TBI Warrior Foundation’s Post

In March I keynoted the 50th birthday of the Children’s Pediatric Residency Program in Austin. Kay Johnson, David Willis, Charlie Bruner, my son-in-law Don Williams and daughter Lisa Doggett all contributed to my message about the importance of relational health in children's lives! I have included an except of some of the recommendations below. E-mail me at libby.doggett@gmail.com if you want a copy of the entire speech.  Being a pediatrician can be overwhelming.  While you can’t single handedly solve huge societal problems like poverty, I’d like to suggest two ways to use the unique power you have. Set up your practice in ways that strengthen the parent-child bonds, whether you do this in your practice or through collaboration with organizations which can address child and family needs you identify in your practice, and  Add your voices to those speaking out for children. My suggestion that you find innovative ways, whether in the hospital setting or an office practice to help families build safe, stable, and nurturing relationships that buffer adversity and build resilience should be familiar to you. The AAP 2021 policy statement advocates exactly that. Parents can be your biggest nightmare. They can be overly demanding, unrealistic, disengaged, or worse. But they are a reality of your chosen field. All families have strengths, and want the best for their children, yet life’s stressors can make that difficult, especially when a child is in the hospital. Many parents also carry the history of their own traumas from earlier years. But you must act on the belief that all families have the potential to heal and grow.    The more you can help build a strong nurturing relationship with parents, the better that child’s life will be. Children will face challenges of poverty, climate change, too much technology, peer pressure, and other things that we individually can’t change. But we can help bolster a child’s resilience by supporting their parent’s well-being, so that they, in turn, can foster a healthy connection with their child early in life.     Your challenge is to build a practice that is focused on optimal development and early, foundational relationships - not just the basics of a physical exam and immunizations.   You need to use your interpersonal skills to build trust, respect, and authentic partnerships to engage families in their child’s care.   

🌟It's CHILD LIFE MONTH! 🌟 As we celebrate Child Life Month, I'm reminded of the beautiful moments and the hard realities within pediatric healthcare. Let's be real - it's hard to work in pediatrics. It's exhausting emotionally and physically. BUT as a child life specialist at my core, I have values that drive me EVERY.DAY. In pediatric healthcare, it's not just about treating illnesses; it's about supporting kids as they take a more active role in their own health and well-being. It's about fostering a sense of ownership and control in an environment that can often feel overwhelming. Children are not passive recipients of care; they are resilient individuals with the capacity to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their health. From understanding their medical conditions to actively participating in treatment plans, they demonstrate remarkable courage and determination every step of the way. What does this require? Walking A LOT of steps to get to all the kids who need our services. Patience. Compassion. Commitment to meeting kids where they are and LISTENING. Child Life Month serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting child life specialists and providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to do their CRITICAL work. It's about acknowledging the environments that child life has fostered to promote collaboration, communication, and empowerment, ensuring that every child feels valued and heard. 💜 #ChildLifeMonth #EmpoweringChildren #PediatricHealthcare (The Association of Child Life Professionals, Inc. American Academy of Pediatrics Children’s Hospital Association The Beryl Institute)

The Early Childhood Support Clinic is a trailblazing initiative revolutionizing care for children from birth to age 5. In collaboration with Wayne State University - School of Social Work, Wayne Pediatrics, Inc and the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, ECSC offers a holistic approach that combines pediatric medical care with specialized mental health support. 🌟 Why ECSC Stands Out: 💓 Holistic Approach: Focusing on both physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of family dynamics in child development. 👋 Accessibility: Infant Mental Health (IMH) clinicians available during pediatric visits, making it a one-stop-shop for families. 👨👩👧👦 Family-Centered Care: Providing support for parents experiencing perinatal mood disorders and helping children with challenging temperaments. ♻️ Sustainable Impact: Developing a replicable billing model to expand these crucial services statewide. "We need to support parents in their efforts to raise happy, healthy children. This integrated care system can make a significant difference." Learn more about this tremendous initiative: https://lnkd.in/gKqdyMsQ

