Tiny Little Hearts Podcast
Tiny Little Hearts Podcast is your honest, unfiltered space for the CHD (congenital heart disease / congenital heart defect) community. Whether you're a heart parent, a CHD warrior, or someone newly navigating a complex congenital heart diagnosis — this podcast was made for you.
Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom of three girls whose world changed the moment she learned her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She searched for real stories — kids with complex CHD, single ventricle hearts, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and other congenital heart defects— not the polished highlight reels, but the honest, raw truth of what this life actually looks like. She wanted to prepare her heart for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Each episode features conversations with heart parents, CHD adults, providers, and others navigating the deeply real world of congenital heart disease, open heart surgery, and medical complexity. You'll hear practical advice, emotional honesty, and stories that remind you that you are not alone in this journey. Because this life is hard — and you deserve a place to feel seen.
Topics covered include: CHD diagnosis, heart surgery recovery, parenting a medically complex child, grief and resilience, NICU and PCICU experiences, fontan circulation, cardiac catheterization, and life after a congenital heart defect diagnosis.
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Tiny Little Hearts Podcast
11. Hospital to Home: The Loneliness After Discharge
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In this solo episode, Katelyn opens up about a topic that many medical moms experience but rarely talk about: the profound isolation that comes with transitioning from hospital to home. While everyone celebrates discharge day, the reality of caring for a medically complex child at home can feel incredibly lonely—even when surrounded by support.
Katelyn shares her personal experience navigating life after Goldie's heart surgeries, from managing continuous tube feeds to accepting that recovery doesn't mean perfection. She discusses why the transition home can feel even more isolating than being inpatient, the mixed emotions of missing hospital staff support, and the importance of giving yourself grace during this challenging period.
If you're newly home from a hospital stay or struggling with the weight of being your child's 24/7 caregiver, this episode is for you.
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This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.