“The tears legitimately just turned to curiosity—and she wanted to play.” – Mary Jenner, BSN and Founder of the Butterfly Pig

Meet Mary, a former pediatric oncology nurse turned full-time entrepreneur and founder of The Butterfly Pig. In this heartfelt episode, Mary opens up about how play transformed her bedside care, her daughter’s unexpected NICU stay due to HIE, and how she’s now helping families and clinicians reduce pediatric medical trauma through imaginative medical play tools. Listen in to discover how Mary's passion is revolutionizing how we empower kids and parents in healthcare.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ What HIE is and how Mary’s family navigated the NICU ✅ How realistic medical play toys reduce trauma and increase confidence ✅ The power of parents in pediatric care and preparation ✅ How nurses and child life specialists can use play more effectively ✅ How Mary’s business blends creativity, compassion, and advocacy

 

🕰️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction

[01:00] From Nurse to Entrepreneur: Mary’s Journey

[03:00] The Butterfly Pig Mission & Empowering Parents

[06:00] Mary's NICU Experience with Her Daughter's HIE Diagnosis

[07:00] How Play Changed a NICU Visit

[11:00] Play as a Parenting Tool in Medical Moments

[13:00] Misconceptions in Medical Play – Letting Kids Lead

[16:00] From Fear to Confidence: A HLHS Echo Story

[17:00] Mary’s Bedside Story That Sparked It All

[19:00] Building a Business That Defies Expectations

[20:00] The Meaning Behind “The Butterfly Pig”

[23:00] Getting Started with Medical Play at Home

[25:00] Final Reflections and Gratitude

 

🌐 Guest Resources & Links Website: thebutterflypig.com Instagram: @thebutterflypig Email: [email protected]

📣 Share This Episode Know a parent navigating their child's diagnosis, a pediatric nurse, or child life specialist? This episode is a must-listen. One story can inspire hope, connection, and powerful play to help normalize medical treatments and procedures. 

💛 For Parents & Caregivers:

Bring Child Life Home With You The SupportSpot app puts expert child life tools, coping strategies, and emotional support right in the palm of your hand—anytime you need it. 🛒 Available now in the App Store → childlifeoncall.com/app

Support your child through medical moments with the same guidance used by hospitals across the country.

👩‍⚕️ For Child Life Specialists:

Join The Child Life Circle A community for certified child life specialists that blends connection, professional growth, and collaboration. 🌐 Learn more or join now → childlifeoncall.com/childlifecircle

The Circle is where child life professionals come together for real talk, resources, and rejuvenation.

 

The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.