TODAY is a Good Day Podcast

Navigating your baby’s health after discharge can be overwhelming. Our guest today will help us navigate the post-NICU experience with determining priorities and staying organized with post-NICU life. Dr. Kate Chappell is an Associate Professor with the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing and is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her PhD in Nursing from the University of South Carolina and has been a nurse for nearly 20 years. She worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care setting and as a Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Neurology and Forensics and Child Abuse. She has been part of the nursing faculty since 2007, teaching nurses and nurse practitioners. Her research and practice interests include family and healthcare provider vigilance for child abuse, creating equitable access to resources, integration of social determinants of health in nursing education, and resource support for children with specific healthcare needs. She serves as the Advocacy and Policy Chair for the Developmental, Behavioral, and Mental Health Special Interest Group in the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She is also the co-Program Director, alongside Dr. Victoria Davis, for two South Carolina based programs funded by US Dept. of Health and Human Services. One program, called Childcare Ready for All (or CRAwl), focuses on providing health need focused training and support for daycare and family care providers for children with a variety of health needs. The other program is BabyCoach, which focuses on providing nurse coaching support for families who have a baby leaving NICU or Special Care Nursery. Dr. Chappell is passionate about families feeling the emotional and material support they need to care for their child and feel secure in the care others are providing, to help families grow and stay strong and support the best outcomes for their children. On this episode you we discuss the following topics: - How Kate got into this line of work (in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit); When families graduate from the NICU, it can be overwhelming to manage all of the follow-up appointments. How Kate determines priorities for care and follow-up appointments; - Kate's advice for families on how to stay organized for their follow up appointments; - If families need help with finding specialists, who they should contact for help after graduating from the NICU; - Government and insurance funded programs available for families to look into; - The role of non-profit health & development organizations and programs to facilitate referrals and services; - The resources available to support mom and baby; - The roles of a case manager, NICU nurse, post-NICU nursing support/visiting programs, and how families know what these different roles can offer to support them; and, - The one piece of advice Kate gives to NICU families? 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). Visit 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, and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - 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.

Some families move from the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) during an extended hospital stay. What is the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit? How do you manage an extended NICU and PICU journey? Today’s guest will share more about her family’s journey with their 26-weeker, Eli, navigating from an extended stay in the NICU to their journey in the PICU and beyond. Karen Johnson is a Nigerian born and raised, naturalized American with 20+ years of professional experience in the field of Information Technology. As she will share with you, though, none of her life’s experiences could have prepared her for the journey with her son, Eli. On this episode you will hear: - You will hear about Karen Johnson's pregnancy journey and how it affected her family; - Karen experienced both the NICU and PICU, and she will tell you about the difference between the two; - Karen's transition to the PICU; - What helped Karen make it through each day; - The importance of journaling and writing; - How did Karen prepare to go home, after her extended stay in the NICU & PICU; - What appointments you may need to schedule before discharge; - What equipment you may need to learn about; - How to navigate all of that; - Karen's advice for other families coming home with equipment, from the NICU and PICU; - What Karen's journey looked like the past several years, with her son Eli; - Karen's biggest piece of advice for families navigating the NICU; and, - How Eli is doing today. 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). Visit 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, and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - 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.

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). Visit 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, and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - 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 baby can be overwhelming. Today we will discuss best practices for you to speak up and be a part of the care team for your baby. We will also hear about our guest’s personal journey as a caregiver. Today ‘s guest is Dwight McBee, Senior Vice President, Chief Experience Officer and Internal Health Equity Officer at Jefferson Health. In this role, Dwight has responsibility for managing the strategic priorities for the patient experience across the Jefferson Health system and has the responsibility of establishing the structures, processes and partnerships that build trust between patients, families and caregivers. In his prior role, Dwight served for four years as the Vice President and Chief Experience Officer for Temple University Health System, overseeing strategy and operations for the Offices of Patient & Community Experience, Food & Nutrition Services and Employee Health Services. In Dwight’s early career as a critical care nurse at AtlantiCare Health System in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he successfully led in various leadership roles on the journey to achieving the 2009 Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. He led innovations in satisfaction, employee recognition and equity programs in his role as Corporate Director. Dwight earned his Bachelors of Science (BSN) degree in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University, his MBA from Stockton University and is certified as a patient experience professional (CPXP) from the Patient Experience Institute. Dwight serves as a youth mentor for the Philadelphia Collaborative for Health Equity (P-CHE) and Temple’s Tools for Success Summer Youth Program. He is a volunteer for the American Heart Association, Gift of Life Family House and NJ Rett Syndrome Foundation. On this episode you will hear: - What inspired Dwight to go into patient experience, as a career path; - What family centered care is and more about Jefferson’s approach to this concept; - Dwight has worked with many patients and patients’ families over the years, and he shares what the first question you should ask the medical team members is; - The best way families can advocate for their baby (or a family member in the hospital); - After a hospital stay, how you can give feedback - either positive or negative, and where you should start with giving your feedback to the hospital; - Which team members, in a hospital, receive feedback; - Whether someone can really make an impact by providing feedback after their hospital experience, and the reasons why feedback is important; - Dwight shares more about his family’s personal journey, and his personal experience as a caregiver advocating for his daughter; - Dwight's advice for others just starting their family’s journey, navigating through appointments and setting up in-home care; and, - The moment that made the biggest impact on Dwight's work supporting families. 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). Visit 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, and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - 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). Visit 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, and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - 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.

