal Experience to Advocacy
Turning lived experience into action by growing Hope for HIE into a thriving nonprofit
How Hope for HIE provides resources, education, and community for families worldwide
⏱️ [38:00] – Life After the NICU: Max’s Journey Today
Max’s growth, resilience, and the realities of life after an HIE diagnosis
Balancing family life, advocacy, and raising awareness
⏱️ [44:00] – Advice for NICU & HIE Families
What Betsy wishes she had known during those first days and weeks
The importance of connection, education, and taking things one step at a time
⏱️ [50:00] – How to Connect with Hope for HIE
Where to find support, resources, and get involved
The mission to ensure no parent faces HIE alone
Resources & Links📌 Learn More About HIE & Hope for HIE: www.hopeforhie.org 📥 Request Support Materials for NICUs & Families: Hope for HIE Resources 📲 Follow Hope for HIE on Instagram: @HopeForHIE 🎧 Listen to more episodes: Child Life On Call
Share Your Thoughts!Did this episode resonate with you? Do you have an HIE or NICU experience to share? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media.
🎙️ Subscribe & Review: If you found this episode helpfu...
Episode 171 | Dr. Kate Lund - Growing up with Hydrocephalus
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
05/24/23 • 43 min
Katie along with co-host Mijha from Jambo books interview Dr. Kate Lund, TedEx speaker, clinical psychologist and hydrocephalus warrior. She brings an incredibly important perspective as provider, patient and parent. Dr. Lund shares with us how the support she received throughout her childhood had a positive impact on her life and journey with hydrocephalus. From her wise words and experiences, you will leave this episode feeling empowered with actionable things you can do today. This message is so inspiring.
[4:00] Mihja shares about her daughter
[5:44] Dr. Kate introduces her self
[8:05] Wally, the Facility Dog
[9:36] Discussing support she received as a child
[11:24] Working hard put her ahead of the game
[13:00] Focusing on what you can do
[14:19] Diagnosed with hydrocephalus when she was 4
[15:53] Finding out she had 2 different kinds of tumors
[17:15] A Child Life Specialist became her friend during a hospitalization
[20:50] Katie shares how it is a choice who is in your room
[23:12] Modeling interactions for our children
[25:54] Understanding and appreciating differences
[27:46] The stakes are high with parenting
[29:19] Be open to connecting with your child's experiences
[31:25] Watching your child's passions emerge
[34:30] Helping your children find their happy place
[35:50] Communicating your child's needs
[38:24] Finding her voice
[40:00] Sitting with you reality
Connect with Dr. Lund 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.
Episode 69 | Liza's Story - A daugther with Lyme Disease
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
05/19/21 • 34 min
Episode 69 | Liza’s Story - A daugther with Lyme Disease “I don’t think I would have ever done the work on myself had it not been for my daughter’s struggle.”
Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist talks with Liza Blas from Very Happy Stories. We talk about:
+How Liza found her purpose and began her own healing journey +Liza believes her daughter's highly sensitive characteristics played into her chronic health issues +Resources to help other parents going through experiences like theirs Resources recommended in this episode for hospitalized families facing chronic health issues: Epidemic answers
We are sponsored by: Jambo Books
A Jambo Books subscription is like hitting the easy button for great diverse literature for your children. Every month, Jambo Books sends you 2 or 3 age-appropriate fiction books that star children of color. Jambo Books is a great gift for baby showers, birthdays, holidays or just because. Jambo serves children from birth to age 13.
Have you heard? The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022. Sign up to stay informed here.
Child Life On Call is a community of parents and professionals that share ideas, stories and resources to help YOU navigate your child’s unique experiences. We give you strategies to support yourself and your family through life’s challenges. We are so glad you are here.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support have?
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support currently has 257 episodes available.
What topics does Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support cover?
The podcast is about Doctor, Parents, Health & Fitness, Parenting, Kids & Family, Cancer, Medical, Family, Nurse, Medicine, Podcasts, Support, Kids, Disease and Child.
What is the most popular episode on Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support?
The episode title 'Episode 166 | Lo’s Story - Milk Making, Breastfeeding and Lactation Support in the Hospital Setting' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support?
The average episode length on Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support is 38 minutes.
How often are episodes of Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support released?
Episodes of Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support?
The first episode of Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support was released on May 11, 2017.
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