Our Forever Smiles: Cleft Mom Diaries and Support

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Summer Kormushoff for an intimate conversation about the challenges and triumphs of being a first-time mom navigating a cleft lip diagnosis. Summer shares her emotional journey, starting from the moment she learned about her son’s condition during a nuchal transparency scan. She opens up about the struggles of the NAM (Nasoalveolar Molding) process, detailing its complexities and the impact it has had on her family life. Through her experiences, Summer emphasizes the importance of education and support for families facing similar challenges. She talks about her commitment to spreading awareness about cleft conditions, hoping to help others feel less alone on their journeys. Their discussion highlights the resilience and love that define the parenting experience, especially in the face of unexpected obstacles. Want to share your story? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com [ourforeversmiles@gmail.com]. Want to be a show sponsor? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com [ourforeversmiles@gmail.com] Follow us @ourforeversmiles on social platforms We know you will have questions! Join our FB Community to discuss the weekly episode and speak directly to our guests. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081522212884073/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081522212884073/] __________________________________________________________________________________ Today's sponsor is sienna dawn media Integrated Marketing Agency  sienna dawn media is more than just a marketing agency—they are your partners in progress. Their mission is simple — to alleviate marketing bandwidth, allowing creative business owners to focus on what they set out to do: create. sienna dawn media empowers creatives to thrive without the burden of managing their own social media and marketing campaigns. So, if you're ready to set sail toward new horizons, let sienna dawn media chart the course and steer your business toward success. Visit siennadawnmedia.com [http://siennadawnmedia.com/].

CLEFT MAMAS! OUR MERCH STORE IS NOW LIVE!! WE HAVE OUR CLEFT MOMS CLUB TEE AND THE FAUX OUR FOREVER SMILES TOUR MERCH!! GET YOURS TODAY!! [https://www.ourforeversmiles.com/category/all-products] __________________________________________________________________________________ In this inspiring episode, we welcome Allie Ekblad, a talented children's book author, illustrator, and founder of Brave Face Kids. After the birth of her second child with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Allie realized there was a gap in parenting resources for educating young children about clefts. Driven by love and a desire to empower her children, she wrote her first book, Ava the Brava. Join host Laura Arroyo as they discuss Allie’s journey from marketing executive to stay-at-home mom, the challenges of navigating the medical world, and how Ava the Brava serves as a tool for teaching bravery and embracing our unique differences. Today's sponsor is sienna dawn media Integrated Marketing Agency  sienna dawn media is more than just a marketing agency—they are your partners in progress. Their mission is simple — to alleviate marketing bandwidth, allowing creative business owners to focus on what they set out to do: create. sienna dawn media empowers creatives to thrive without the burden of managing their own social media and marketing campaigns. So, if you're ready to set sail toward new horizons, let sienna dawn media chart the course and steer your business toward success. Visit siennadawnmedia.com [http://siennadawnmedia.com/].

CLEFT MAMAS! OUR MERCH STORE IS NOW LIVE!! WE HAVE OUR CLEFT MOMS CLUB TEE AND THE FAUX OUR FOREVER SMILES TOUR MERCH!! GET YOURS TODAY!! [https://www.ourforeversmiles.com/category/all-products] __________________________________________________________________________________ Today's sponsor is sienna dawn media Integrated Marketing Agency  sienna dawn media is more than just a marketing agency—they are your partners in progress. Their mission is simple — to alleviate marketing bandwidth, allowing creative business owners to focus on what they set out to do: create. sienna dawn media empowers creatives to thrive without the burden of managing their own social media and marketing campaigns. So, if you're ready to set sail toward new horizons, let sienna dawn media chart the course and steer your business toward success. Visit siennadawnmedia.com [http://siennadawnmedia.com/]. __________________________________________________________________________________ In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, we sit down with Alexis Garcia, a dedicated mom who opens up about her emotional journey through the early days of motherhood after her child’s cleft diagnosis. Alexis shares her personal experiences with mom guilt, the emotional rollercoaster of navigating a cleft-affected newborn’s needs, and the unique challenges faced during the postpartum period. With raw honesty, she talks about the pressure to "do it all," the struggle to find balance, and the moments of strength she found in herself through it all. This episode offers support, understanding, and encouragement to all parents in the cleft community, especially those who may be facing similar emotional hurdles. Tune in for an honest conversation about the ups and downs of the cleft journey and the powerful bond between mother and child. We understand that the journey through a cleft diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially during the postpartum period. If you're feeling isolated, anxious, or simply need someone to talk to, please know you're not alone. Many parents face similar challenges, and there are resources and communities ready to support you every step of the way. If you're struggling with mom guilt, emotional stress, or just need guidance on how to navigate your journey, here are a few places you can reach out to for support: * The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) www.acpa-cpf.org [https://www.acpa-cpf.org/] ACPA provides both educational resources and a network of healthcare professionals to help families understand cleft care and treatment options. * Postpartum Support International (PSI) www.postpartum.net [https://www.postpartum.net/] PSI offers mental health resources, support groups, and trained professionals for anyone experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. * National Helpline for Emotional Support Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for free, confidential support from trained counselors. If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression, don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's okay to not have all the answers. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to lean on the resources and communities available to you.

