Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with pediatric dentist and cleft mom Dr. Jordan Virden for an honest conversation about navigating the cleft journey from both sides of the chair. As a volunteer on the Johns Hopkins Cleft Team and a first-time mom to baby Eli, Jordan shares what it was like receiving a prenatal cleft diagnosis despite already working closely with cleft patients throughout her professional career. Together, Laura and Jordan discuss the emotional reality of hearing "your baby has a cleft," preparing for labor and delivery, feeding challenges, lip adhesion surgery, and the unique perspective of being both a provider and a parent. Jordan also offers valuable insight into cleft-related dental care, including missing teeth, extra teeth, oral hygiene concerns, and what parents should expect as their child grows. In this episode, you'll hear about: Receiving a cleft diagnosis during the anatomy scan Preparing emotionally and medically for birth Lip adhesion surgery and recovery Feeding with specialty bottles and the blue disc system Common dental differences in children with clefts Preventing cavities and oral health complications The emotional toll of surgeries and returning to work postpartum Advocacy, resilience, and supporting cleft families This conversation is full of warmth, reassurance, practical guidance, and hope for parents navigating life with a child born with a cleft lip or palate. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this episode reminds you that your child can thrive — and so can you. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this deeply moving episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Maria, a cleft mom from Greece, to share her powerful journey of navigating a prenatal cleft diagnosis, unexpected fear, and finding strength through motherhood and community. Maria opens up about the emotional moment she learned her son had a cleft lip, the devastating and ultimately incorrect Down syndrome scare she received from her first doctor, and how that experience forever changed her as a mother, wife, and advocate. She shares the realities of cleft care in Greece, where resources and feeding supplies are limited, and how a small but passionate Facebook community of cleft families became a lifeline of support. Together, Laura and Maria discuss NICU experiences, surgery fears, feeding challenges, postpartum emotions, and the incredible resilience parents discover when advocating for their children. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that no matter where you are in the world, cleft families are connected through love, courage, and community. Whether you are newly diagnosed, preparing for surgery, or simply searching for reassurance, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and less alone. Links: Greek FB Group Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Franleska Garcia, cleft mom to a three-year-old boy born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, author, and creator of La Sonrisa de Fer. Franleska shares her experience receiving a prenatal diagnosis, navigating NAM therapy and multiple surgeries, and processing the grief that often accompanies a cleft journey. She reflects on how storytelling became both a healing tool and a form of advocacy, especially for families seeking bilingual and culturally inclusive cleft resources. This conversation offers reassurance, validation, and hope for parents walking a similar path. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group Sonrisa de Fer

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with Kristi Pimentel, founder of Berries and Roses Swimwear and mom to a daughter born with a cleft lip and palate. Kristi shares her journey from diagnosis to motherhood, opening up about the early challenges and the strength she found along the way. What makes this conversation especially powerful is the purpose behind Berries and Roses Swimwear. Inspired by her daughter, Kristi has built a brand rooted in confidence, representation, and empowerment for young girls. Through a meaningful partnership with Smile Train, her work goes even further—helping raise awareness and support for children with clefts around the world. This episode is a reminder that even the hardest beginnings can lead to something beautiful, and that when passion meets purpose, it can create impact far beyond your own story.

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Natalie and Alec, parents to Zade, who was born with a cleft lip and palate. They share their experience navigating a prenatal diagnosis, an unexpected NICU stay, feeding challenges, and learning how to advocate within a complex medical system. This honest conversation highlights the importance of asking questions, finding community support, and trusting your instincts as a parent. A must-listen for families preparing for birth or feeling overwhelmed in the early weeks of the cleft journey. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Stephanie, a cleft mom and Executive Director of the Face-to-Face Foundation. Stephanie shares her family's prenatal cleft diagnosis journey, the realities of cleft care, and how lived experience led her into advocacy work. Together, they discuss the importance of community connection, medical grants, and supporting families beyond surgery. This conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and hope for parents navigating a cleft diagnosis at any stage. Links: Face-to-Face Foundation Gala Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

Brooklyn joins Our Forever Smiles to share her experience as a cleft mom navigating diagnosis, surgery, and motherhood with resilience and honesty. She opens up about the emotional ups and downs of the cleft journey and the importance of community support. This episode centers on growth, advocacy, and learning to trust yourself as a parent. A comforting and relatable conversation for moms at any stage of the cleft journey. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

Jessica shares her story of becoming a first-time mom and learning about her child's cleft palate after birth, followed by an unexpected NICU stay. She reflects on the shock, fear, and isolation that came with leaving the hospital without her baby. This episode highlights the emotional realities of NICU life, navigating a cleft palate diagnosis, and finding strength in the hardest moments. A powerful listen for parents facing medical trauma and uncertainty. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group