233: From NICU Nurse to NICU Mom: Premature Twins born at 33 weeks - Brittney's Story

233: From NICU Nurse to NICU Mom: Premature Twins born at 33 weeks - Brittney's Story

Author: Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist October 30, 2024 Duration: 35:13

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"Being both a NICU nurse and a mom transformed how I view and support each child and family I work with."

In this episode host Katie Taylor speaks with a NICU nurse and mother, Brittney, who shares her unique perspective on navigating the healthcare system from both sides; a NICU nurse and NICU mama. Brittany reflects on her journey as a NICU nurse who then became a NICU mom of twins, describing how her experiences inspired her to write a NICU-themed children's book and launch a publishing company. Her story highlights the emotional, mental, and logistical challenges of parenting in a NICU environment and how she uses her experiences to support families facing similar journeys.

Key Insights and Lessons:

  • Value of Empathy and Shared Experience: Brittney's journey as a NICU mom brought a new level of empathy to her work, allowing her to connect deeply with the parents she now supports.

  • Empowering NICU Parents: Brittney emphasizes the importance of empowering parents with hands-on involvement, helping them gain confidence in their caregiving roles despite medical complexities.

  • Advocating for Comfort in the NICU: Encouraging parents to bring personal items, create a nurturing space, and advocate for their emotional needs helps make the NICU environment feel more like home.

  • Navigating the Unknowns of NICU Life: For Brittney, the hardest part of the NICU experience was the slow, unpredictable progress toward discharge, which she now prepares her patients' families for, emphasizing resilience and patience.

Resources and Tips:

When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels!

Links and Resources:

  • 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the Child Life On Call App's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface.
  • 92% of parent users say the Child Life On Call App helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better.
  • 80% of parents believe the Child Life On Call App has contributed to better health outcomes for their child.
  • 73% of parent users believe the Child Life On Call App has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare

Learn more here.

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.

Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

 


Hosted by Katie Taylor, a Certified Child Life Specialist, Inside the Children's Hospital is a quiet space for the often unspoken journey of pediatric illness. This podcast moves beyond the clinical to explore the human heart of the hospital, offering conversations that feel more like a shared cup of coffee in a waiting room than a formal interview. You'll hear directly from parents and caregivers who articulate the complex mix of fear, resilience, and love they experience, while pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists provide their unique professional perspectives on fostering healing and normalcy. The discussions naturally delve into the practicalities of family life disrupted, the emotional weight carried by all involved, and the small, profound moments of hope that sustain people. It’s a resource for anyone connected to a child’s health challenge, whether you're a family member seeking solidarity, a friend looking to understand, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and humanity. Each episode aims to validate the listener's own feelings, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or reflecting on one, by presenting these authentic narratives without sugarcoating yet always with profound compassion. Tune in to find a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the delicate, powerful work happening within those walls.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inside the Children's Hospital
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