This PAEDS Small Talk mini series is a little different to our regular programming. Instead of chatting with parents and children, in light of International nurses Day on the 12th of May - we are going to speak with 5 incredible paediatric nurses who will share their journey into becoming children’s nurses and the diverse roles that they have now. We discuss the amazing highs and the very real lows of nursing along with some nurses humour along the way (blanket trigger warning for all the body fluids here!). 

This episode we talk with Isabelle about her journey from a Science degree to paediatric ICU and then all the way to leadership where she applies a 'human centred' philosophy.

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visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

In this heartwarming episode of Paeds Small Talk, we delve into the extraordinary lives of Sarah Hunstead and her daughter, Izzy, offering an intimate glimpse into their daily challenges and victories.

Sarah, is a seasoned paediatric nurse with a rich background in paediatric emergency care and founder of CPR Kids , and shares her unexpected journey into the world of autism, sensory processing disorder, and OCD, after her daughter Izzy’s diagnosis.

Through their story, you  will discover the nuances of navigating the healthcare system from a dual perspective: a professional within and a parent in need. This episode breaks down the walls of misunderstanding surrounding neurodiversity, with Izzy providing vibrant insight into her world, her interests, and how she copes with her diagnosis in her everyday life.

From discussing the impact of societal expectations to offering a fresh viewpoint on autism representation in the media, Sarah and Izzy’s narrative is of understanding, and empowerment for parents and professionals  individuals navigating similar paths.

Their honest discussions on the importance of finding the right healthcare partners, embracing one’s identity, and fostering a supportive community encapsulate the essence of strength in adversity.

Tune in to be inspired, educated, and moved by their journey, shedding light on the vibrant spectrum of neurodiversity and the special bond between a mother and her daughter.

We give a shout out to Yellow Lady Bugs in this episode and would also like to link to Doctors Without Boarders  who are working in the conflict in Gaza

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

In part two of our special Sweetheart Day episodes with Maddie she is sharing her story of York, who has aortic stenosis, a severe heart condition.

She poignantly recounts the heart-wrenching moment when she and her husband, Josh, had to perform CPR on York, they affirm the profound bond they share with the PICU staff and the exceptional medical team.

Despite the hurdles, York's story radiates hope and resilience, attesting to the strength of the human spirit when faced with the unimaginable.

 This episode sends a shoutout to Heart Kids, an Australian charity that supports and advocates for those affected by congenital heart disease.

Heart Kids
PAEDS Education

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visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

This episode is part one of two episodes where we have a heartfelt conversation with Maddi, the mother of York, who born with a congenital heart defect known as Aortic Stenosis.

Maddi's recounts her unfathomable journey through York's diagnosis, multiple surgeries, and the struggles of reconciling everyday life with living in the hospital. Maddi gives us a raw, intimate look into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world of paediatric intensive care.

In honor of Feb 14th, Sweetheart Day, this episode serves as a tribute to little heart warriors and their families, shedding light on their strength, resilience, and the often-underrecognised situations they face. Our charity shout out goes to Heart Kidsy who support families and children with Congenital Heart Disease.

Trigger warning for late term medical abortion and childhood death in this episode.

We talk about a few advanced concepts in this episode, if your interested in finding out more, here are some good places to start...

Aortic Stenosis
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
'ECMO' - Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation or Extra Corporeal Life Support
Ventilation support
'The Oscillator' - High Frequency Oscillation Ventilation

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

Turning 18 and becoming an adult is a big deal in anyones life.

In the health system when you have a disability, illness or complex medical condition you move from paediatric centric care to adult care at around this time. This means that not only the model of care changes but the person is now potentially more responsible for their own health decisions than they were before.

In this episode we chat with Nat who has cerebral palsy how can we better support individuals and families to move from paediatric to adult models of care. We also listen to Nat reflect on her memories as a child growing up with a disability.

This episode does discuss the misuse of benzodiazepines, and we direct you to reconnexion if you would like further information regarding benzodiazepine dependence, withdrawal, anxiety, insomnia or depression

A shout out to the Cerebral Palsy Support Network a Not For Profit disability service provider in Victoria.

