We Saved You a Seat

Pregnancy and Addiction, Part Two: A Family Story of Struggles, Recovery, Sobriety and Pre-Mature Birth

Excited to have you join us for part two of our "Pregnancy and Addiction" podcast. Today Traci addresses Liam’s birth and some of the things she did and has done to help her maintain sobriety. 

 

Traci gives us a glimpse into what it’s like to live with an addiction and pregnancy as she attempts to permanently conquer the addiction, which has controlled her for so long.

 

Please continue to listen as she shares hope, strength and wisdom for others who are trying to overcome an addiction. 

 

We shared at the end of our last podcast about the STAR Prenatal program; STAR stands for Substance use Treatment And Recovery (STAR); and the STAR Prenatal Clinic at OU Health Sciences Center seeks to provide prenatal care for those with an addiction and coordinate treatment and mental health services at the same time.  Please check here for more information on the STAR Prenatal Clinic:  https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas/treatment/children-youth-and-family-services/stars-program.html

 

Again, thank you for joining us today and hope you will, once again, open your heart to compassionately hear more of Traci’s words and story!!

 

#Addiction #STAR #Recovery #Prematurity #SubstanceUseAndPregnancy #Strength #Support #Sobriety 

 

Pregnancy and Addiction, Part One: A Family Story of Struggles, Recovery, Sobriety and Pre-Mature Birth

On today's podcast we discuss pregnancy and addiction with our guest Traci Cates, who is a mother living sober, who survived a life of addiction and has the incredible desire to help others understand addiction. She wants to help young women experiencing addiction and pregnancy find hope, support, and share more about her sweet baby boy who helped her find strength to seek sobriety and maintain it, for him.

 

We have separated Traci’s podcast into two releases and today you will hear the historical piece of her addiction, the challenges she faced every time she tried to gain or maintain sobriety, and her desire to have and live a full life with her kids.

 

We are so proud of Traci and extremely touched she is willing to share her experiences so others may understand addiction and find the support they need.

 

Thank you for joining us today as you open your heart to compassionately hear Traci’s words and story!!

 

STAR (Substance use, Treatment And Recovery) Prenatal Clinic Information: https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas/treatment/children-youth-and-family-services/stars-program.html

 

#Addiction #Recovery #PregnancyAndAddiction #STARSPrenatalProgram #SubstanceUseTreatementAndRecovery #Prematurity #NICU #Sobriety #Strength

Addiction and Family Support Through Hope is Alive, with Amy LaRue

Today, we have saved you a seat, to hear how Amy LaRue's faith and support from others played an impactful role, as she has dealt with addiction in her home and how gathering the right tools and support united her family.

 

Amy now works for Hope is Alive as the Finding Hope Coordinator and we are excited for you to hear more about how you can get involved and find support, if someone in your family is living in or recovering from an addiction.

 

Thank you, Amy!  Thank you for sharing your heart and giving others hope as they seek out support.

 

Hope is Alive will host a retreat entitled: Journey to Joy.  This retreat will be held in Tulsa on March 25-27, 2022 and we hope you will consider attending if you find yourself impacted by someone you love and their addiction. You can find more information on the retreat by clicking here:

 

https://hopeisalive.net/finding-hope/journey-to-joy-retreat/

 

To learn more about sober living, support groups, or to ask questions, you can check out their website at:  FindingHope.Today

 

Amy's Contact Information Is: 

Amy@hopeisalive.net

 

Retreat: Journey to Joy

March 25-27

Postoak Lodge & Retreat (Tulsa, OK)

$275 Individual

$425 Couple

 

#Addiction #HopeIsAlive #HIA #Recovery #SoberLiving

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness with Nanna Leaper

February 7th-14th is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week... Go Red Day is February 4th, 2022 and the entire month of February has been designated as American Heart Month.

 

Today, we are excited to introduce you to Nanna Leaper, her amazing children and the impact of congenital heart disease (CHD) has on their life.  You will learn about Parker's prenatal diagnosis, his journey through multiple surgeries, and hear a little about what they anticipate for his future.

 

Thank you, Nanna, for sharing Parker's journey with us and giving us a glimpse into your day-to-day routine with Parker, to keep him healthy and strong.

 

#CHD #CongenitalHeartDisease #CongenitalHeartDefect #GoRedDay #MendedLittleHearts #CICU #NICU #PediatricHeart 

Prematurity Awareness Month: Melanie Hollins

Today we welcome Melanie Hollins to the podcast as she discusses her delivery at just 25 weeks gestation.  You will hear her story and how she processed the birth of her beautiful daughter Emily.  She also speaks to the things she did that helped her survive mentally and physically, 156 days in NICU, not knowing from day to day what the outcome might be, but believing the truths she spoke out loud and over her daughter each day.