This past December, my wife and I had a baby. Becoming a father has been profound. As of today, I'm back from parental leave. Completely stepping away from my work was impractical, but this was the most I've stepped away in over a decade. In multiple ways I didn't know what to expect: what it would be like to become a parent, and what it would be like to take such a substantial break. Fate added to the unknowns when my son was born with a life-threatening condition. He spent his first four weeks in a NICU. We don't know his future, but the immediate danger he was in is over. At the moment, except for some reflux, he's a normal baby. I wrote an article about being a NICU parent. I took inspiration from conversations with friends during my son's NICU stay, as I realized I could create something informative for a larger audience. I used the same writing process behind my advice pages, by beginning with a "wish list" of the items I most wanted to share, then elaborating on them and reordering the fragments until they fit together. The result wasn't a guide for NICU parenting, but instead a personal narrative. I hope reading it can be helpful for new parents entering the NICU world, and for their colleagues and friends to understand what NICU parents are experiencing. I also provide myself as an example of someone who feels a strong attachment to their work and wondered what would happen when something bigger, planned or unplanned, interrupted it. For me, in this case, the pivot felt natural: there were unmistakably more important things to focus on, so I focused on them. It's not always that simple: some prior experiences helped, and some privilege helped, too. Mileage varies. When I first shared this article with a small audience, I learned that it's emotionally difficult for some people to read. There's no reason to read more than you're comfortable with, but to the extent it's helpful, know that it ends with my son coming home. https://lnkd.in/ey-ARUFW

Cancer and its treatment can affect family life and our everyday routines, so with the school summer holidays now thrown into the mix, we know how hard of a juggle it can all feel. We won’t say “You’ve got this!” because, it can be tough! If cancer or its treatment affects how you’re able to look after your children, please remember that there is support out there. It may be to simply lean on family and friends, or there are options for government-funded childcare to help you. We’ve compiled some information all about childcare which may be helpful if you’re wondering how you’re going to approach the summer holidays. Take a look at our website: https://lnkd.in/g2UiVPpx And, a polite reminder if you’re an employer or a colleague of someone affected by cancer: please be kind and patient. People are trying to hold down an awful lot when they’re navigating cancer and trying to keep some normality at home.

Explore the benefits of construction play in pediatric therapy. Check out the article at https://lnkd.in/e6XUbUBb. #CommunitySTARS #CSTARs4therapy #PediatricTherapy #MakingEverydayDifferences #Love #Life #CulpeperVA

Knowledge is power! 🧠 Click below to read the latest research article transforming the landscape of pediatric care. Orchid Pediatrics believes in staying informed to nurture the health and happiness of our little ones. 📖💙 🔗https://lnkd.in/ey4e7sCt #knowledgeispower #pediatriccare #orchidpediatrics #developmentalpediatrics #behavioralhealth #pediatriccare #neurodiversity

Being Parent (of a preterm baby): What to Expect? 💖👶 Becoming a parent is an emotional journey, but when your baby arrives earlier than expected, it brings a unique set of challenges and emotions. Here’s what you can expect and how to go through this journey with resilience and hope. The NICU is baby’s first home, and yours second! 🏥   The sight of your tiny baby surrounded by machines in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be overwhelming. The constant beeping, the medical jargon, and the uncertainty can be daunting. But remember, the NICU staff are your allies. They provide not only medical care but also emotional support. Celebrate every small victory, from the first time your baby breathes without assistance to the day you finally bring them home. Roller coaster of emotions! 🎢 Expect a whirlwind of emotions. There will be days filled with hope and others with fear. It’s normal to feel anxious, exhausted, and even helpless at times. Lean on your support system—family, friends, and fellow NICU parents. Sharing your feelings and experiences can be incredibly therapeutic. Homecoming is also challenging! 🏡 Bringing your preterm baby home is a joyous milestone, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Preemies often need extra care, including frequent feedings and possibly medical equipment like temperature and oxygen monitors. Your baby might be more susceptible to infections, so maintaining a clean environment is crucial. Be prepared for sleepless nights and a lot of patience. Keeping up with Developmental Milestones 📈 Preterm babies may reach developmental milestones later than their full-term peers. This can be worrying, but it’s important to remember that every baby is unique. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician will help monitor your baby’s progress and address any concerns. Don’t forget yourself! 🌸 Amidst caring for your baby, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s easy to neglect your own needs, but your well-being is crucial for your baby’s care. Take breaks, seek support, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Find Joy in Small Moments 🌟 Despite the challenges, there will be moments of pure joy. The first smile, the first time your baby grasps your finger, the first time they recognize your voice—these moments make the journey worthwhile. Cherish them and hold onto the hope that things will get better. Finally, remember, being a parent of a preterm baby is a journey filled with ups and downs. It requires strength, patience, and a lot of love. Remember, you are not alone. There are number of parents who have walked this path and are ready to support you. Stay hopeful, stay strong, and celebrate every small victory. #PreemieParenting #NICUJourney #PrematureBaby #ParentingChallenges #Resilience #Hope #Love #PretermBaby #ParentingSupport #NeonatalCare #neonatologist #NICU #nicunurses #neonatology

