In this episode, I’m joined by Anita McNicholas O’Sullivan and Stephanie Maloney Diaz, two incredible women who, along with a group of bereaved mothers, brought to life The Butterfly Garden in Swinford, Co. Mayo.
Opened in August 2022, The Butterfly Garden is a place of comfort and reflection that acknowledges all kinds of loss, from miscarriage and stillbirth to neonatal andchild loss.
While Anita and Stephanie gently share parts of their own stories, the heart of this conversation is about the community, care and love that created this meaningful space and the power of remembrance.
As someone from Swinford, it means so much to be able to share this story and shine a light on the work of these inspiring women.
📍 The Butterfly Garden is located at Brabazon Woods, just outside Swinford town.
View on Google Maps
📸 Follow the garden and its community:Instagram: @thebutterflygardenmayo
Facebook: The Butterfly Garden Mayo
Facebook: The Butterfly Garden Mayo
🎨 Artistic contributions to the garden:
Mosaic by Annaliese Brown – Brown Bear Art
Butterfly bench by Breda Marron | Facebook
Wood carvings by Tommy K Chainsaw Carvings
Wave of Light 2024 collaboration by Tom Meskill – Dream Garden Exhibition
💛 Stephanie also shares her personal reflections and journey through loss on her blog: Smiling for Sophia
Please take care while listening.
If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed, support resources are available below.
Connect with Me:
Instagram: @Findingspace_dk
Resources & Support:
Miscarriage Association of Ireland
Tel: 01 873 5702
Féileacáin
Tel: 085 249 6464
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ireland
www.pregnancyandinfantloss.ie
Ectopic Pregnancy Ireland
Gateway Women
https://gateway-women.com/bio/
Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Irish Fertility Counsellors Association
https://fertilitycounsellors.ie/
Other Support Groups:
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