In this reposted episode, Courtney shares her journey of receiving her daughter Annie’s Trisomy 21 diagnosis, navigating the NICU, and walking through open-heart surgery complicated by pulmonary hypertension. She talks about the power of community, the unexpected strength she discovered in herself, and how vulnerability and advocacy have shaped her motherhood. Courtney reminds us that love, connection, and collective wisdom can carry families through the hardest seasons while celebrating Annie’s resilient and joyful spirit.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Annie Louise Foundation – A resource hub for parents and caregivers

• Follow Courtney on Instagram

• Read Courtney's most recent blog post about how the Annie Louise Foundation helped with Central Texas Flood relief in Kerrville, TX

🎉 Special Thank You for Our Listeners! 🎉

We’re giving you free access to our most popular pediatric masterclasses — How to Prepare, Support, and Respond to Your Child During Shots, Blood Draws, and Vaccines and How to Use Comfort Positioning in Pediatrics — a $250 value, completely free! All you have to do is leave a written review of the Child Life On Call podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, then email a screenshot of your review to podcast@childlifeoncall.com. Once we receive it, you’ll get instant access to both courses — no strings attached. It’s our way of saying thank you for listening and helping more parents discover our show. 💛

Keywords: Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21, congenital heart defect, VSD, pulmonary hypertension, NICU, ECMO, parent advocacy, child life, Spoony Threads, SupportSpot

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.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, epilepsy in children, and autism parenting—in this powerful episode, women’s health coach and mom of four, Erin Trier, shares her family’s eight-year journey to finally receiving a TSC diagnosis for her son, Brendan. She talks about the early seizures, navigating a rare genetic disorder, and managing the added challenges of autism and uncontrolled epilepsy. Erin opens up about the emotional and mental toll, the power of vulnerability, and the practical organization systems that help her family thrive—including her genius laundry strategy. She also shares why self-care, community connection, and support are essential for parents raising a medically complex child. You will not want to miss this episode. Resources Mentioned: Erin’s website: www.erintrier.com Instagram Podcast: Empowered in Health 🎉 Special Thank You for Our Listeners! 🎉 We’re giving you free access to our most popular pediatric masterclasses — How to Prepare, Support, and Respond to Your Child During Shots, Blood Draws, and Vaccines and How to Use Comfort Positioning in Pediatrics — a $250 value, completely free! All you have to do is leave a written review of the Child Life On Call podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, then email a screenshot of your review to podcast@childlifeoncall.com. Once we receive it, you’ll get instant access to both courses — no strings attached. It’s our way of saying thank you for listening and helping more parents discover our show. 💛 Keywords: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, TSC diagnosis story, rare genetic disorder, seizure disorder, epilepsy in children, autism parenting, medically complex child, women’s health coach, parenting tips, self-care for parents, family organization, SupportSpot app, parent mental health, coping strategies, special needs parenting, rare disease awareness.

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.

Victoria Garcia—lovingly known as “Nurse Vic”—shares her powerful journey as a nurse and mom of two, including her daughter Julia, who was diagnosed with achondroplasia during pregnancy. In this heartfelt episode, Victoria opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating a rare diagnosis while working at the very hospital where she received the news. She talks about the strength she found in community, the importance of informed advocacy, and what it truly means to be in alignment with your purpose.

🎧 This is an inspiring listen for any parent facing a diagnosis or anyone who supports families in medical settings.

Resources Mentioned:

• Victoria’s landing page: www.shortlongbones.com
  

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.

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.

Keywords: Achondroplasia, skeletal dysplasia, dwarfism, rare diagnosis, nurse mom, pediatric advocacy, parenting journey, postpartum, SupportSpot, Child Life On Call, Nurse Vic, community support, early diagnosis, medical parenting

In this moving and hope-filled episode, mother-daughter duo Quinn Wyatt and Kirby Larson share the deeply personal story behind their middle grade novel, Gut Reaction. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teen after years of being dismissed, Quinn opens up about her experience living with a misunderstood chronic illness. Kirby, an acclaimed author, reveals what it took to revisit this painful chapter of their lives and co-write a book that helps kids feel seen. Together, they explore diagnosis delays, self-advocacy, parenting through illness, and how their storytelling became a form of healing and community connection.

Resources Mentioned:

• Gut Reaction by Quinn Wyatt and Kirby Larson

• Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

• Learn more: https://gutreactionbook.com

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.

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.

Keywords: Crohn's disease, chronic illness in kids, middle grade books, parent advocacy, child life, invisible illness, IBD, Camp Oasis, Kirby Larson, Gut Reaction book, diagnosis journey, storytelling therapy, chronic illness support, medical parenting, Child Life On Call Podcast

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.

“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: mary@thebutterflypig.com

📣 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.

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.

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.

In the wake of recent flooding in Central Texas, Katie Taylor—child life specialist and mom—pauses the regularly scheduled episode to speak directly to parents navigating uncertainty and grief. Whether you're facing a natural disaster, a scary news event, illness, or another tough moment, Katie offers a compassionate and practical framework to help guide difficult conversations with your child.

Drawing from both her professional experience and personal moments with her own daughter, Katie walks you through a 5-step process to ensure these talks are grounded in safety, emotional connection, and honest, age-appropriate communication.

Questions, media or collaborations? Reach out to us at hello@childlifeoncall.com

• Why regulating yourself is the first step to supporting your child

• How to assess what your child knows or believes about an event (and correct misconceptions)

• Strategies for explaining complex topics in clear, simple ways

• How to validate emotional reactions, even when you don’t have all the answers

• The importance of ending with a bonding activity to reinforce connection and security

1. Regulate yourself

2. Assess what your child knows

3. Explain complex information simply

4. Validate their emotions and responses

5. Close with connection and bonding

🔗 Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR) – Supporting families and professionals during crisis situations: https://www.childlifedisasterrelief.org
📚 Flooding & Crisis Resource Hub for Parents and CCLS: https://childlifeoncall.com/hillcountryfloods

• [00:00] – Welcome & why this episode matters right now (Texas flooding)

• [01:00] – The emotional toll on parents and the importance of self-regulation

• [02:00] – Personal reflection: Katie shares how she coped this weekend

• [03:00] – Step 1: Why regulating yourself is step one in helping your child

• [04:00] – Step 2: Two ways tough conversations begin (reactive vs. planned)

• [05:00] – Creating a safe environment: timing, tone, and physical comfort

• [06:00] – Step 3: Assessing what your child knows and clearing up misconceptions

• [07:00] – Example: When Katie’s daughter feared the pool would flood their home

• [08:00] – How to explain complex topics like weather in simple, honest language

• [09:00] – Step 4: Reading your child’s cues and inviting collaboration

• [10:00] – When kids ask heartbreaking questions (e.g. “Did kids die?”)

• [11:00] – Validating your child’s emotions and offering honest responses

• [12:00] – Step 5: How to close the conversation with a bonding moment

• [13:00] – Simple ideas: drawing together, taking a walk, or reading a book

• [14:00] – What to do when you don’t have the answers to their questions

• [15:00] – Why the message of safety, love, and presence matters most

• [16:00] – Acknowledging the incredible work of Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR)

• [17:00] – Where to find resources: childlifeoncall.com/hillcountryfloods

• [18:00] – Final encouragement: You can do this—and your words matter less than your presence