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

In this episode we are speaking with Kate who is a mum of 3. Her eldest child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) early in life.

Kate describes her experiences the diagnosis in New Zealand, the struggle of acceptance, the lack of immediate support post-diagnosis, and her pursuit to ensure her daughter reaches her full potential.

We also explore how Kate juggles her many balls, including parenting her other children, living in an isolated farming area in NZ and running her own business DediKate.

The discussion also reveals the importance of validating feelings, seeking appropriate resources, and building supportive networks.

We give a shout out to the Isolated Children's Parents Association www.icpa.com.au
You can also check out Kates business http://kateiveryfitness.com
Some resources for Autism in NZ  http://altogetherautism.org.nz and http://autimnz.org.nz/support-from-us/

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

We are back for part two with our chat with Mim!

In this episode, Mim discusses her second pregnancy and birth which was a little earlier than her first. Although she had some experience of prematurity the first time around and knew a little of what to expect from a NICU admission, Covid struck! Being a parent to a sick child in NICU, while your husband and other child are a few hours away, with Covid restrictions thrown in the mix, its not easy that's for sure.

Little Griffin (and we mean little!) had a bit of a complicated journey home, and Mim and her husband found themselves back and forth a few times having conversations about end of life care. But Griffin has surpassed all odds and lives at home now with the support of a loving care team that help Mim and her family navigate life with a child ventilated full time via a tracheostomy. 

But the best part is hearing about Griffin and his brother Spencers beautiful sibling relationship, the unique and amazing individuals they are, and how Mim, her family and their support team plan to help this dynamic duo continue to have their zest for life and help them take on the world.

Shout out again to the fantastic Heart Felt Photography 
http://heartfelt.org.au

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

Mim had quite a long journey to parenthood, with struggles with infertility. When she and her husband finally did welcome their first born into the world it was a bit earlier than they had planned at 27 weeks gestation. She discusses the experience of being a first time Mum to a new baby in the NICU and brings with it her insights as being a nurse herself. This is such a unique episode with some important discussions around how we hold space for grief and feelings when things are tough. This is part one of two episodes.

This episode we shout out to Heartfelt Photography a volunteer organisation of photographers that give the gift of special memories to families who have experienced still birth or have children with serious life threatening illness.

Some resources for parents with babies in the NICU or Special Care and for pregnancy loss;
Miracle Babies
Lifes Little Treasures
The Pink Elephants Support Network
Sands

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

Maddi found herself stepping into a carer role at the age of 13 while she watched as her mother became more affected by the symptoms associated with Huntingtons Disease. She discusses what that role looks like to a teen who is still finding their own purpose and identify in the world and yet dealing with concepts beyond their years. Her bond with her mother and the joy to have had the beautiful relationship they shared shine through the difficulties of loosing her too soon.

This episode we talk about Huntington's Victoria and Motherless Daughters Australia if you also would like some resources to support unpaid carers check out Carers Australia or of siblings of children with complex medical needs - check out Siblings Australia 

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au

When Claire was  pregnant with her second child, antenatal scans revealed that he had a congenital heart disease and a high chance of a Trisomy 21. Whilst she and her family were coming to terms with this information she went into labour at 37 weeks and little Max was rushed across to PICU for his first open heart surgery.  

We spoke with Claire about the whirlwind and rollercoaster that having a child in the PICU from birth for heart surgery can entail and also the added challenge of doing this in the peak of COVID restrictions and lockdowns in 2020.

Claire shares such an amazing insight on not only her experience as a mother, but that of Max and the whole family during this unpredictable time in their lives. We are even blessed with a guest appearance from Max part way through the poddy.

One of Claires big take homes is how we all work together as a team when a child is sick in hospital to work towards that shared goal of the child's best interests. 

We give a shout out and donation from this episode to the marvellous twenty one gifts twentyonegifts.com and the Abbey Solo Foundation www.abbeysolofoundation.org head over to check out these amazing NFP and throw your support behind their amazing visions.

If you would like to learn more about T21 you can head to downsyndrome.org.au and lots of details about congenital heart disease at heart kids.org.au

Support the show

visit our website at www.paedseducation.com.au