Libsyn Directory

Against the Odds: A Mother’s Journey with Breastfeeding and Cleft Palate Diagnosis with Anne Giocondini-Rodriguez

Release Date: 06/19/2024

Cleft Trauma Coaching and The 100 Cleft Portrait Exhibition with Katie Manning

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this inspiring episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo is joined by Katie Manning, a trauma coach, artist, teacher, and cleft mom whose work is reshaping how we understand the emotional landscape of cleft parenting. Katie opens up about her experience raising a child with a cleft while also being married to someone who is cleft affected. Together, they discuss the internal tension Katie faced when sharing stories that weren’t fully her own and how she ultimately found purpose in building a platform for healing and connection. Katie shares the heart behind launching The 100 Cleft...

Breaking the Ice: Sam Rosen on Growing Up with a Cleft Lip and Palate and Owning His Story

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with Sam Rosen, a cleft lip and palate–affected adult who shares his remarkable journey from being adopted in Bulgaria to finding his voice and confidence through hockey. Sam opens up about what it was like navigating multiple identities, the unique challenges of growing up with a cleft, and how his mother’s unwavering love and his father’s sense of humor helped shape his outlook on life. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the resilience within our community and the strength that comes from being truly seen and...

Beyond Tired: How Cleft Lip and Palate Impact Sleep with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this eye-opening episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with pediatric sleep expert Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown to explore the often-overlooked connection between cleft lip and palate and sleep challenges in children. From airway obstructions and breathing difficulties to the emotional toll of sleep deprivation on families, Dr. Brown shares her expert insights on how cleft conditions can significantly disrupt sleep. Together, they dive into safe sleep practices for cleft-affected infants, what parents should know about sleep studies, and how to advocate for proper evaluation...

How Trauma Coaching Helped a Cleft Mom Heal with Stacey Hussell

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

When Stacey Hussell learned that her son would be born with a cleft lip—just like she was—she was flooded with emotions. In this episode, she opens up about the weight of passing down her diagnosis, the fears and guilt that came with it, and how trauma coaching helped her navigate the emotional toll. Join Laura and Stacey for a raw and inspiring conversation about healing, acceptance, and finding strength as a cleft-affected mom raising a cleft-affected child. Links and Resources: ______________________________________________________________________________ Today's sponsor is sienna...

Each Journey is Unique: Lifelong Cleft Care and Compassionate Treatment with Dr. Huay-Zong Law

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this insightful episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Dr. Huay-Zong Law to explore his journey into cleft care and the deeper purpose that fuels his work. Dr. Law shares why he chose this specialty, his dedication to constantly improving as a surgeon, and how he has used social media to educate and connect with others in the cleft community. They also discuss the lifelong nature of cleft care, including the often-overlooked treatment of adult patients, and how each patient’s journey is truly unique. This conversation is a powerful look at dedication, purpose, and the lasting...

Surprised and Unprepared: Cleft Palate Birth Stories and the Gaps in Early Care with Brittnie Hampson

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with fellow cleft mama Brittnie Hampson @britthampson to share their deeply personal experiences of discovering their daughters’ cleft palates at birth—both born at UNC. They reflect on the shock of an unexpected diagnosis, the overwhelming emotions that followed, and the immediate challenges they faced—especially with feeding. Laura and Brittnie open up about the lack of nurse education they encountered in the hospital and how unprepared many staff were to support a cleft palate diagnosis. Together, they talk...

Choosing Love Without Hesitation: A Cleft Mom’s Response to Termination Offer with Erin Ulloa

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this powerful episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Erin Ulloa, a dedicated wife, mother, and full-time professional balancing life as a student and future history teacher. Erin shares her experience as an older mom navigating her son Oliver’s bilateral cleft lip diagnosis, the support she found through online communities and a colleague with a similar journey, and the challenges of balancing career, school, and motherhood. One of the most shocking moments in her journey came when she learned that, in California, termination must be offered by law when a child has a birth...

Reclaiming Birth: A Crunchy Cleft Mom’s Home Birth Journey with Daryion Mendoza

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this eye-opening episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Dariyon Mendoza, a mom of three who proudly calls herself a “crunchy cleft mom.” Dariyon challenges the notion that a cleft diagnosis automatically means a high-risk pregnancy, sharing her journey of advocating for natural births and creating the birth experience she wanted—despite her baby’s diagnosis. She opens up about her own home birth experience and her mission to empower other moms to know that they have options. Tune in for an empowering conversation about informed choices, trusting your body, and...

Three Diagnoses, One Unbreakable Love: A Mother’s Journey with Van der Woude Syndrome with Kimberly dela Concepcion

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this touching episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Kimberly dela Concepcion, a mother of three children—each born with a cleft lip and Van der Woude syndrome. Kimberly shares the raw and emotional realities of navigating multiple cleft journeys, from the heartbreak of each diagnosis to the deep love and gratitude she’s found along the way. She reflects on the strength of her children, how this journey has shaped her as a mother, and the resilience and unwavering love that keeps her going. This is a conversation about finding beauty in the challenges, embracing every...

Receiving a Unilateral Cleft Lip Diagnosis in Canada with Meagan Hughes

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Meagan Hughes to discuss her journey after receiving a unilateral cleft lip diagnosis for her son in Canada. Meagan shares the emotions she experienced, how she navigated the healthcare system, and the challenges of learning about her son's diagnosis. She also opens up about life in a blended family and how finding community has been essential in her journey. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the power of support. Links and Resources: ...

More Episodes

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Anne Giocondini-Rodriguez, a fellow mother whose son was born with a cleft palate, just like Laura’s daughter. Together, they share their unique journeys, diving into the emotional complexities of receiving the diagnosis at birth and the challenges that followed.

Anne opens up about her unexpected C-section and the moment she first saw her son’s cleft palate. She candidly discusses the initial fears and uncertainties she faced as a new mom, particularly around feeding options. With resilience and determination, Anne shares her inspiring experience of navigating the hurdles of breastfeeding—a rare feat for mothers of children with cleft palates.

Join us for a touching conversation filled with insights, struggles, and triumphs as Anne offers hope and encouragement to others on similar paths. Whether you’re a parent or simply interested in powerful stories of perseverance, this episode is sure to resonate with you. Tune in for a journey of love, resilience, and the unwavering bond between mother and child.

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First Bottle to Purchase After Palate Repair - Post Palate Repair Straw Trainer

Juselle’s Cleft Palate Bottle - Pigeon Bottle Specialty Feeder

Sippy Cup for Pre Palate Repair Prep - Munchkin 360

Weigh your Baby at Home - Weighted Feeds Scale

Squeezable Straw Training Bottle - Honey Bear Straw Cup

Free Flow Cup for Pre palate Repair Prep - Reflo Smart Cup

Pacifiers that have Worked for Cleft Lip and Palate Babies - Itzy Ritzy

Pacifiers that have Worked for Cleft Lip and Palate Babies - MAM

Pacifiers that have Worked for Cleft Lip and Palate Babies - Itzy Ritzy

Scar Cream Recommended by Alexis Garcia, Cleft Lip Mom - bioCorneum - Pricey**

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