11. Hospital to Home: The Loneliness After Discharge Artwork

Tiny Little Hearts Podcast

This podcast is about Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), complex medical journeys, parenting through uncertainty and the deep resilience of walking through big life changes.

Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom to three girls whose life was changed in an instant when she found out her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She went searching to hear about kids with a similar diagnosis and wanted to see the life they were living. She didn’t want the curated, polished stories so she could prepare her heart for the good, bad and ugly.

This podcast does just that and highlights conversations from individuals, parents, medical providers, and others navigating the very real and overwhelming world of congenital heart defects and other medical complexities. You’ll hear honest conversations, practical advice and space to feel seen and understood.

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Tiny Little Hearts Podcast

11. Hospital to Home: The Loneliness After Discharge

October 13, 2025 • Katelyn McMahan • Season 1 • Episode 11

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.