TODAY is a Good Day Podcast SoftStix Productions LLC

Parenthood is an adventure for all of us. Today’s guest knows this adventure well. Lena Young and her high school sweetheart husband are the parents to nine beautiful children including a set of twins and a set of quadruplets born nearly 8 months ago. Lena is a stay at home mom sharing her family’s adventures through her Instagram page - "Raising our Youngs." You can follow Lena at @raisingouryoungs.On this episode you will hear:* Lena's multiple NICU experiences from premature to full-term;* Lena's advice for families going through the experience of being the parent of a full-term child in the NICU;* How the experience of welcoming a full-term baby might differ from welcoming premature children into the world;* What it felt like going back into the NICU after having had a prior childbirth experience;  * Lena will discuss what is feels like taking one step forward and 2 steps backward in the NICU (Lena will share advice on how you can get through it); * Lena experienced a miscarriage, and she shares her perspective from that experience with you;* We always say “You can cry as much as you want!” when sharing your NICU experience; today - nearly 12 years later, Martha still cries at times; Lena shares how she worked through her emotions during her NICU journey; * Lena shares her experiences breastfeeding multiples;* When you graduate from the NICU, you can feel like you are going into this whole new “easy” chapter, but that is not always the case - Lena talks about her family’s chapter post-NICU;  * Lena talks about the transition home with her older kids;* Lena talks about the follow up appointments she has to have now that her children are are post-NICU; and,* Lena shares the biggest piece of advice she wants to give others about parenthood.Please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel.The TODAY is a Good Day Podcast is produced by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com (http://www.collegecastpodcasts.com/)). Visit collegecastpodcasts.com (http://collegecastpodcasts.com/) for more information and to check out other nonprofit podcasts.This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes, of SoftStix Productions LLC (www.softstixproductions.com (http://www.softstixproductions.com/)), in collaboration with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary, of One Fifteen Films LLC (www.onefifteenfilms.com (http://www.onefifteenfilms.com/)), and editor David DeLizza.Copyright 2020 to 2022, SoftStix Productions LLC.

Hearing about the NICU and becoming a NICU parent can be far from what you expect it to be. Advocating for your baby and learning how to navigate the ups and downs is important. Today’s guest knows this unique journey firsthand with her 26-weeker.On this episode you will hear:* Camille will share her journey to starting a family, with you;* You’ll hear what Camille knew about the neonatal intensive care unit before delivering prematurely, and what you should consider;* Camille will talk about what she did to advocate for her baby;* Camille discusses what was most helpful for her, when family members or friends asked how they could help;* Camille shares her advice for others who may not be sure how to ask for help from family and friends;* The NICU is a rollercoaster, Camille shares what she did to get through the difficult days;* Camille discusses her was the transition home from the NICU; * Camille’s sweet miracle is almost a year old, Camille shares what was most challenging for her after coming home; and,* Camille shares her biggest piece of advice that she would give to other families just starting their NICU journey.Please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel.The TODAY is a Good Day Podcast is produced by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com (http://www.collegecastpodcasts.com/)). Visit collegecastpodcasts.com (http://collegecastpodcasts.com/) for more information and to check out other nonprofit podcasts.This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes, of SoftStix Productions LLC (www.softstixproductions.com (http://www.softstixproductions.com/)), in collaboration with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary, of One Fifteen Films LLC (www.onefifteenfilms.com (http://www.onefifteenfilms.com/)), and editor David DeLizza.Copyright 2020 to 2022, SoftStix Productions LLC.

Finding the right OB/GYN and high risk doctor can be a difficult process for families. When do you ask to speak with a high risk doctor? What can they help you with during a pregnancy? Dr. Jack Fitzsimmons is here to answer these questions and more. Dr. Fitzsimmons grew up in Philadelphia attending both LaSalle College HS and LaSalle University followed by medical school at Hahnemann, Abington Hospital for his residency, and Jefferson Hospital for Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship. He worked at various University health systems, including University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, and Allegheny University of the Health Sciences followed by time at the FDA and within the pharmaceutical industry before returning to clinical medicine in 2005 at Hahnemann. Dr. Fitzsimmons moved to Virtua Hospital in New Jersey for several years and now supports families at Temple Health and Holy Redeemer. On this episode you will hear:* What inspired Dr. Fitzsimmons to become an OB/GYN, focusing on high risk pregnancies* The difference between an OB/GYN and a high risk OB/GYN* When a family should typically seek out a high risk OB/GYN for the first time* Whether families should ask to see a doctor (like Dr. Fitzsimmons) if they are having a baby for the first time* Some of the questions families should ask when they first learn they are pregnant and continue to navigate through their pregnancy journey* Dr. Fitzsimmons' advice to families expecting multiples (for example: How serious should you take a pregnancy with multiples?)* The biggest piece of advice Dr. Fitzsimmons has for families navigating a high risk pregnancy* Dr. Fitzsimmons shares a moment/situation that impacted him the most throughout his career If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.The TODAY is a Good Day Podcast is produced by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com (http://www.collegecastpodcasts.com/)). Visit collegecastpodcasts.com (http://collegecastpodcasts.com/) for more information and to check out other nonprofit podcasts.This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - www.softstixproductions.com (http://www.softstixproductions.com/), and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - www.onefifteenfilms.com (http://www.onefifteenfilms.com/), and CCO of CollegeCast LLC), and editor David DeLizza.Copyright 2020 to 2022, SoftStix Productions LLC/One Fifteen Films LLC/CollegeCast LLC.

