Episodes
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In today’s episode, we chat with Taylor and Joey about their daughter Lily, who was born on February 25th, 2018. Two days after Lily was born, she was diagnosed with Zellweger syndrome.
During this episode, the couple talks about the ups and downs of the transition bringing Lily home and the grief of Lily passing away six months after she was born. Taylor and Joey discuss how their organization Lily’s List is helping other families in need and they also share details about how our listeners can get involved.
The couple mentions how grateful they are to many people who have helped during their journey, including family, friends, GFPD, along with the geneticist and hospital staff that took care of Lily.
You can follow the couple on Instagram @lilyslist2018! You can also access the Lily's List website at lilyslist.org.
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Today we speak with Jen Allison, mama to Jack AKA Mighty Jack! Jen first shares their experience learning of Jacks congenital heart disease diagnosis after rushing him to SickKids, a hospital in Toronto. She also gives us a raw insight of Jacks medical journey thus far.
Jen also chats with us about Project Mighty Hearts, which provides complimentary photography sessions to heart families in Toronto. Jen began Project Mighty Hearts after six months of being part of the SickKids family and has since then expanded with an ambassador program that allows other photographers across Canada to get involved! You will also hear all about the impact that Project Mighty Hearts is having on other families.
Follow Jen and her families journey on instagram and be sure to follow Project Mighty Hearts on instagram as well!
Thanks for tuning in for today’s podcast. We encourage you to check out our Facebook page @themamacommunity and also be sure to subscribe and review this podcast so we can grow our community and reach more parents like you!
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In today’s episode, we chat with Genie about her six-year-old son Roland, who received a diagnosis of ADNP syndrome at the age of four.
Genie talks about how she and her husband are dedicated to research and advocacy.
Genie also shares some practical tips that have helped her family along the way… including a mention of The Safety Sleeper that is made by Abram’s Nation.
During this episode, Genie also highlights the ADNP Foundation and the research being done at the Seaver Autism Center.
Be sure to follow Genie on Instagram @genierice!
Subscribe and review our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
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In today’s episode, Brittany shares the story of her daughter Dylan, who lived 6 weeks before passing away peacefully on October 13, 2018. Brittany talks about the ups and downs, and how through those 6 weeks, more and more people grew to love Dylan while being able to see her personality shine through. Brittany also mentions how connecting with other moms on social media has helped her cope with her tremendous loss and also advocate in carrying on the memory of Dylan.
You can follow Brittany on Instagram and be sure to check out the story she wrote on CarryingToTerm.org!
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In today’s episode, we chat with Carolyn and Stephen about their daughter Evelyn. We are a bit delayed in posting this episode so a belated congratulations to their family on the birth of their third child, Merrit, who arrived in October. The rest of this episode is all about Evelyn, who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Her parents have created a movement called Evelyn’s Voice, which is meant to raise awareness and find a cure for Rett syndrome. They hope to use Evelyn’s story to not only change people’s lives, but to make a significant impact in finding a cure.
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In today’s episode, we chat with Keina and her husband Anthony about their daughter Faith. They learned of Faith’s Hirschsprungs Disease diagnosis at the 2.5-month mark and through this interview, they share the resources and support they tapped into to help their family through the tougher times. The parents describe Faith as a loving, caring girl… and during the holiday season, their Instagram account features Faith singing Jingle Bells non-stop and even delivering a fruit basket to a local nursing center.
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In this episode of the Baby Nation Show, we chat with Cassie, the mother of 5 kids, including 2-year-old Kenai. We recorded this episode back in October, just a few days shy of Kenai’s birthday. In 2016, Kenai was born with several heart defects and through this interview, Cassie talks about how her son has battled many hurdles in his first two years of life. She describes him as positive, funny, and mentions that he likes to roughhouse and knock his toys down.
Cassie also gives a shout out to Heart Heroes, who donated a cape to Kenai, and Littlest Warriors for their wonderful messages on different shirts that Kenai wears.
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In today’s podcast, we’re thrilled to share a conversation we had with Christy and Dan about their two children Andy and Katie, who both battle neonatal diabetes. The parents discuss the ups and downs of receiving varying diagnosis information, and they also give advice to themselves as they reflect on the past nine years.
Christy and Dan describe their son Andy as a funny boy who loves airplanes like his dad. As for Katie, she’s a determined problem solver who is caring and loving. Toward the end of the episode, Christy talks a bit about how blogging has been a form of therapy for her. You can follow the family on Instagram @kandylandmom or shop on their website at https://babieswithdiabetes.org/collections!
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In today’s episode, we chat with Aranely about her son Ayden. Throughout her son’s journey, Aranely has been a tremendous advocate in raising awareness for heart warriors. Throughout this interview, we also discuss Ayden’s loving personality which is showcased in his Facebook page titled Ayden’s Fulfilling Your Birthday Wish where he donates his own toys to kids in need. Ayden is truly an amazing kid as he also stands up to bullying with a passionate campaign that you’ll also hear about on this episode.
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On today’s episode, we chat with Darlene about her son Owen, who is just a few months shy of his 4th birthday. After being born as a micro preemie at 24 weeks, Owen was diagnosed with chronic lung disease. Darlene discusses the journey at the NICU and the support her family received from the local community, the staff at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego (@radychildrens), and the Ronald McDonald House (@rmhcsandiego). Among the many resources she highlights, the music therapy of Resounding Joy (@resounding_joy) also stood out. Darlene shares plenty of advice for parents throughout this heartfelt conversation.
