Child Life Specialist at Shannon Provides Support for Families Navigating Medical Challenges

Child Life Specialists focus on minimizing the trauma of medical procedures for children by providing age-appropriate explanations, coping strategies, and play opportunities.

“We help children and their families understand what’s happening, whether it’s a medical procedure, a diagnosis, or a treatment,” said Bailey, who has been in her role since January 2020. Prior to this, she worked as a registered nurse for 23 years.

Bailey works with families across various hospital units, including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She recalled assisting siblings of a premature baby to cope with the situation by facilitating play and helping them communicate with their parents and baby brother.

“That eased their anxiety and helped them process what was happening,” she said.

Her work extends beyond children, offering guidance to caregivers and even grandparents on how to communicate complex health situations to younger family members.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as a phone consultation to discuss options and resources,” Bailey explained.

The need for Child Life services varies daily, with Bailey sometimes assisting one or two families during emergencies, or as many as 10 families in a day.

She emphasized the importance of integrating play into healthcare settings to reduce children’s anxiety.

“Play is how children learn, cope, and process the world around them,” she said.

Bailey also educates healthcare professionals on child-friendly practices to prevent long-term negative associations with medical care. Research shows that adverse childhood experiences in healthcare settings can lead to adults avoiding necessary medical care.

“Developmentally, children don’t understand how something that hurts can help. Our goal is to make these experiences as comfortable as possible,” she said.

Parents and caregivers seeking support can find resources and contact information on the Shannon Child Life website.

From preparing children for routine vaccinations to helping families navigate serious diagnoses, Bailey aims to empower families with knowledge and tools for coping.

“There’s a better way to support children through these experiences,” she said.

As awareness of developmental trauma grows, Bailey is optimistic about the future of child-friendly medical care.

“We’re helping healthcare professionals and families learn how to do things differently, so children feel safe and supported every step of the way,” she said.