Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

Laura C Arroyo
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Whether you've just learned the difficult news of your baby's cleft lip/palate, you're in the middle of your cleft lip/palate journey, or you're a seasoned pro who knows the many challenges of children who are born with clefts all too well, this podcast is for you! Join your host, Laura C. Arroyo, mother of a daughter born with a cleft palate, in a weekly conversation about everything from feeding and speech therapy to surgeries and genetics. We'll share tips and advice from other moms who have been there and even share a little joy in the process. If you're a cleft mom, or if you know someone who is, please subscribe to the Our Forever Smiles Podcast. We're here to support you on your journey. Want to share your story or sponsor the show? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com

  1. 2d ago

    When You Know Something Isn't Right: A Mother's Journey Through Cleft Care | Kailey Kuck

    In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Kailey Kuck to share the emotional journey of welcoming her daughter, Ember, who was unexpectedly born with a cleft palate and additional medical challenges. Kailey Kuck opens up about navigating feeding difficulties, advocating for the right medical team, receiving rare genetic diagnoses, and learning to trust her instincts as a mother. This honest conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy, finding compassionate providers, and remembering that every child deserves to be seen for who they are, not their diagnosis. Whether you're navigating a new cleft diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone.

  2. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS: How I Survived the Hardest Year of My Life from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Karl-Anthony Towns has spent his life chasing championships, but his greatest lessons came far from the basketball court. In this heartfelt conversation with Jay Shetty, he reflects on grief, faith, family, and the moments that shaped the man behind the jersey. From honoring his late mother's legacy to embracing God's timing, discovering purpose beyond success, and building a love rooted in friendship, this episode is a moving reminder that who you become matters far more than what you achieve. Sometimes the greatest victories aren't the ones the world celebrates, they're the quiet moments when you choose to keep moving forward with hope. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Visit: https://www.statefarm.com/  On Purpose is now Netflix and Spotify exclusive  http://www.netflix.com/onpurposewithjayshetty  https://open.spotify.com/show/5EqqB52m2bsr4k1Ii7sStc?si=33f7898fb334437c  JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:51 Winning an NBA Championship 00:03:13 What Comes After Your Biggest Goal? 00:06:12 Slowing Down to Celebrate 00:07:38 The Walk That Changed Everything 00:11:17 Choosing Calm and Forgiveness 00:14:48 Finding Peace in Quiet Moments 00:17:03 Everyone Sees the World Differently 00:18:42 Confidence Starts at Home 00:20:09 Losing Family During COVID 00:22:42 A Final Conversation with Mom 00:26:12 Letting Go with Love 00:27:23 Making Every Moment Special 00:28:50 "You Should've Drank More" 00:31:24 Feeling Her Presence Again 00:31:48 Living with Survivor's Guilt 00:34:05 Everyone Wants to Be Heard 00:35:51 When Therapy Looks Different 00:38:04 The Coach Who Changed Everything 00:39:53 A Love Story Over Uno 00:40:27 From Friends to Forever 00:41:32 What We Learned from Each Other 00:44:22 The Luckiest Bag in Basketball 00:46:09 Traded Without Warning 00:48:43 Feeling Welcome in New York 00:50:06 The Ultimate Courtside Stress Test 00:52:48 Bouncing Back from Failure 00:54:26 The Pre-Game Routine 00:59:12 Playing for the Dominican Republic 00:59:42 Carrying Your Country with Pride 01:01:28 The Moments People Remember 01:03:24 Karl Anthony on Final Five Episode Resources: YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/KarlAnthonyTowns  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/karlanthonytowns/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/karltowns  X | https://x.com/KarlTowns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Jul 14

    Born with a Cleft Palate: Learning to Speak Up and Thrive | Delaney Yard

    What is it like to grow up with a cleft palate and learn to find your voice in a world that often feels intimidating? In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Delaney, a professional in the medical device industry who was born with a cleft palate, to discuss her personal journey through surgeries, speech therapy, self-confidence challenges, and ultimately finding the courage to speak up and advocate for others. Delaney shares what it was like for her family to receive a surprise cleft diagnosis at birth, her early memories of hospital stays and surgeries, and how years of speech therapy helped shape her communication skills. She opens up about childhood insecurities, navigating bullying, and the lasting impact cleft can have on confidence and self-expression. Together, Laura and Delaney explore the unique perspective of being born with a cleft palate, the importance of advocacy, and why encouraging children to use their voice can be one of the greatest gifts parents can give. Delaney also offers heartfelt reassurance to parents who may be facing a new cleft diagnosis, reminding them that their child can live a happy, vibrant, and fulfilling life. Whether you're a cleft parent, a cleft-affected adult, or a healthcare professional supporting craniofacial families, this conversation is filled with hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  4. Jul 7

    Finding Healing Through Art: Amy Hofland on Cleft, Compassion, and Community

    In this deeply moving episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Amy Lewis Hofland, Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, Texas, and an adult born with a cleft lip and palate. Amy shares her personal journey growing up with cleft, navigating years of surgeries, childhood bullying, self-image challenges, and the emotional realities that often went unspoken within families. Together, Laura and Amy explore the lasting impact of cleft beyond the operating room, discussing resilience, identity, family dynamics, and the importance of emotional support for both children and parents. Amy reflects on how art, mindfulness, compassion, and community became powerful tools for healing throughout her life and career. The conversation also touches on sibling experiences, beauty standards, public speaking, parenthood, advocacy, and how creating spaces for silence, reflection, and connection can help individuals affected by cleft thrive. Amy offers heartfelt encouragement to parents currently facing a cleft diagnosis, reminding them that their child is whole, beautiful, and capable of living a full and meaningful life. Whether you're a cleft parent, an individual born with a cleft, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking inspiration through stories of resilience and compassion, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and perspective. Links: Buy Me a Coffee Pocket Sunrise - Amy Hofland on IG Oral Fixation Video

