"I've learned so much in this whole process. It's like you have a depth inside of you that resurrects as an advocate and high alert, and it lives inside of you when you need it." -Aspen, Willa's Mom In this episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor and guest...
Episode 143 | Emily’s Story – Staying Organized as a Medical Parent
Podcast Show Notes
On today’s episode of the podcast, Emily Lemke shares how to stay organized as a medical parent. Emily’s expertise comes from being a medical parent herself and a clinical social worker. She shares about her own journey navigating the world of being a medical parent and the passion behind creating The Medical Mama Compass. You will learn how to manage everything that comes with this title without becoming overwhelmed.
[1:52] Introducing her family
[2:38] Nora’s premature birth and 97 day NICU stay
[4:26] Coming home from the NICU with a G-Tube
[5:48] Finding a feeding tube solution for Nora
[7:15] Feelings surrounding taking your medically complex baby home from the hospital
[8:40] Solution focused mindset
[11:10] How to help manage the new equipment
[12:20] Learning all about health insurance
[16:00] The Medical Mama compass uses (A first time discharge MUST have!)
[16:37] Document everything, even for insurance. it is a practical way to advocate
[17:58] Keep track of your child’s progress no matter how small
[19:06] Ask questions to gain understanding
[20:08] Keep a big picture view as much as possible
[21:01] Taking care of yourself
[24:00] In order to cope you have to think about it
[26:37] What Nora has taught Emily
Connect with Emily
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- Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
- Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
- Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure
The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn’t send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you’re facing.
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