In this episode about parenting a child with infantile spasms, Katie Taylor, a certified child life specialist, has a profound conversation with Hailey, a resilient mother navigating the complexities of raising a child with a disability. Join us as we delve into Hailey's journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs of parenting under extraordinary circumstances.

"It's not always about thriving in the traditional sense; sometimes it's about finding small victories in our daily struggles and embracing them." - Hailey Adkisson

About the Episode:

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Hailey, a mother from the Pacific Northwest, and her blended family. Hailey shares her experiences managing her professional life while being a dedicated caregiver to her youngest child, diagnosed with infantile spasms. The discussion also touches on the significance of mindfulness and the power of being present, especially during challenging times.

From the episode with Hailey and Katie, here are three key takeaways:

• The Importance of Advocacy and Community: Hailey emphasizes how advocacy and connecting with a community have been vital for her. She discusses the therapeutic aspect of advocating for her child and how it has helped her connect with other families in similar situations.

• Challenges and Adaptations in Parenting: The conversation highlights the difficulties of parenting a child with medical complexities. Hailey shares her experiences of managing work-life balance and the adjustments she and her family have had to make to accommodate their child's needs.

• Mindfulness and Presence in Caregiving: Both Hailey and Katie touch upon the theme of mindfulness in caregiving. They discuss the challenges of staying present and mindful while dealing with recurring medical crises and the importance of finding ways to disconnect momentarily without losing focus on the child's needs.

"I've learned so much from my daughter. Even though the journey is tough, it has opened my eyes to a different kind of love and strength." - Hailey Adkisson

In our enlightening talk with Hailey, we discover the often-overlooked realities of caregiving and the resilience it fosters. Her parenting journey is a testament to the strength found in adversity and the importance of mindfulness in the face of life's challenges. We hope this episode inspires and provides valuable insights to caregivers and families facing similar journeys.

You can buy Hailey's book, What is Epilepsy?, on Amazon.

About Katie Taylor, CCLS and Child Life On Call:

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform revolutionizing pediatric healthcare by putting parents at the center of the medical journey. With over 13 years of experience as a certified child life specialist, Katie has made significant contributions to the field of child life and the families she’s served with over a decade of working at the bedside. She is an accomplished author, engaging child life and entrepreneurship speaker, and the Child Life On Call Podcast host. Katie's work emphasizes the vital role of child life services in supporting caregivers and enhancing children's medical journeys.

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