 

Thank you Melanie for sharing your story, family and journey!

O‘Connor Family (Part Two): G-Tube, Cochlear Implant, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, and Hope

Welcome back to Part Two of our conversation with Mandi and Cristina.  

 

Today's podcast takes us further and deeper into the journey after Laurel was discharged from NICU and how they worked to obtain answers that might explain some unique attributes, as well as, bring closure to "momma gut" questions.

 

Positive attitudes, kindness in inquiry, surgeries, IEPs, cochlear implants, and so much more are discussed in this episode.  

 

If you missed part one, please catch up with their story by clicking here:  https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gbvyb-10fc4e8

 

#HIE #HypoixIschemicEncephalopathy #NICU #TermBaby #40and1 #NICUAwareness #Surviving #Fighter #GTube #Seizures #MiracleBaby #NewbornHearingScreening #H4H #HeartsForHearing #Therapies #GeneticTesting #HearingLoss #KabukiSyndrome

O‘Connor Family (Part One): Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, NICU, and So Much More

We are excited to introduce you to Laurel O'Connor and her Moms today!!

 

Carrying a baby to term is one incredible experience, and when a mother reaches 40 weeks gestation, one often thinks, nothing can go wrong now.  Today you will hear Mandi and Cristina describe Laurel's delivery and NICU experience.  You will hear how their excitement transitioned quickly; their hope turns to unbearable grief; and then grief to elation as they transition home!  The transition home came with a few challenges, and today you will hear them share their journey, strength and positive outlook on life!!

 

We have saved you a special seat today, to hear a small piece of their journey with beautiful Laurel!!

 

#HIE #HypoixIschemicEncephalopathy #NICU #TermBaby #40and1 #NICUAwareness #Surviving #Fighter #GTube #Seizures #MiracleBaby #NewbornHearingScreening

A Copper Penny For Your Thoughts: Episode 17 - Vacations, Celebration of Life, and Birthday

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Evan!!!

 

Join us today and on Evan's birthday!!  You'll hear about his celebration of life and hear how his parents are processing each day without him here; moving forward, choosing joy!!

 

Jump in and hear how Lauren works hard to choose joy every day, about the trips they've squeezed in as they learn to move forward with Evan, and hear how Lauren anticipated and processed her plans for this day!! 

 

Today, Lauren and Sam, we help you celebrate your boy, Evan!!

Breastfeeding and NICU...

"NICU Moms are my Heroes" - Quote from Cheryl Coleman as we discuss breastfeeding and pumping while in the NICU.

 

Today you will hear a beautiful and candid conversation with a Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates Board Member and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) Cheryl Coleman on the tough topic of breastfeeding our baby while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

 

Cheryl is a retired lactation consultant. She has been a registered nurse for over 45 years and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for 10 years.  She served as the lead for Hillcrest Medical Center's Baby-Friendly designation.

Prior to working at Hillcrest, Cheryl worked as an Education Specialist and Clinical Nurse Manager at Oklahoma State University Medical Center. She has served as a board member with the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) for 14 years in various capacities, including Director of Public Relations, Secretary, President-Elect and President. She was on the faculty for ICEA Basic Teacher Training and Postnatal Educator Workshops for many years.

Cheryl lives in Verdigris, Oklahoma with husband, Bob. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Cheryl is passionate about Sooner sports, the Chicago Cubs, Oklahoma City Thunder, breastfeeding families, and doing the Happy Breastmilk Dance.

 

 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month - Kids Joining Eternity (KJE)

Sixteen years ago today (10/7/2005) JB and Melanie Edwards endured a loss no young family ever thinks will happen to them.  Their sweet girl, K.J., (born still), would help them create the organization we know and love, Kids Joining Eternity.  

 

Today, you'll hear Melanie share her story and the reason they pour their heart and soul into supporting families across the state who have lost a child to pregnancy and infant loss.

 

Kids Joining Eternity (KJE) partners with many wonderful organizations to help hurting or grieving families know they are not alone and there are ways to move forward with their baby, their experience, and the grief they now carry.  KJE also provides wonderful peer-to-peer opportunities ranging from coffee shop gatherings, dinner groups, family gatherings, and ceremonies to help kick off Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

 

Listen in today, as Melanie and JB celebrate and honor the life of their first born, Kendal Janae on what is her sweet 16 and discover how they help impact the lives of precious families, not only during the month of October, for pregnancy and infant loss awareness, but throughout the year.

 

 

#PregnancyAndInfantLossAwareness #KidsJoiningEternity #SweetSixteen #Stillborn #BornStill #BornSleeping #Miscarriage #InfantLoss #1in4