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). Visit 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, and CVO of CollegeCast LLC), along with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary (One Fifteen Films LLC - 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.

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). Visit 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), in collaboration with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary, of One Fifteen Films LLC (www.onefifteenfilms.com), and editor David DeLizza. Copyright 2020 to 2022, 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). Visit 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), in collaboration with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary, of One Fifteen Films LLC (www.onefifteenfilms.com), and editor David DeLizza. Copyright 2020 to 2022, SoftStix Productions LLC.

We have an action-packed roundtable for this episode! We are honored to welcome three incredible neonatologists who have impacted more families than they know… Dr. Eddie Chang currently serves as the Chief of Neonatology at Jefferson-Abington Hospital, but more broadly believes that it is important to build teams that care deeply about children and their families. His experience includes founding medical practices, a seed-stage healthtech venture, and a Clinically Integrated Network focused on children. Board certified in both General Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Dr. Chang is a Castle Connolly/Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor and also holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he also studied as an undergraduate. He completed medical school at Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Pediatrics residency training at New York University. Finally he returned to Philadelphia where he finished his Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship training at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. Currently, Dr. Chang is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Jefferson and is interested in sustainable healthcare strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Cindy Dembofsky went to Univ of Ct for undergraduate where she met her husband and continued at the Univ of Ct for Medical School. She came to Philadelphia in 1992 when she began her Pediatric Residency followed by her Neonatology Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson/AI duPont Children's Hospital. She joined the Crozer Health System covering the Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Crozer Chester Medical Center NICUs after fellowship in 1998. She has been Neonatology Division Chief for the Health System since 2012. She is also a member of the Delaware County Baby’s First project. Dr. Jay S. Greenspan is the Professor of Pediatrics and Emeritus Pediatric Chairman for the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and Nemours. He is also a Trustee for the March of Dimes. Dr. Jay Greenspan received his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College, his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University, and his training in Pediatrics and Neonatal Perinatal Medicine at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He completed his MBA at Capella University. His research interests include neonatal pulmonary function, development and treatment. He is also involved in research on the prevention of preterm birth, healthcare reform and the medical home. On this episode: - The doctors discuss why they went into this area of focus helping NICU babies and families. - You will hear about how the doctors encourage parents to be a part of the care team and ask the hard questions on the parents' minds, even though the NICU is overwhelming and many families feel intimidated, anxious, and isolated walking through those doors each day. - Personal guilt about what happened with a premature birth can be difficult to work through. The doctors share how they walk parents through realizing the early delivery is not their fault. - You will hear about some resources for parents to look into to feel empowered. - You will hear about “NICUitis” and why is it important for families to leave the NICU and take a break. - We discuss what the doctors each tell parents when they start googling. - We breakdown the best advice for moms who need to ask for help. - We discuss advice for when families are nervous and getting ready to leave the NICU. - The doctors share their "one line" they have typically shared with families over the years to help encourage them. Please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel. This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes, of SoftStix Productions LLC (www.softstixproductions.com), in collaboration with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary, of One Fifteen Films LLC (www.onefifteenfilms.com), and editor David DeLizza. Copyright 2020 to 2022, SoftStix Productions LLC.

The NICU journey can bring people into your life you never expected. I’ll never forget the day I met our next guests walking through the halls of the NICU. Melissa was wearing a Penn State sweatshirt and I said “We Are” walking past. That opened the door for us to connect with each other and we have stayed in touch for nearly 11 years. While our personal NICU journeys were different, we share a common bond of the NICU. Brett and Melissa have a special story to share of strength, determination, and dedication doing all they could do to advocate for their sons born at 24 weeks 5 days. On this episode: - Melissa and Brett share their journey with you; from pregnancy to the NICU. - Melissa and Brett discuss how they made it through ‘one day at a time.’ - Melissa and Brett share their boys’ NICU journeys with you. - We will hear about the steps Melissa and Brett took to work through the difficult decisions. - Brett talks about his perspective as a NICU dad and his approach to the NICU journey. - Melissa and Brett share what it looked like bringing Brody and Cameron home - Melissa shares how her career changed and what it was like going back to work after 3 years. - Melissa and Brett share what co-parenting looks like for them, now that they are no longer together. - You will hear about what the boys’ therapies look like post-NICU, and how Melissa and Brett found the right specialists. - You will hear about some potential clinical trials in the NICU space, as well as how you can get into them. - Melissa and Brett offer their one piece of advice for families navigating a similar NICU journey. Please subscribe to the TODAY is a Good Day Podcast, wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or on our YouTube channel. This episode was produced and directed by Tony Lopes, of SoftStix Productions LLC (www.softstixproductions.com), in collaboration with co-producer and director of photography Michael Leary, of One Fifteen Films LLC (www.onefifteenfilms.com), and editor David DeLizza. Copyright 2020 to 2022, SoftStix Productions LLC.