The Butterfly Broadcast

Meet Jane Rollins, Vice President of the non-profit organization Share Parents of Utah and American History buff. Once she and her husband had two children, they came to the crossroads of whether to keep growing their family or not. Despite the threat of Hyperemesis gravidarum and battling postpartum depression again, Jane's heart told her to take the leap of faith to get pregnant a third time. After 39 long, sick, bedridden weeks, Jane was looking forward to the relief that would come after delivery.... until that week's checkup brought tragic news along with the diagnosis of Trisomy 13. Take a listen to learn how her faith allowed her to process this information and how she's chosen to make the world better because Garrett was here. (Hint hint: she crafts an extra special gift for loss parents in his honor every year on his birthday... and today he turns 3! Happy birthday sweet Garrett!)

Instagram/tiktok: @shareparentsofutah & @honorgarrettrollins

Website: sputah.org

This is a story about Taylor and her sweet baby girl Willow. Eight months into their marriage, Taylor and her husband, Sterling, were open to the idea of starting their family and were thrilled it happened so quickly for them. However, bleeding at 17 weeks gestation and a mother’s intuition led to Taylor self-monitoring with a fetal doppler at home frequently. Take a listen to learn how Taylor was able to maintain such a positive outlook when the doppler got quiet and the lessons Willow taught her sweet mama along the way. P.S. Butterflies are extra special in this episode!

Instagram: @taystrickland3

This is a story about Chelsea; a hardworking mom whose competitive spirit has made her successful not only as collegiate athlete but also as a top-performer in her sales career. She and her husband got pregnant with their first two sweet girls almost "too easily". When the time came that they felt ready for a third child, they were completely taken off-guard when another easy conception resulted in miscarriage. Imagine their shock (not to mention trauma) when this happened again a second time... then a third... and then a FOURTH. Take a listen to learn how Chelsea responded when she found herself in an infertility journey as well as the advice she has for couples enduring recurrent pregnancy losses.

This is a story about Jen Rader; soccer prodigy and social media marketing genius. Her first pregnancy had some unexpected twists and turns, despite her fit lifestyle, which resulted in a premature birth and therefore, lingering trauma. Striking parallels occurred during her second pregnancy but with one exception.... a rare diagnosis during the 20-week ultrasound. Jen and her husband were presented the choice that no parent should ever have to make: to terminate or continue the pregnancy. Take a listen to learn why they made the decision they did as well as the tangible footprint that their daughter, Josie, is leaving behind within the infant loss community. You will be inspired by Jen's creativity and hope!

Instagram: @josiesangels

This story is about Megan, who is currently reigning as Mrs. Utah Elite 2022. From an outside perspective, you would never guess she has ever faced hardship due to her contagious smile and heart-warming optimism. In fact, her pageant platform and podcast is titled "Try Everything Today", which inspires courage to get out of one's comfort zone to do good. However upon digging deeper , you'll learn that this hard-working mama of two teenagers actually has two more children that she unfortunately lost. Take a listen to learn how Megan feels when reflecting on her babies after 15 years and the ways she has helped others through similar trials. You won't regret getting to know the amazing Megan!

Soon after getting married, Abby and her husband Kemper were open to the idea of starting a family. To their surprise, they got a positive pregnancy test almost immediately and shared the happy news with loved ones and acquaintances. They went to a fetal photos studio and were disturbed when the ultrasound tech said they couldn't find the heartbeat and were referred to see a doctor. Unfortunately a miscarriage was confirmed and the newlyweds were left to sift through the storm of emotions (and hormones). Take a listen to learn the plethora of coping methods that Abby unearthed such as music, therapy, social media and setting boundaries. This episode is a must-listen, especially for the parents of early loss out there!

Instagram: @theowensvida

McKenzie and her husband were thrilled to learn of their pregnancy and like many first time parents, they were under the impression that everything would go okay. Her pregnancy went smoothly until the 20-week ultrasound revealed a congenital heart defect, but still the doctor remained positive and simply set expectations for baby girl's heart care after birth. They decided to name her Sophie Joi and continued to make memories with her in utero until things felt a little different at the 33-week pediatric cardiologist appointment. Take a listen to learn how Kenzie's interactions with Share Parents of Utah carried her and her husband through when their entire world was flipped upside down and what she has done to keep Sophie's memory alive.

Instagram: @livejoifully

Amy is a certified Life After Baby-loss coach. She combines her own experiences of stillbirth, miscarriage and pregnancy after loss with proven mindset tools to help loss parents find themselves again. Amy believes that when you can get to the roots of your struggles and bring them to light that’s when you will make the most progress. She is the host of the Smooth Stones Podcast where she shares all the tools you need to build a beautiful life even without all your babies in your arms. When she’s not coaching she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and doing DIY projects. 

https://smoothstonescoaching.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amy.smoothstonescoaching/

https://www.facebook.com/smoothstonescoaching/

This is a story about Jessica, who eloquently speaks the words that all loss parents are trying to find. Life was going smoothly until her third pregnancy, which was traumatic for her and though that baby was healthy, she was left questioning her desire to have any more children. Her husband felt another child was awaiting them and cautiously she conceived again... only to receive devastating news at her 16-week appointment. Jessica found herself in a rollercoaster of emotions from peace to anger to depression and everything in between. Take a listen to learn how her relationship with God transformed as well as the dynamic of her family. PSA: She is relatable, gives excellent advice and shares "coincidences" that will give you chills!

Instagram: @beauty.from.ashes_jasontimothy

This story is the reason behind the whole podcast... because it is my own! Before I personally share my own miscarriage I thought it would be interesting to hear about it from my husband's perspective first. While mothers are the ones enduring the physical trauma, the emotional trauma that a father experiences is often minimized and overlooked. Just because grieving may look differently for men doesn't mean they are unaffected by the loss. Quite the opposite in fact.

McKay was born to be a father... and not just because of his dad jokes. He is the most interactive and affectionate daddy that our first born son, Beckham, could have. McKay was thrilled to learn I was pregnant again and that he would have another child to raise and adore. Take a listen to find out how he responded to one of his worst fears coming true and how he feels about it now.