Responsive Caregiving: Shaping the Future of Early Childhood Development In the first few years of life, a child’s brain is developing faster than at any other time. A crucial driver of this development is responsive caregiving—the consistent, loving, and attentive interactions between caregivers and children. Responsive caregiving is more than meeting basic needs. It's about tuning into a child’s signals—whether it’s a cry, a glance, or a smile—and responding in ways that make the child feel understood and supported. This seemingly simple practice has profound effects on a child's brain and emotional development. Research from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University shows that responsive interactions, often referred to as “serve and return,” are fundamental to the formation of healthy brain architecture. Every time a caregiver responds to a child's cues, it strengthens the neural pathways that support communication, social skills, and emotional regulation . Over time, this responsive care helps children develop trust—a foundation for secure attachments, which are crucial for healthy relationships later in life. Children who experience consistent, loving responses are more likely to build strong, lasting relationships and have a higher capacity for empathy and resilience. The impact of responsive caregiving extends beyond the early years. Children raised in nurturing environments with responsive caregivers are better equipped to handle stress, have enhanced problem-solving abilities, and are more prepared for future learning experiences. In essence, responsive caregiving wires the brain for success, creating a blueprint for positive lifelong outcomes in learning, behavior, and mental health. Let’s work together to create environments where every child feels heard, supported, and loved, laying a strong foundation for their future relationships and success. #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ResponsiveCaregiving #ServeAndReturn #ChildDevelopment #Harvard #BrainDevelopment #Parenting #FamilySupport

3rd Thursday: Lactation/Avoiding Pain- having a baby and choosing to breastfeed is an adventure of a lifetime! One of the most frequently worries is pain especially when many women experience pain with breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding should NOT hurt. If it hurts, then seek professional help to assess why. Breastfeeding is a dyad, a relationship between 2 people. In the case of breastfeeding, the relationship between mother and baby. So, even if the mother is doing everything correctly, like feeding on demand and using different positions to help with a deep latch, it may warrant an evaluation for oral restrictions to rule it out by a specialist such as a pediatric dentist trained in oral restrictions. In Las Vegas, NV we have Dr. Tara at SmartMouth https://lnkd.in/gPsYrXKK If a baby has oral restrictions (with a tongue tie and lip tie being the most common) baby will be unable to open wide enough to obtain the deep latch needed for pain-free and effective breastfeeding. Without a deep latch where the nipple is deep in baby's mouth, baby is ineffective at withdrawing breastmilk. The mother's supply may drop in response because breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. If the breast stays full, the body will not make more. The body wants to avoid mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue. Thus, I invite you to consider to seek professional help sooner than later. The sooner baby's positioning at the breast is fixed or baby is evaluated for oral restrictions the better. Have you experienced a baby with oral restrictions? Have you heard about oral restrictions before? #education #parenthood #motherhoodjourney #fatherhood #lifeisanadventure #nutritiontips Remember, you don't need to parent alone ♥️ Ask about complimentary classes or bundles for one on one help at the location of your choice! Click the link below to RSVP to a complimentary class: https://lnkd.in/eNjjJswS