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PODCAST

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

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

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

49:26

Cuddles for Clefts with Krista Pietersma

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/07/15

In this heartfelt episode, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Krista Pietersma, founder of Cuddles for Clefts, to share an inspiring journey of love, loss, and advocacy. Krista opens up about discovering her son’s cleft diagnosis and how it fueled her desire to make a difference in the cleft community. She explains how Cuddles for Clefts was born, an organization that provides comfort and connection through handmade blankets and care packages for cleft-affected children and families. Krista also

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01:08:33

Rio’s Smile: A Cleft Lip and Gum Notch Journey with...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/07/08

In this engaging episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Liv Broads, a UK mom whose son Rio was born with a unilateral cleft lip and gum notch. Liv shares her experience navigating Rio’s cleft journey, from the early days of diagnosis to preparing for surgery in the UK healthcare system. Together, they discuss the aesthetics of cleft lip repair and why it’s important for parents to feel empowered to talk openly with surgeons about their wishes and expectations. Liv also

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01:09:29

Managing Daycare and Cleft Care as a Working Mom with...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/07/01

In this relatable episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo talks with Sara Breen, a full-time working mom, program manager, and cleft parent living in Chicago. Sara opens up about her experience returning to work after her son Boomer’s cleft diagnosis and navigating daycare through multiple procedures and recovery periods. She shares how she prepared daycare staff, advocated for her son’s needs, and built a strong partnership with his caregivers. With honesty and practical advice, Sara

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57:15

From Lived Experience to Lifelong Impact with Dr....

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/06/24

In this powerful episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo speaks with Dr. Anna Thurmes, a cleft-affected adult, speech-language pathologist, professor, and member of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team, where she was once a patient herself. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Dr. Thurmes shares how her lived experience shaped her personal and professional path. As host of The Cleft Collective Podcast and a PhD in Family Social Science, Dr. Thurmes brings a unique,

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53:33

Understanding Our Daughter's Cleft Diagnosis: A Mom’s...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/06/17

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo talks with Colleen Bennett, a Washington State native and military spouse of 18 years. Colleen shares the emotional story of discovering her daughter’s bilateral cleft lip and palate diagnosis while her husband was deployed, and the loneliness that followed in the early days of uncertainty. Determined to advocate for her daughter, Colleen began researching cleft care on her own and discovered just how much treatment plans can vary by

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58:13

Navigating a Unilateral Cleft Diagnosis Together:...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/06/10

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo talks with Tara and Michael Cory about their journey as a couple after receiving their son’s incomplete unilateral cleft lip diagnosis. They share openly about the initial shock, the emotional grief process, and how they came to a place of acceptance and clarity about their son’s future. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflections, Tara and Michael offer a powerful perspective on navigating a cleft diagnosis together. Their

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01:01:28

Cleft Trauma Coaching and The 100 Cleft Portrait...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/06/03

In this inspiring episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo is joined by Katie Manning, a trauma coach, artist, teacher, and cleft mom whose work is reshaping how we understand the emotional landscape of cleft parenting. Katie opens up about her experience raising a child with a cleft while also being married to someone who is cleft affected. Together, they discuss the internal tension Katie faced when sharing stories that weren’t fully her own and how she ultimately found purpose in building

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52:37

Breaking the Ice: Sam Rosen on Growing Up with a...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/05/27

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with Sam Rosen, a cleft lip and palate–affected adult who shares his remarkable journey from being adopted in Bulgaria to finding his voice and confidence through hockey. Sam opens up about what it was like navigating multiple identities, the unique challenges of growing up with a cleft, and how his mother’s unwavering love and his father’s sense of humor helped shape his outlook on life. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the

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46:18

Beyond Tired: How Cleft Lip and Palate Impact Sleep...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/05/20

In this eye-opening episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with pediatric sleep expert Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown to explore the often-overlooked connection between cleft lip and palate and sleep challenges in children. From airway obstructions and breathing difficulties to the emotional toll of sleep deprivation on families, Dr. Brown shares her expert insights on how cleft conditions can significantly disrupt sleep. Together, they dive into safe sleep practices for cleft-affected

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55:18

How Trauma Coaching Helped a Cleft Mom Heal with...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/05/13

When Stacey Hussell learned that her son would be born with a cleft lip—just like she was—she was flooded with emotions. In this episode, she opens up about the weight of passing down her diagnosis, the fears and guilt that came with it, and how trauma coaching helped her navigate the emotional toll. Join Laura and Stacey for a raw and inspiring conversation about healing, acceptance, and finding strength as a cleft-affected mom raising a cleft-affected child. Links and Resources: Patreon

