Disability Parenting Podcast

Welcome, dear listeners, to another empowering episode of the Disability Parenting Podcast! Today's conversation is nothing short of essential for parents raising children with disabilities. Joining us is the incredible Danella Pochman, a pediatric nurse practitioner, and board-certified nurse coach.

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical topic of caregiver burnout, exploring its nuances and, most importantly, unraveling strategies to overcome it. Danella, the compassionate founder of Gravity Coaching, generously shares her expertise on recognizing and navigating burnout, offering a beacon of hope for parents facing the challenges of raising children with disabilities.

As a seasoned advanced practice nurse, Danella brings her unique insights to the table, guiding us through the labyrinth of overwhelm that often accompanies the journey of caregiving. We discuss the importance of self-care, validating the experiences of parents, and creating a life that truly loves them back.

Get ready for an enlightening conversation that transcends the clinical aspects, delving into the personal as Danella opens up about her own experiences and family. Tune in to discover actionable steps to prevent and manage caregiver burnout, fostering a resilient community where stories unite, and validation reigns supreme.

Links:

Disability Parenting Podcast Website: https://www.disabilityparentingpodcast.com/

Disability Parenting Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparentingpod/

Danella's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gravitycoachingllc/

Danella's Coaching Practice: https://gravitycoachingllc.com/

In today's episode, we're joined by Molly Ida, a wonderful mother navigating the journey of raising a child with Autism. Molly shares her insights into adapting expectations versus reality and the transformative impact of mentality on her parenting journey.

Molly, a Colorado native, opens up about her son Arlo's Autism diagnosis, highlighting four crucial mentality shifts that have profoundly shaped her experience. From embracing grief as a natural emotion to choosing "expectancy" over expectations, Molly's perspective offers invaluable insights for parents in similar situations.

Join us as Molly shares her personal journey, emphasizing the power of a positive mindset and the importance of celebrating each child's unique abilities.

Links:

Disability Parenting Podcast Website: https://www.disabilityparentingpodcast.com/

Disability Parenting Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparentingpod/

Molly Ida Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molly.ida/

In this episode, I invite you into one of the chapters of our family's story, navigating the landscape of our daughter's autism diagnosis. I open up about the early signs that prompted our journey, the emotional turbulence we faced while awaiting confirmation, and the unique ways I found both solace and struggle in the months after receiving her diagnosis. I also provide an update on where she is today and how we're doing as a family. Spoiler alert: we feel loved, finally supported, and have discovered a great balance of fun, therapy, and school.

Join us for a touching episode as I sit down with Amber Reynolds, the dedicated Mama to Harper, who has Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome (OCNDS). Amber shares her experiences, discussing the challenges and beauty of parenting a child with disabilities. Harper's impact on Amber's life is profound, inspiring her to see life through rose-colored glasses- just like her daughter does.

Amber also shares a beautiful tip on shifting perspective—from focusing on what her daughter couldn't do to celebrating all that she could. Don't miss this heartwarming conversation about shifting perspectives, the importance of community and what's really important in life.

Links:

Disability Parenting Podcast Website: https://www.disabilityparentingpodcast.com/

Disability Parenting Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparentingpod/

Amber Reynold's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambreynolds/

In our latest episode, we sit down with the incredible Tristina Pontiakos, a mother of 3 who made the courageous decision to leave her successful career and embrace the journey of becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom and caregiver to her daughter with Spina Bifida.

We discuss how the decision unfolded to the inspiring insights into balancing the roles of a mom and caregiver, Tristina shares her empowering story.

We chat about the support systems in place through her state that enable her to be both a dedicated stay-at-home mom and a paid caregiver.

Join us as we delve into the challenges, triumphs, and the delicate balance of motherhood, self-care, and personal identity.

Links:

Disability Parenting Podcast Website: https://www.disabilityparentingpodcast.com/

Disability Parenting Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparentingpod/

Tristina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrstristinapon/

Tristina Blog: https://adventureswiththepons.com/

Learn more about becoming a parent CNA in Colorado:

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/parents-as-their-childs-certified-nursing-aide-cna

The holidays are often portrayed as a magical time filled with joy and warmth, but for parents of children with disabilities, the reality can sometimes be quite different. In this episode, we're shedding light on the unique challenges our families face, from societal pressures to navigating family dynamics and everything in between.

But fear not! We're not just here to discuss the difficulties. Throughout the episode, we'll explore practical strategies, share personal stories, and offer a dose of inspiration. So, whether you're a parent on a similar journey, a friend seeking understanding, or just someone curious about the diverse experiences of families, you're in the right place.

Our first holiday-themed episode is all about crafting your very own Caregiver Wishlist to add a touch of serenity to this festive time and set the stage for a self-care-packed year ahead!

1️⃣ Mindful Moments: Explore the power of mindfulness with a subscription to a meditation app. 🧘‍♂️

2️⃣ Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to spa days or massages with gift certificates. 💆‍♀️

3️⃣ Time for You: Request a dedicated calendar space from your partner for personal time. ⏰

4️⃣ Practical Support: Dive into new skills with a subscription to a skill-sharing service. 🎨

5️⃣ Culinary Delights: Enjoy the luxury of meal delivery services or subscriptions. 🍲

6️⃣ Home Comforts: Make life easier with post-holiday house cleaning or monthly cleaning services. 🧹

8️⃣ Creative Expression: Try "The Caregiver Compass" for self-reflection and goal-setting. 🌟

9️⃣ Fitness and Wellness: Embrace yoga with a subscription for at-home or in-studio classes. 🧘‍♀️

🔟 Simple Joys: Subscribe to a favorite plant or flower delivery service for a mood boost. 🌺

1️⃣1️⃣ Luxurious Escapes: Elevate your self-care routine with bath or shower luxury accessories. 🛁

Tune in for more tips and inspiration on the Disability Parenting Podcast. Remember, self-care isn't selfish - it's necessary! 🌈✨

Links:

Expectful: https://expectful.com/

Aura: https://www.aurahealth.io/

Skill Share: https://join.skillshare.com/

Hello Fresh:https://www.hellofresh.com/

Little Spoon: https://www.littlespoon.com/

Caregiver Compass: https://thecaregivercompass.com/

Disability Parenting Podcast: https://www.disabilityparentingpodcast.com/

Message me to be a guest: https://www.disabilityparentingpodcast.com/blank-2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparentingpod/

If you are loving this podcast, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app!

In the Origin Story Episode, I take you on an intimate journey into the depths of our parenting adventure. From the moment we discovered we were pregnant, to the challenging diagnosis story, a turbulent and traumatic pregnancy and birth, a prolonged NICU stay and navigating an autism diagnosis- every twist and turn has shaped the profound story of the last 4 years with our extraordinary daughter.

Join me as I open up about the highs, the devastating lows, and the beautiful resilience that defines our family. This episode is more than a glimpse into our lives – it's an invitation to connect, to empathize, and to celebrate the strength that emerges from the most unexpected places 🤎

An episode all about who I am, why I created the pod, who this podcast is for and a sneak peak into upcoming episodes. I am so happy you're here!