S5 E13 Accompaniment in Grief with Dr. Abby Jorgensen

*TRIGGER WARNING

This episode discusses sensitive topics including loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. Certain portions of the episode might prove too graphic for some listeners.

Shownotes

In this week’s episode, Jennifer has a conversation with bereavement doula and sociologist, Dr. Abby Jorgensen to discuss the challenges faced by both lay people and the Church when it comes to discussing this difficult topic. She also provides clarity on an end of life doula vs. grief doula (loss of child) and what it is like to accompany someone in the grief work she does through her ministry, Haven Bereavement Doulas.

Our Guest
Dr. Abby Jorgensen is a Catholic sociologist, doula, and assistant professor at Saint Louis University, where she specializes in the intersections of pregnancy, grief, and faith. She is the author of A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss (Ave Maria Press, 2024), a compassionate and practical resource rooted in faith and informed by both research and lived experience. In addition to her academic work, she is a certified birth and bereavement doula and the founder of Haven Bereavement Doulas. 

Find more about the work of Dr. Abby Jorgensen at: https://catholicbereavementdoula.com, or on social media at Abby the Sociologist Doula.

Scripture

• Psalm 34:18

• John 19:34

Links

• Haven Bereavement Doulas

• St. Gianna Beretta Molla 

• St. Raymond Nonnatus

• Double effect - St. Thomas’ theology

Prayer for the souls of Mandy, Mary Ellen, Sister Mary Sharon, Dick, and Jack

Journaling Questions

1. What stood out to you from this episode or resonated strongly with you? 

2. Take some time to reflect on the scripture verse Abby mentioned, Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” How does it make you feel, thinking about the idea that the Lord is close to us when we are brokenhearted? Does it bring you comfort? 

3. Was there anything you found yourself relating to in terms of the responses you’ve received from others, including clergy, as it relates to your loss?

4. Have you ever sought out someone to help you on your grief journey? Did you have trouble finding someone?

5. What is something that surprised you to learn about the work of a grief doula?

6. Abby spoke about the misconceptions she had about St. Gianna Beretta Molla and how, after gaining a better understanding of her journey to sainthood, St, Gianna has become a friend to her. Are there any saints who you have found who bring you comfort and you ask to intercede on your behalf?

7. What is your mourning glory?