Abby the Sociologist Doula

How to support a friend going through pregnancy loss

October 13, 2021 Abby JorgensenLeave a comment

Pregnancy loss is sadly common, but our society doesn't prepare us for supporting a friend through a miscarriage or stillbirth. In my latest for FemCatholic, I give three straightfward suggestions for things to avoid and things to do instead when supporting a friend who has experienced a loss.

Articles to read when you need to be distracted: sports edition

October 10, 2021 Abby Jorgensen2 Comments

From bowling to walking (yes, walking), check out these eight stories about sports that may serve as much-needed distractions for wherever you're at in life right now.

How to get updates on local covid-19 hospital policies regarding doulas

October 6, 2021October 6, 2021 Abby JorgensenLeave a comment

Every Thursday, I call my local hospitals (Beacon Memorial in South Bend; St. Joe in Mishawaka; and Elkhart General in Elkhart) and check in on the hospital policies. In the upheaval of the pandemic, I want to make sure I know the latest info and I have what I need in order to practice at… Continue reading How to get updates on local covid-19 hospital policies regarding doulas

6 reminders for loss parents this month

October 3, 2021 Abby JorgensenLeave a comment

Transcript (1): October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. If you're a loss parent, this month can be rough. I'd like to gently remind you of these six things.

Terms Explained: what is auscultation?

September 29, 2021 Abby JorgensenLeave a comment

What do bats have to do with a 19th century French doctor who thought his patient was attractive? They both use AUSCULTATION.

5 reasons to teach your baby to drink out of a shot glass

September 26, 2021September 25, 2021 Abby Jorgensen1 Comment

Here's my favorite hack for teaching babies how to drink out of cups: SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS (of water, to be very very clear).

Terms Explained: what are prostaglandins?

September 22, 2021September 19, 2021 Abby JorgensenLeave a comment

Did you know that the same weird thing in your body can 1) make periods painful, 2) help cure newborns of certain kinds of heart disease, and 3) make a uterus contract? Welcome to the confusing and impressive world of prostaglandins. Check out this article to learn more!

3 ways to prepare for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

September 19, 2021September 17, 2021 Abby JorgensenLeave a comment

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in the United States, and has been since the 1988 Congress and Ronald Reagan declared it to be so every year. Additionally, in 2001, the House of Representatives declared October 15 to be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. October also includes Baby Loss Awareness Week (UK, 9 October – 15 October) and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (Canada, October 15, and Australia, October 15). Here are three ways you can prepare for these important commemorations.