A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis: Traumatic Birth, Micropreemie Twins & the Power of Hope {REPOST}- Savannah’s Story (247)
Release Date: 03/26/2025
From Bedside Nursing to Butterfly Pig: A Mission to Reduce Pediatric Medical Trauma Through Play (263)-Mary’s Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“The tears legitimately just turned to curiosity—and she wanted to play.” – Mary Jenner, BSN and Founder of the Butterfly Pig Meet Mary, a former pediatric oncology nurse turned full-time entrepreneur and founder of The Butterfly Pig. In this heartfelt episode, Mary opens up about how play transformed her bedside care, her daughter’s unexpected NICU stay due to HIE, and how she’s now helping families and clinicians reduce pediatric medical trauma through imaginative medical play tools. Listen in to discover how Mary's passion is revolutionizing how we empower kids and...
info_outline
"Can You Invite Her In?" — A NICU Story: Healing & Advocacy [REPOST] (262)- Tanisha's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“I was pumping in the NICU, feeling completely disconnected—and my husband looked at me and said, ‘Can you invite her in?’ That moment changed everything. A nurse handed me a swab, I gave my baby colostrum for the first time, and I thought, ‘I’m a mommy.’” – Tanisha NICU mom and advocate Tanisha shares her deeply moving journey through an unexpected fetal diagnosis, a 157-day NICU stay, and the powerful moments that helped her reconnect with motherhood. Diagnosed at 20 weeks with Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO)—a rare, life-threatening condition—Tanisha’s son...
info_outline
How to Talk with Kids About Disasters, Illness, and Other Tough Topics
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
In the wake of recent flooding in Central Texas, Katie Taylor—child life specialist and mom—pauses the regularly scheduled episode to speak directly to parents navigating uncertainty and grief. Whether you're facing a natural disaster, a scary news event, illness, or another tough moment, Katie offers a compassionate and practical framework to help guide difficult conversations with your child. Drawing from both her professional experience and personal moments with her own daughter, Katie walks you through a 5-step process to ensure these talks are grounded in safety, emotional connection,...
info_outline
When your Child is Diagnosed with Leukemia: Wisdom from a Cancer Parent (260)- Laura's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
When Laura's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, her world stopped. What followed was a powerful journey through fear, resilience, and fierce advocacy. In this episode, Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree—a lifelong educator and now author of The Cancer Parent’s Handbook—opens up about the most terrifying day of her life, how she transformed pain into purpose, and why parent-to-parent support is critical in the childhood cancer community. Her reflections are raw, heartfelt, and offer wisdom for every parent facing a medical diagnosis with their child. 🗝️ 5 Key Topics in This Episode: ...
info_outline
Navigating Childhood Loss Through Storytelling (259)-B.R.'s Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
This episode is dedicated to Katie’s dear friend Joe, who recently passed away, leaving behind his wife and two young sons. Joe’s story reminds us to live in alignment with our purpose and to cherish the people we love. In this heartfelt episode of the Child Life On Call podcast, Katie Taylor speaks with B.R. Duray, an author, filmmaker, and storyteller whose debut children's book, The Mood Swing, is rooted in his experience of losing his father at the age of 10. With it being Father’s Day this past weekend, this conversation takes on even deeper meaning. B.R. shares how grief has shaped...
info_outline
How a Nurse Practitioner Faced Her Daughter’s Tetralogy of Fallot Diagnosis (258)- Sarah's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our episode sponsor, reStickity®. Their innovative, mess-free reusable sticker sets allow families to personalize hospital spaces with familiar photos and comforting images, helping bring a sense of home to the hospital. To learn more, visit and use code CLOC10 for an exclusive discount available to our listeners. In this inspiring episode, we meet Sarah Michelle Boes—nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and mom to Meadow, who was diagnosed in utero with Tetralogy of Fallot and multiple congenital heart defects. Sarah brings a powerful trifecta...
info_outline![The NICU Dad Experience: A father’s view from the NICU [REPOST] (257)-Alex’s Story show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/36833885?height=50&width=50)
The NICU Dad Experience: A father’s view from the NICU [REPOST] (257)-Alex’s Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
What happens when your world changes with a single phone call? In this powerful reposted episode, NICU dad and advocate Alex Zavala shares his emotional journey of fatherhood after his daughter was born at just 27 weeks. From the emergency C-section and NICU stay to the emotional toll of the "NICU dad shuffle," Alex opens up about the lesser-heard experience of dads navigating medical trauma, guilt, and resilience. As the host of the NICU Dad Podcast, Alex continues to amplify the voices of fathers facing similar experiences. This conversation is an essential listen for NICU families and...
info_outline
Helping Kids Swallow Pills:Tips and tricks for Parents from a Child Life Specialist (256)-Adina's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
Learning to swallow pills can be a major milestone—and a big challenge—for many kids. In this episode, certified child life specialist Adina Levitan joins host Katie Taylor to break down the myths, fears, and best practices behind teaching children how to confidently swallow pills. From her clinical expertise to creative solutions like affirmations, games, and candy "pill" practice, Adina walks us through her unique approach to supporting kids and parents through this skill-building process. Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, or a parent trying to help your child at home, this episode...
