Dr. Abigail Jorgensen Ph.D., CD(DONA), LCCE, HCBD

Dr. Abby Jorgensen, Ph.D., CD(DONA), LCCE, is a sociologist doula or a doula sociologist, depending on the day you catch her. She works as an assistant professor of sociology and health care ethics (studying families, health, and loss), and as a doula and childbirth educator (specializing in birth and bereavement).

Abby is the author of “A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Compassionate Answers to Difficult Questions.” Abby lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat. You can learn more about Abby at her website, https://abbythesociologistdoula.com.

Session

Sharing Experiences As a Doula: Whether, When, and How to Talk About What It Was Like For You

Have you ever wanted to say, “ME TOO!”, or “That’s NOT how it happened to me!”, to a client? Doulas often approach births with experience – as a hopeful parent, as a birthing person, or as a doula at other births. Sharing these background experiences with clients or potential clients can sometimes create problems or difficulties by centering the conversation on the doula, sometimes even changing the direction of care. However, sometimes, sharing these experiences can create opportunities for clients to feel less alone. In this session, sociologist Dr. Abby Jorgensen will discuss some guiding principles for determining whether to share your own experience, especially in very difficult situations of bereavement and trauma. She will also provide tips for sharing in the healthiest and most honorable way possible, when appropriate. Join Dr. Abby as we discuss ways to engage with our own stories while playing a role in those of others.