  5. Jun 30

    The 100 Cleft Portrait Tour: Building Community Through Storytelling

    In this powerful and hope-filled episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with three incredible leaders in the cleft and craniofacial community: Suzanne Santomieri, Stephanie Hassen, and Jessi Hill. Together, they discuss the emotional realities of supporting cleft families, the importance of community care, and the exciting launch of the 100 Cleft Portrait Tour. This moving conversation explores what it truly means to walk alongside cleft families — from prenatal diagnosis through surgeries, school years, and beyond. Suzanne and Stephanie also share their personal experiences as cleft moms, while Jessi offers insight into the deeply impactful role of a cleft care coordinator. The episode also highlights the inspiring work behind the 100 Cleft Portrait Tour, a nationwide art exhibit created by UK artist Katie Manning, featuring 100 portraits celebrating the beauty, resilience, and individuality of people born with clefts. Families attending the North Carolina stop can expect art, connection, storytelling, community activities, and the opportunity to meet other cleft families who truly understand the journey. In this episode, you'll hear about: What cleft care coordinators actually do behind the scenes Supporting families through prenatal cleft diagnoses The emotional realities of parenting a child with a cleft Why visibility and storytelling matter in the cleft community The power of community events and peer support The future of cleft advocacy and care Details about the 100 Cleft Portrait Tour coming to North Carolina This episode is a beautiful reminder that cleft families are never alone — and that healing happens not only through surgeries and treatment, but also through connection, representation, and shared experiences. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  6. Jun 23

    From Cleft Provider to Cleft Mom: Dr. Jordan Virden's Story

    In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with pediatric dentist and cleft mom Dr. Jordan Virden for an honest conversation about navigating the cleft journey from both sides of the chair. As a volunteer on the Johns Hopkins Cleft Team and a first-time mom to baby Eli, Jordan shares what it was like receiving a prenatal cleft diagnosis despite already working closely with cleft patients throughout her professional career. Together, Laura and Jordan discuss the emotional reality of hearing "your baby has a cleft," preparing for labor and delivery, feeding challenges, lip adhesion surgery, and the unique perspective of being both a provider and a parent. Jordan also offers valuable insight into cleft-related dental care, including missing teeth, extra teeth, oral hygiene concerns, and what parents should expect as their child grows. In this episode, you'll hear about: Receiving a cleft diagnosis during the anatomy scan Preparing emotionally and medically for birth Lip adhesion surgery and recovery Feeding with specialty bottles and the blue disc system Common dental differences in children with clefts Preventing cavities and oral health complications The emotional toll of surgeries and returning to work postpartum Advocacy, resilience, and supporting cleft families This conversation is full of warmth, reassurance, practical guidance, and hope for parents navigating life with a child born with a cleft lip or palate. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this episode reminds you that your child can thrive — and so can you. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  7. Jun 16

    Why Are Babies Born with Clefts? Genetic Counselor, Robin Imagire Answers

    In this deeply informative and compassionate episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Bethea sits down with longtime genetic counselor Robin Imagire to unpack one of the biggest questions cleft families ask: Why did this happen? With over 30 years of experience working alongside craniofacial teams, Robin shares honest insight into the complex world of cleft genetics, including what "multifactorial" really means, why most clefts don't have a clear-cut answer, and how environmental and genetic factors may work together. Laura also opens up about her daughter Giselle's cleft palate journey, her family's experience with genetic testing, and the emotional weight many parents carry while searching for answers. Together, they discuss: Why NIPT testing often doesn't detect clefts Common syndromes associated with cleft lip and palate Pierre Robin Sequence, Van der Woude syndrome, and 22q deletion The truth about the MTHFR gene and cleft rumors online Whether clefts can be prevented The emotional side of receiving a diagnosis as a parent This episode is filled with reassurance, practical education, and the reminder every cleft parent needs to hear: you are not alone, and this is not your fault. Whether you're newly diagnosed, navigating surgeries, or simply trying to better understand your child's cleft journey, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and hope. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  8. Jun 9

    Building Community Through Cleft Motherhood: A Greek Mom's Cleft Journey

    In this deeply moving episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Maria, a cleft mom from Greece, to share her powerful journey of navigating a prenatal cleft diagnosis, unexpected fear, and finding strength through motherhood and community. Maria opens up about the emotional moment she learned her son had a cleft lip, the devastating and ultimately incorrect Down syndrome scare she received from her first doctor, and how that experience forever changed her as a mother, wife, and advocate. She shares the realities of cleft care in Greece, where resources and feeding supplies are limited, and how a small but passionate Facebook community of cleft families became a lifeline of support. Together, Laura and Maria discuss NICU experiences, surgery fears, feeding challenges, postpartum emotions, and the incredible resilience parents discover when advocating for their children. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that no matter where you are in the world, cleft families are connected through love, courage, and community. Whether you are newly diagnosed, preparing for surgery, or simply searching for reassurance, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and less alone. Links: Greek FB Group Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

See All (128)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Whether you've just learned the difficult news of your baby's cleft lip/palate, you're in the middle of your cleft lip/palate journey, or you're a seasoned pro who knows the many challenges of children who are born with clefts all too well, this podcast is for you! Join your host, Laura C. Arroyo, mother of a daughter born with a cleft palate, in a weekly conversation about everything from feeding and speech therapy to surgeries and genetics. We'll share tips and advice from other moms who have been there and even share a little joy in the process. If you're a cleft mom, or if you know someone who is, please subscribe to the Our Forever Smiles Podcast. We're here to support you on your journey. Want to share your story or sponsor the show? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com

Information

You Might Also Like