Parents' lived experiences shape this discussion on congenital heart disease (CHD), moving beyond clinical outcomes to explore the emotional and everyday realities of raising a child with a heart condition. Drawing on qualitative research, Dylan Nemes shares what families told his team about navigating diagnosis, surgery, the transition from hospital to home, and the long-term uncertainty that can follow.

The discussion highlights the importance of family-centred care, the lasting emotional impact of CHD on parents, and why supporting caregiver well-being is essential to children's health and development. It also examines the role of physical activity in the lives of children with CHD, where gaps in guidance can exist, and how listening to families can help improve care, communication, and support.

Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:

Growing up with congenital heart disease: A qualitative research study of parents’ and clinicians’ experiences and perspectives, CJC Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease

All episodes written and produced by the Research Communications team at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute.

Theme music: "Life Is Beautiful" by Anastasia Kir

This episode explores the critical intersection of maternal mental health and child development, focusing on the implications of antidepressant use during pregnancy. Dr. Tim Oberlander discusses his extensive research on the effects of prenatal antidepressant exposure, the importance of managing maternal mental health, and the resilience of children despite various risk factors.

This conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to treatment, considering both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, while addressing common misconceptions surrounding antidepressants and their effects on child development.

Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:

Potential risks and benefits of prenatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications for maternal mental health and child development, Nature Mental Health

The question is not whether SSRIs are universally good or bad, but how best to support maternal mental health, Springer Nature Research Communities

An article that references the above work: Prenatal SSRI risks and benefits: Maternal, child impact, Scienmag

CANMAT’s clinical practice guidelines for the management of perinatal mood, anxiety, and related disorders: Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders, The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry

All episodes written and produced by the Research Communications team at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute.

Theme music: "Life Is Beautiful" by Anastasia Kir

This episode explores new research from BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) that uses an innovative MRI technique to measure brain oxygen metabolism in preterm infants. Dr. Alexander Weber, an MRI biomedical engineer and investigator at BCCHR, explains how this safe, noninvasive method offers a clearer window into brain health during a critical stage of development.

The study looked at how different types of respiratory support were associated with brain oxygen use in very preterm babies. This conversation highlights the potential for quantitative MRI to guide more personalized neonatal care in the future.

Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:

Assessing semiregional cerebral oxygen consumption (CMRO2) in preterm neonates: A quantitative MRI cohort study with exploratory analysis of respiratory support, NMR in Biomedicine

Please note that the NICU mentioned in this episode is located at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre.

All episodes written and produced by the Research Communications team at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute.

Theme music: "Life Is Beautiful" by Anastasia Kir