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On today’s episode, we chat with Kali, who is the mother of three-year-old Eisley. Through the interview, Kali talks about finding support in the Down syndrome community after learning of her daughter’s diagnosis at birth. Kali provides advice for other parents and also shares plenty of fun stories about Eisley’s personality and love for life. Kali also highlights Club 21, a center in Southern California that provides tools and resources that enable individuals with Down syndrome to be fully included.
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On today’s episode, we are joined by Jessica and Aaron, who are the parents of Carter and Mason. These two boys were born at 28 weeks after their mother was diagnosed with a Mo-Mo Twin Pregnancy, meaning the babies shared one placenta and one amniotic sac.
Through our conversation, the couple shares the ups and downs of their journey, the adjustment to their recent return home, and much more. If you like today’s episode, jump onto iTunes and leave us a review! That will help us increase the reach of this podcast.
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A warm welcome to all of The Baby Nation! Thanks so much for joining us for Season 2 of The Baby Nation Show. For those that are new to The Baby Nation Show… Every Thursday, we share stories from families who have been through the journey of having a child with a medical diagnosis and everything that it entails.
In this episode, we reconnected with Cait, the mother of 1-year-old Calvin. We featured the family back in episode 33 and this time around, we went into more detail while talking about the support Cait has received from her husband, the ups and downs of the first year home after the NICU, and highlighted some advice she has for other parents. Enjoy the show and be sure to follow Cait on Instagram @caitmay2017.
We hope you enjoy today’s episode. Take a moment to leave us a review or rating on iTunes, and if you would like to connect with us, go to thebabynation.com and send us a message!
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In today’s episode, we chat with Amy about her daughter Serenity, who was a still born due to a rare birth defect called anencephaly. Amy talks about the parents she connected with on Facebook during her pregnancy and how she was offered doula services and an opportunity to raise awareness through a documentary. Also during this interview, Amy talks about one of the routines that has helped her with the grief… she’s found that writing to Serenity in a journal has been therapeutic.
Be sure to follow Amy's Instagram @pinkstarburst29 and visit anencephaly.info, too!
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In today’s episode, we chat with Tricia and Joel about their daughter Amelia, who will turn 2 in August. Amelia was born with Apert syndrome and during this interview, the couple talks about how they deal with Amelia’s feeding issues during her 5-day NICU stay. They also describe how some of the best advice they received came from an adult who has Apert syndrome as that individual reiterated to Tricia and Joel that Amelia would be OK.
The couple describes Amelia as a funny girl who has a bright smile. She also loves her older sister Jocelyn and copies everything she does.
Be sure to follow the family on Instagram @triciabrusk! Also throughout this episode, Tricia and Joel highlight a lot of great organizations, including @theablefables, Cranio Care Bears and @cuddlesforclefts.
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In today’s episode, we talk with Yolanda, who is the mother of two boys and one girl. Through the interview, she describes the NICU journey of her 10-month-old daughter Savannah, who was born at 23 weeks. Yolanda describes Savannah as feisty while the NICU nurses called her a diva.
The NICU stay lasted 120 days and during this episode, Yolanda talks about how she connected with Facebook groups and was reminded that the NICU journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
She also mentions how the experience taught her patience and forced her to go with the flow.
Be sure to follow @savvychronicles journey on instagram!
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In today’s episode, we talk with Randi, who is the owner of Kid Cope Specialists. She created her own private practice as a child life specialist after she became a new mom, took a leave from work, and recognized a gap in service within her community.
Through this interview, Randi talks about gaining clients in her area through Facebook, how play therapy is a key part of the help she provides children, and also the support that her family provides as she continues to pursue her passion as a child life specialist.
Be sure to check out Kid Cope Specialists on Instagram! Also during this episode, Randi mentions some very helpful books, including: The Invisible String and The Kissing Hand.
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In today’s episode, we chat with Stephanie, who shares the story of her son Grady, who will celebrate his first birthday this Saturday, March 24th! Through this interview, Stephanie talks about her son’s diagnosis of Osteogenesis imperfecta Type 3, also referred to as OI.
She mentions how connecting with other parents through Facebook groups has helped her tremendously. Stephanie also describes the bond between Grady and his older brother Gavin, who wants to be a bone doctor when he grows up.
Be sure to check out Grady's Instagram @gradyquintal!
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In today’s episode, we chat with Reginae about her two-year-old son Skyler. She talks about how the family learned of Skyler’s heart defect in May 2017 when he was 1.5. Reginae was able to connect with other parents through Facebook groups, where she was able to ask questions and feel supported as she researched the diagnosis.
Through this conversation, Regine reflects on how last year was a dark time for Skyler but he didn’t let anything get to him while showing the family the need to be grateful for every little moment.
On January 23, 2018, Skyler celebrated his 2nd birthday and he’s described by his mother as a spunky and fun loving boy! Follow Regine's Instagram @reginexwilliams!
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In this episode, we are sharing the interview we did with Rachel about her 11-month-old daughter Lainey. After giving birth at the 24-week mark, Rachel battled through her own health issues as Lainey started a NICU stay that lasted 135 days.
Through this conversation, Rachel talks about how she and her family formed a tremendous bond with the NICU nurses who loved Lainey like she was their own. Rachel also mentions how t-shirt sales helped cover the cost of her hospital stay while she was on bedrest. She describes Lainey as a sassy girl with plenty of willpower.
Be sure to follow Rachel's Instagram @rachel_mlewis and read her blog, too!
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