info_outline![A Microtia Atresia Diagnosis: Hearing Aids, Surgery and a Journey of Hope [REPOST] - Kim's Story(255) show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/36580225?height=50&width=50)
A Microtia Atresia Diagnosis: Hearing Aids, Surgery and a Journey of Hope [REPOST] - Kim's Story(255)
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“You make the best decision for yourself and your family—and you stick with it.”- Kim Pena What happens when you’re handed unexpected news at your child’s birth—and there’s no clear roadmap ahead? In this reposted episode, educator and mom Kim Pena shares her powerful journey as the parent of a child born with Microtia Atresia, a rare congenital condition affecting the ear. Kim was one of Katie’s very first guests on the Child Life On Call podcast, and her story is still a listener favorite to this day. In this repost, Katie kicks off the episode by giving us a quick...
info_outline
Blended Tube Feeding for G-tube fed Kids & Adults: How a dietician empowers families through food - Hilarie’s Story (254)
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
What if blending real food could transform your child’s tube feeding experience—and your entire family’s daily routine? In this inspiring episode, registered dietitian and new mom Hilarie shares how her career in pediatric nutrition led her to create , a platform and supportive community designed to help families explore real food options for children with feeding tubes. Hilarie and Katie have an insightful conversation about doing what works best for your family and how it is not an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to tube feeding. From clinical frustrations to practical...
info_outline“It wasn't any kind of strength within myself that helped me get through the NICU. It was the strength they had—they gave it to me.”- Savannah O'Malley
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 birth plan is shattered in an instant? For Savannah, the unexpected arrival of her micropreemie twins at just 24 weeks turned her world upside down. One of her sons faced significant medical challenges, including brain bleeds and a cerebral palsy diagnosis, while the other grew without complications. Through it all, Savannah found healing in advocacy, art, and the power of sharing her story.
In this moving episode, we explore:
✅ The emotional and medical complexities of delivering micro-preemie twins
✅ How a cerebral palsy diagnosis reshaped their family’s journey
✅ The silent struggle of maternal mental health after a traumatic birth
✅ Why peer support and storytelling matter in healing and advocacy
✅ How Savannah’s Cards of Hope project is making a difference for other NICU moms
Savannah’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible strength of mothers navigating complex medical journeys. Whether you're a NICU parent, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered.
Timestamps & Key Topics
⏱️ [00:00] – Episode Intro
-
Welcome to today’s episode featuring Savannah O’Malley
-
The importance of sharing NICU and maternal mental health stories
⏱️ [01:00] – Meet Savannah
-
Mom to three, including twin micro-preemies
-
Advocate for maternal mental health and children with disabilities
⏱️ [03:00] – The Unexpected Arrival: 24-Week Twins
-
How Savannah’s pregnancy took a sudden turn
-
Navigating a traumatic birth and immediate NICU admission
⏱️ [09:00] – The Medical Rollercoaster Begins
-
Brain bleeds, heart complications, and emergency surgeries
-
Balancing hope with overwhelming medical challenges
⏱️ [13:00] – A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy & Hydrocephalus
-
How Lachlan’s brain injury shaped their early intervention journey
-
The emotions of receiving a CP diagnosis and shifting expectations
⏱️ [24:00] – Maternal Mental Health: The Hidden Battle
-
Why Savannah struggled with PTSD and anxiety
-
The moment a medical professional finally validated her trauma
-
Why maternal mental health screenings should extend beyond the NICU
⏱️ [30:00] – The Power of Peer Support
-
Finding community in other NICU and disability moms
-
How social media became a lifeline for connection and hope
⏱️ [38:00] – Turning Pain into Purpose: Cards of Hope
-
How Savannah combined her love for art with her advocacy
-
Sending free, uplifting artwork to mothers of traumatic births
-
How small acts of kindness can have a profound impact
⏱️ [44:00] – Lessons from Motherhood & Advocacy
-
Why Savannah wouldn’t change a thing about her son’s journey
-
The importance of celebrating progress, not just milestones
-
How caregivers can find strength in their child's resilience
⏱️ [50:00] – Where to Find Savannah & How to Support Cards of Hope
-
How you can receive or gift a Card of Hope
-
Why sharing your story can be the start of healing
Resources & Links
📌 Sign Up for a Card of Hope: SavvyJane.com
📥 Follow Savannah’s Journey on Instagram: @SavvyJaneOMalley
🎨 Support the Cards of Hope Project: Purchase art prints to fund outreach
🎧 Listen to more episodes: Child Life On Call
Share Your Thoughts!
Did Savannah’s story resonate with you? Have your own experience with micropreemies or maternal mental health? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media.
🎙️ Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more families find these powerful conversations!
🔗 Follow us on Instagram: @childlifeoncall
📩 Contact us: [email protected]
The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.