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01:09:06

Each Journey is Unique: Lifelong Cleft Care and...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/05/06

In this insightful episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Dr. Huay-Zong Law to explore his journey into cleft care and the deeper purpose that fuels his work. Dr. Law shares why he chose this specialty, his dedication to constantly improving as a surgeon, and how he has used social media to educate and connect with others in the cleft community. They also discuss the lifelong nature of cleft care, including the often-overlooked treatment of adult patients, and how each patient’s journey

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01:08:39

Surprised and Unprepared: Cleft Palate Birth Stories...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/04/29

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with fellow cleft mama Brittnie Hampson @britthampson to share their deeply personal experiences of discovering their daughters’ cleft palates at birth—both born at UNC. They reflect on the shock of an unexpected diagnosis, the overwhelming emotions that followed, and the immediate challenges they faced—especially with feeding. Laura and Brittnie open up about the lack of nurse education they encountered in the hospital and

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55:03

Choosing Love Without Hesitation: A Cleft Mom’s...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/04/22

In this powerful episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Erin Ulloa, a dedicated wife, mother, and full-time professional balancing life as a student and future history teacher. Erin shares her experience as an older mom navigating her son Oliver’s bilateral cleft lip diagnosis, the support she found through online communities and a colleague with a similar journey, and the challenges of balancing career, school, and motherhood. One of the most shocking moments in her journey came when

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54:51

Reclaiming Birth: A Crunchy Cleft Mom’s Home Birth...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/04/15

In this eye-opening episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Dariyon Mendoza, a mom of three who proudly calls herself a “crunchy cleft mom.” Dariyon challenges the notion that a cleft diagnosis automatically means a high-risk pregnancy, sharing her journey of advocating for natural births and creating the birth experience she wanted—despite her baby’s diagnosis. She opens up about her own home birth experience and her mission to empower other moms to know that they have options. Tune in

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01:04:16

Three Diagnoses, One Unbreakable Love: A Mother’s...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/04/08

In this touching episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Kimberly dela Concepcion, a mother of three children—each born with a cleft lip and Van der Woude syndrome. Kimberly shares the raw and emotional realities of navigating multiple cleft journeys, from the heartbreak of each diagnosis to the deep love and gratitude she’s found along the way. She reflects on the strength of her children, how this journey has shaped her as a mother, and the resilience and unwavering love that keeps her

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52:13

Receiving a Unilateral Cleft Lip Diagnosis in Canada...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/04/01

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Meagan Hughes to discuss her journey after receiving a unilateral cleft lip diagnosis for her son in Canada. Meagan shares the emotions she experienced, how she navigated the healthcare system, and the challenges of learning about her son's diagnosis. She also opens up about life in a blended family and how finding community has been essential in her journey. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and

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51:29

Tessa De Goede on Founding Tess Unlimited and...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/03/25

In this inspiring episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Tessa De Goede, the founder of Tess Unlimited, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive cleft care to children in Guatemala. Tessa shares her incredible journey of how she got into this work, the deep connection she has with the Guatemalan people, and the passion that drives her to serve cleft-affected families. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of running an organization dedicated to life-changing

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47:53

How the Latham Device Helps Cleft Babies and Carson...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/03/18

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Carson Gaines to discuss her journey as a cleft mom and how she has navigated the ups and downs of motherhood. From the moment she received her son’s cleft diagnosis, Carson found guidance and support through Our Forever Smiles, which became a source of reassurance and strength during an overwhelming time. Carson opens up about her experience with the Latham device, a pre-surgical orthodontic appliance used before

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56:04

Embodying Motherhood and Femininity and the Special...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/03/11

In this powerful episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Hailee Chavez to discuss the deep connection between motherhood, femininity, faith, and the unique journey of raising a cleft-affected baby. Hailee opens up about becoming a mother as a teenager and the challenges she faced navigating young motherhood. When her second child was born with a cleft, she found herself once again facing an unexpected hurdle—one that tested her strength, resilience, and ability to trust in

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26:19

Getting the Courage to Share My Cleft Lip and Palate...

Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo ·

2025/03/04

In this deeply powerful episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Rachel Rogers, a cleft-affected adult who has spent years navigating her own challenges and finding the courage to share her story. Rachel opens up about her personal journey, from growing up in a Black family where cultural norms encouraged silence to overcoming the stigma of her cleft condition. For years, Rachel struggled to talk about her experiences, as her family often brushed things under the rug, making

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94 results

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