Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo chats with Dr. Phuong Nguyen, a leading pediatric plastic surgeon specializing in cleft lip and palate repair. He delves into the often-controversial discussions surrounding cleft surgery, tackling tough questions parents face. Dr. Nguyen sheds light on topics like: Timing is everything: Is there an ideal age for each surgery? Nasal Aveolar moldi...

Join Laura Arroyo, host of Our Forever Smiles, in a heartfelt conversation with Micha Clark, a neonatal intensive care feeding therapist, as they explore the complexities of NICU experiences. From discussing the various reasons children end up in the NICU to sharing invaluable tips on caring for both your baby and yourself during this challenging time, they offer practical advice and empathetic su...

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo shares an unforgettable experience from Smile Train's Cleft Con 2024. Laura immersed herself in heartwarming stories as she connected with inspiring individuals from the cleft lip and palate community. She also discovered the power of human connection and the incredible impact of organizations like Smile Train. Get ready to be uplifted and i...

Join host Laura Arroyo as she chats with Aliese Weathers, a mom whose adorable daughter came into the world with a cleft lip. Aliese envisioned a blissful breastfeeding journey, but her little one's unique needs threw a beautiful curveball. In this episode, you'll hear Aliese's heartwarming story of adapting to the challenges of feeding a baby with a cleft lip and palate. Laura will guide the conv...

In this deeply moving episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Melissa Foreman, a courageous mother who shares her heartfelt journey of navigating her son's medical challenges. Melissa's son was born with both a heart condition and a cleft lip, presenting a unique set of obstacles for their family. Now, after enduring the complexities of cleft surgery, Melissa opens up about...

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with the multi-talented Canadian producer, writer, and actor, Allisha Pelletier. Born with a unilateral cleft lip, Allisha shares her journey of overcoming challenges and finding empowerment through humor. Allisha opens up about the struggles she faced growing up with a cleft lip, from enduring countless surgeries to navigating soc...

Ever feel like your difference hides who you truly are? In this episode, host Laura Arroyo chats with Tedx speaker and confidence coach Christine Errico, who opens up about her journey of overcoming shame after being born with a cleft lip and palate. Christine shares how she navigated teasing, surgeries, and societal beauty standards to discover her inner strength and build unshakeable confidence....

Join forces for a special crossover episode as Laura Arroyo, host of Our Forever Smiles, welcomes Cassidy Lee, host of Every Smile Has a Story! This episode brings the global cleft community together for an inspiring conversation. Cassidy Lee, Miss Hampton-Newport News and a passionate advocate for children with clefts, shares her unique journey: A World of Smiles: Cleft Surgery Around the Globe:...

In this episode, host Laura Arroyo welcomes Kaylee Pulido, a mother who has walked a unique path of grief and acceptance in her son's cleft lip journey. While Kaylee initially grappled with her son's diagnosis, she found strength and solace in the anticipation of his cleft lip repair surgery. However, what she encountered post-surgery was an unexpected wave of grief as she mourned the loss of his...

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!! __________________________________________________________________________________ For families facing a cleft lip and palate diagnosis, Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) can feel like a mysterious first step. Join host Laura Arroyo as she welcomes Alexis Garcia, a par...

Does your child with a cleft lip and palate struggle to speak clearly? You're not alone. In this episode, host Laura Arroyo chats with Christina Larrow, a mom who's been there. Christina will share her experience with her daughter's speech challenges and the dramatic improvements they've seen with specialized cleft lip and palate speech therapy. This episode dives deep into the world of cleft-rela...

Feeling overwhelmed by your baby's cleft lip and palate diagnosis? Join host Laura Arroyo for a conversation that empowers and informs. In this episode, Laura welcomes Dr. Rachel Ruotolo, a leading craniofacial surgeon based in New York City. Dr. Ruotolo breaks down the complexities of cleft lip and palate repair into clear and actionable information. Here's what moms can expect to learn: Understa...

In this episode, host Laura Arroyo welcomes Gina Kocher, the inspiring voice behind the Instagram account @TheCelebratingMama, on a conversation about navigating the unique journey of raising a child with a cleft lip and palate. Gina candidly shares her experiences and challenges, but also offers a powerful message of hope and resilience. She'll discuss: Finding gratitude amidst medical uncertaint...

The cleft lip and palate journey can be a complex woven with challenges and triumphs. Join host Laura Arroyo as she welcomes Corinne Altrichter, a radiant speaker and ELSA advocate who embraced self-love and connection throughout her cleft experience. Whether you're living with a cleft or know someone who is, this episode offers a beacon of hope and inspiration. Be sure to follow Corinne's sons' Y...

Breastfeeding your baby with a cleft lip can feel overwhelming, filled with questions and concerns. But know this: it is possible, and you're not alone! Join host Laura Arroyo as she welcomes Sarah Rogers, a passionate advocate and seasoned mother who breastfed her daughter born with a cleft lip. Whether you're a new mom facing this challenge or simply seeking knowledge, this episode is for you. L...

Navigating the healthcare system with a cleft lip and palate diagnosis can feel daunting. Finding the right team of specialists is crucial, but where do you begin? Join host Laura Arroyo as she welcomes Jennifer Vincelet, a seasoned advocate and mother who understands this journey firsthand. Whether you're a newly diagnosed parent or seeking a new team, this episode empowers you to take control of...

In this episode, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Courtney Glockner, a mom whose world shifted when her son received a cleft lip diagnosis. But one conversation with her husband was all it took to turn fear into determination. Courtney opens up about her journey, navigating emotions, finding support, and embracing the unique beauty of her son's smile. This conversation is a beacon of hope for any...

In this poignant episode, host Laura Arroyo welcomes Morgan Cain, a mother whose journey with her son is woven with threads of both deep love and unspoken grief. Memphis, Morgan's final child, brought with him the immense joy of completing her family, but also the unexpected shock of a cleft lip diagnosis. Morgan opens up about the emotional storm that followed the diagnosis. Guilt, questioning, a...

In this episode, host Laura Arroyo delves into the unique world of parenting twins with Haley Morris, whose journey took an unexpected turn when one of her sons received a cleft lip diagnosis. As a young mom navigating the joys and challenges of twin parenthood, Haley shares her story of resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering love. Haley's journey holds an added layer of complexity, as her hu...

In this episode, we travel across the globe to meet Kylie Bailey, a single mother from Australia whose life took an unexpected turn when her daughter arrived with a surprise cleft palate, later diagnosed as part of Pierre Robin Sequence.  Kylie's story is a beacon of courage and determination, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, love can conquer all. Her journey through medical comple...

The lines on your face might tell a story, but they don't define you. Join host Laura Arroyo as she welcomes Steph Heinz, a captivating speaker and advocate who found self-love and confidence blooming beyond her cleft lip and palate journey. Steph will share tips for those who are interested in non-evasive cosmetic procedures and practical tools for cultivating self-compassion, fostering positive...

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!! __________________________________________________________________________________ In this heartwarming episode, host Laura Arroyo welcomes Katie Baggett, a mother whose journey to motherhood was paved with both heartbreak and hope. After experiencing the pain o...

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!! __________________________________________________________________________________ In this episode, we delve into the world of cleft lip and palate, exploring the basics of these congenital conditions. We'll cover the types, and specialty feeders, as well as the...

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!! __________________________________________________________________________________ The host of the Our Forever Smiles podcast, Laura Arroyo shares her story about her daughter's cleft palate diagnosis. Laura did not know about her daughter's cleft lip until her...

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...