From Bedside Nursing to Butterfly Pig: A Mission to Reduce Pediatric Medical Trauma Through Play (263)-Mary’s Story

 “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: [e-mail]

📣 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:

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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.