In this personal episode, host Katelyn shares details about the feeding journey- from challenges to small wins with her daughter Goldie, who was born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). From navigating tube dependence to completing an intensive feeding therapy program, Katelyn opens up about one of the most isolating aspects of caring for a medically complex child. If you're a heart parent or anyone dealing with pediatric feeding challenges, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and...
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In this personal episode, host Katelyn shares details about the feeding journey- from challenges to small wins with her daughter Goldie, who was born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). From navigating tube dependence to completing an intensive feeding therapy program, Katelyn opens up about one of the most isolating aspects of caring for a medically complex child. If you're a heart parent or anyone dealing with pediatric feeding challenges, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and...
In this personal episode, host Katelyn shares details about the feeding journey- from challenges to small wins with her daughter Goldie, who was born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). From navigating tube dependence to completing an intensive feeding therapy program, Katelyn opens up about one of the most isolating aspects of caring for a medically complex child. If you're a heart parent or anyone dealing with pediatric feeding challenges, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and...
This episode could truly be a game changer for our CHD community. As parents and patients, we spend so much time navigating the challenges of congenital heart disease in the present — managing appointments, procedures, and uncertainty. But many of us also think about the future. How can we help our children grow into adults who confidently manage their own care? How can adult patients find the resources they need to stay informed and supported through every stage of their journey? Today, we’r...
In this solo episode, Katelyn opens up about a topic that many medical moms experience but rarely talk about: the profound isolation that comes with transitioning from hospital to home. While everyone celebrates discharge day, the reality of caring for a medically complex child at home can feel incredibly lonely—even when surrounded by support. Katelyn shares her personal experience navigating life after Goldie's heart surgeries, from managing continuous tube feeds to accepting that recovery ...
In this conversation, Katelyn McMahan speaks with Allison Millar, a fellow heart mom, about her daughter Cora's journey with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Cora is now three and a half, and has undergone two surgeries. Allison and Katelyn discuss the challenges of navigating interstage care, the emotional weight of a prenatal diagnosis, and the importance of community support. Allison and her husband had to plan to deliver and relocate to a different state for Cora’s surgical care, a...
In this conversation, Katelyn McMahan speaks with Amelia Woods, a fellow heart mom and founder of Heart Like a Mother. They discuss Amelia's son Henderson's journey with congenital heart defects, the importance of community support for parents navigating medical motherhood, and the creation of her children's book, 'A Boy Born Brave.' Amelia shares her mission to advocate for families facing similar challenges living in locations where you have to travel for surgical intervention. She talks ab...
In this conversation, host Katelyn McMahan speaks with Dr. Jennifer Cropp about her personal journey with her son's heart condition and the importance of building connections in pediatric care. They discuss navigating the complexities of healthcare for medically complex children, the significance of continuity of care, and the need for parents to advocate for their child's health. Dr. Cropp shares insights on preparing for school, fostering independence in children, and the mental health chal...
In this conversation, Katelyn sits down with Hannah Keime from HeartCharged. Hannah Keime was unexpectedly diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) her first month of high school. A year later, she received an implanted defibrillator due to the severity of her condition. Within months, it saved her life when she went into sudden cardiac arrest in her sleep. Hannah created the organization HeartCharged with her sister, Bethany, who also has HCM and an ICD. They have won a number of awa...
In this episode, Katelyn McMahan and her husband recount their transformative journey to Boston Children's Hospital for a life-saving in utero procedure for their daughter Goldie, who was diagnosed with congenital heart defects. They share the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for the procedure, the chaos of travel logistics, and the overwhelming support from family and the CHD community. The couple reflects on the significance of their experience, the medical advancements that made ...
In this conversation, Katelyn McMahan sits down with Mary Jenner, a former pediatric oncology nurse and the owner of The Butterfly Pig, a company dedicated to creating medical toys that make healthcare more child-friendly. They discuss the importance of play in pediatric healthcare, the journey that led Mary to starting this business, and the various ways The Butterfly Pig supports families and healthcare systems. The conversation highlights the significance of representation in medical play ...
In this episode, host Katelyn McMahan interviews her father, Steve, about his experiences growing up with congenital heart defects (CHD). They discuss the medical challenges he faced, the advancements in cardiac care over the years, and the emotional impact of living with a chronic condition. The conversation also touches on the generational aspects of CHD, the importance of advocacy for patients, and the role of faith and family support in navigating these challenges. Steve shares his reflec...
In this episode, host Katelyn McMahan shares her personal journey as a mother to Goldie, who was diagnosed with congenital heart defects during pregnancy. She discusses the emotional impact of the diagnosis, the medical complexities involved, and the various surgical pathways available. Katelyn emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for open conversations about the challenges faced by families with medically complex children. The episode aims to provide hope and resources...
In this conversation, Katelyn sits down with Sarah Michelle Boes, who shares her journey as a mother of a child with congenital heart defects. Sarah discusses the unexpected diagnosis of her daughter, the emotional and psychological challenges she faced, including grief and guilt, and the complexities of navigating the healthcare system as both a parent and a medical professional. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, the realities of living with a heart condition, a...
In this conversation, Lauren Celeskey Bednarz shares her journey living with a congenital heart defect, specifically a single ventricle condition. She discusses her early diagnosis, the challenges of growing up with a heart condition, the dynamics with her siblings, and the importance of mental health advocacy. Lauren emphasizes the need for support within the CHD community and how she finds hope despite the challenges she faces. Her story serves as an inspiration for others navigating simila...
This podcast is about Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), complex medical journeys, parenting through uncertainty and the deep resilience of walking through big life changes. Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom to three girls whose life was changed in an instant when she found out her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She went searching to hear about kids with a similar diagnosis and wanted to see the life they were living. She didn’t want the curated, polished stories so sh...
In this personal episode, host Katelyn shares details about the feeding journey- from challenges to small wins with her daughter Goldie, who was born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). From navigating tube dependence to completing an intensive feeding therapy program, Katelyn opens up about one of the most isolating aspects of caring for a medically complex child. If you're a heart parent or anyone dealing with pediatric feeding challenges, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and...