A prenatal diagnosis is filled with unknowns, anxiety, and fears for parents. Today’s guest knows this experience personally after her son was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect at just 18 weeks gestation. Sarah Banach was always passionate for child development and wanting to be a mom. While in college and graduate school she turned to childcare as her career prior to becoming a teen therapist. * Sarah shares a little about her story of starting a family, with you; * Sarah discusses how she managed learning about her son’s diagnosis in utero, and what steps she took to help get her through her family's feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and fear; * Sarah discusses what her pregnancy looked like, after receiving her son's diagnosis; * Sarah shares how she prepared for her son's arrival and the “unknowns”; * You will hear about what helped Sarah the most during her pregnancy, to help get through each day; * Sarah discusses what her family's journey looked like, after Mikey (Sarah's son) was born;* Sarah shares the resources that she found to be the most helpful during her pregnancy and after Mikey was born; * Sarah discusses how her background in childcare and today, as a therapist, has helped her through this process; and,* Sarah shares advice she has for others who may be navigating a similar NICU journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.The TODAY is a Good Day Podcast is produced by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com (http://www.collegecastpodcasts.com/)). Visit collegecastpodcasts.com (http://collegecastpodcasts.com/) for more information and to check out other nonprofit podcasts.This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - www.softstixproductions.com (http://www.softstixproductions.com/), and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - www.onefifteenfilms.com (http://www.onefifteenfilms.com/), and CCO of CollegeCast LLC), and editor David DeLizza.Copyright 2020 to 2022, SoftStix Productions LLC/One Fifteen Films LLC/CollegeCast LLC.

Advocating for yourself and your baby can be challenging in the hospital. Feeling intimidated by the medical terminology and the equipment is understandable. The large team of doctors and nurses caring for your bab...

We hear about case managers supporting families in the NICU, but what is the role of a case manager and when do you need one? Also, what are social determinants of health and how do they impact a family navigating the NICU. We will hear answers to these questions and more with our guest today. Madeline Szabo is the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at Progeny Health, a national healthcare company dedicated to Maternity and NICU Care Management. The company serves women, infants, caregivers, and families through the milestones of maternal health — from conception and pregnancy to postpartum and parenting, with special expertise in managing premature and complex births and resulting NICU admissions. With over 25 years’ experience in the managed care arena, Madeline has developed a keen understanding of key aspects of the healthcare industry. Prior to joining ProgenyHealth, she served as Regional Director and Associate Vice President with both Molina Healthcare and Aetna. In these roles, Madeline developed and implemented programs to support lines of business that included commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid membership. Madeline earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bloomsburg University.On this episode you will hear:* You will hear about what inspired Madeline to get into this area of work;* How and when case managers get involved in a NICU case;* The role of a case manager;* Who families should connect with to ask for support, If a hospital is not working with Progeny Health;* A NICU Stay is very overwhelming for families, and they may not fully understand everything that is happening; you'll hear a discussion about what questions families should ask when they are admitted to the NICU;* We hear a lot about social determinants of health, and Madeline helps us understand what that means and how her team addresses these concerns; * Are there resources available for families who would be outside of the Progeny network;* The community partners ProgenyHealth works with to support families;* ProgenyHealth also has a special expertise in helping families and infants affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS); Madeline explains these conditions and how her team responds;* There has been a lot in the news about health inequities. We’ve read that Black Mothers, for example, have 3X the rate of maternal morbidity than white women. Madeline discusses how her work helps to “level the playing field” for all individuals;* Madeline shares how you can access case management services; and,* Madeline shares general tips for NICU Parents.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel, and share our podcast with someone who may need it.The TODAY is a Good Day Podcast is produced by CollegeCast LLC (www.collegecastpodcasts.com (http://www.collegecastpodcasts.com/)). Visit collegecastpodcasts.com (http://collegecastpodcasts.com/) for more information and to check out other nonprofit podcasts.This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes (SoftStix Productions LLC - www.softstixproductions.com (http://www.softstixproductions.com/), and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - www.