How to support a friend going through pregnancy loss

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.

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

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

3 ways to prepare for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

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.

Asking for your help: upcoming bereavement retreats

This October, Victoria Wilson (at The Mother Well) and I will be hosting two bereavement retreats for those who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. We are hoping for five things; can you help us?

How I used the pandemic to strengthen my research: Notre Dame’s update on my dissertation

I was honored recently to be featured in the University of Notre Dame College of Arts and Letters newsletter. You can find the link in this post!

How to administer emotional first aid when informed of a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death

There are many situations in which you might learn that someone has experienced the loss of a child. No matter how long ago the loss occurred, or no matter how well you know the person, their grief is real and I encourage you to validate and support them through emotional first aid. This infographic walks you through how to do that and gives you examples of what you might say.