CLEFT MAMAS! OUR MERCH STORE IS NOW LIVE!! WE HAVE OUR CLEFT MOMS CLUB TEE AND THE FAUX OUR FOREVER SMILES TOUR MERCH!! GET YOURS TODAY!! [https://www.ourforeversmiles.com/category/all-products] In this heartfelt episode of the Our Forever Smiles podcast, host Laura Arroyo welcomes Monica Bush, a dedicated advocate and mother from Kokomo, Indiana. Monica is the founder of Legendary Smiles, a non-profit organization born from her deep appreciation for the importance of community. Monica shares her personal journey as a mom to a son born with a cleft lip and palate, offering a candid look at the emotional highs and lows of her experience. We delve into the challenges of preparing for surgery and explore practical strategies to help families navigate this critical aspect of the cleft journey. Monica also discusses her belief that nurses need additional education on cleft lip and palate care and emphasizes the importance of advocating for your child within the medical system to ensure they receive the best possible support. Tune in to hear Monica’s inspiring story and discover how the support of a strong community, informed healthcare professionals, and proactive advocacy can make all the difference. This episode provides invaluable insights and encouragement for anyone connected to the cleft community, highlighting the power of shared experiences and the need for continued education and awareness in cleft care. Want to share your story? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com [ourforeversmiles@gmail.com]. Want to be a show sponsor? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com [ourforeversmiles@gmail.com] Follow us @ourforeversmiles on social platforms We know you will have questions! Join our FB Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081522212884073/] to discuss the weekly episode and speak directly to our guests.  _______________________________________________________________________________ Today's sponsor is sienna dawn media Integrated Marketing Agency  sienna dawn media is more than just a marketing agency—they are your partners in progress. Their mission is simple — to alleviate marketing bandwidth, allowing creative business owners to focus on what they set out to do: create. sienna dawn media empowers creatives to thrive without the burden of managing their own social media and marketing campaigns. So, if you're ready to set sail toward new horizons, let sienna dawn media chart the course and steer your business toward success. Visit siennadawnmedia.com [http://siennadawnmedia.com/].

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Anne Giocondini-Rodriguez, a fellow mother whose son was born with a cleft palate, just like Laura’s daughter. Together, they share their unique journeys, diving into the emotional complexities of receiving the diagnosis at birth and the challenges that followed. Anne opens up about her unexpected C-section and the moment she first saw her son’s cleft palate. She candidly discusses the initial fears and uncertainties she faced as a new mom, particularly around feeding options. With resilience and determination, Anne shares her inspiring experience of navigating the hurdles of breastfeeding—a rare feat for mothers of children with cleft palates.  Join us for a touching conversation filled with insights, struggles, and triumphs as Anne offers hope and encouragement to others on similar paths. Whether you’re a parent or simply interested in powerful stories of perseverance, this episode is sure to resonate with you. Tune in for a journey of love, resilience, and the unwavering bond between mother and child. Want to share your story? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com [ourforeversmiles@gmail.com]. Want to be a show sponsor? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com [ourforeversmiles@gmail.com] Follow us @ourforeversmiles on social platforms We know you will have questions! Join our FB Community to discuss the weekly episode and speak directly to our guests. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081522212884073/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081522212884073/] _______________________________________________________________________________ This podcast is completely free for you, but if you'd ever consider supporting the show, we truly appreciate it. One way you can do that is by using our affiliate links. These are links to products we've mentioned on the show, and if you make a purchase through one of them, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to show your love for the podcast and help us keep creating content that educates, empowers, and strengthens the cleft lip and palate community! First Bottle to Purchase After Palate Repair - Post Palate Repair Straw Trainer [https://amzn.to/3vk5hLp] Juselle’s Cleft Palate Bottle - Pigeon Bottle Specialty Feeder [https://amzn.to/49W7YC4] Sippy Cup for Pre Palate Repair Prep - Munchkin 360 [https://amzn.to/4cekL4n] Weigh your Baby at Home - Weighted Feeds Scale [https://amzn.to/49U1686] Squeezable Straw Training Bottle - Honey Bear Straw Cup [https://amzn.to/3VkWT9c] Free Flow Cup for Pre palate Repair Prep - Reflo Smart Cup [https://amzn.to/4a6sRKI] Pacifiers that have Worked for Cleft Lip and Palate Babies - Itzy Ritzy [https://amzn.to/3VjdKck] Pacifiers that have Worked for Cleft Lip and Palate Babies - MAM [https://amzn.to/43jG40e] Pacifiers that have Worked for Cleft Lip and Palate Babies - Itzy Ritzy [https://amzn.to/3wWvbW8] Scar Cream Recommended by Alexis Garcia, Cleft Lip Mom - bioCorneum - Pricey** [https://amzn.to/43lHqYh]