Grief support, from a death doula’s perspective.
"Grief is itself a medicine."
-William Cowper
Understanding + discussing topics like advance directives, hospice care, + memorial services may feel overwhelming on top of dealing with a life-limiting condition.
A bereavement doula is here to help you through the journey by educating you on the choices you have + comforting family during difficult times.
"Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love."
— Earl Grollman
FAQs
-
A death doula (also known as a bereavement, loss, or end-of-life doula) is a non-clinical support person that may guide individuals and their families through the dying process by way of presence, advocacy, education, and companionship.
-
A doula should provide a sense of calm and reassurance to families during transitional phases of life and death. A doula may offer information on the dying process, assistance in coordinating advanced directives and memorial services*, and be a beacon of compassion during mourning.
*Doulas may provide context for documentation and services revolving around death, however are not medical or legal professionals and will refer the client to an appropriate licensed authority.
-
Hospice is medical care, physically provided, while doulas offer emotional and logistical support, making doulas and hospice a perfect complement.
-
Doulas can be contacted at any time during the end-of-life process. Earlier hire date means more time can be spent getting to know the individual and family, prioritizing requests, and educating the individual and family.
Keep in mind that preparing advanced directives, palliative care, and memorial services take time. This is generally less stressful to navigate with a helping hand and allowance to process.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
— Thomas Campbell
Bereavement Services
Basic - By The Hour
Companionship and family education on the process of dying + grieving.
Stillbirth
Free emotional support + resources via text, phone, or email during period of loss. If contracted for postpartum care, doula will continue to support birthing parent and family at home, including physical assistance. Additional support + services cost TBD.
Intermediate - By The Hour
Basic + end-of-life emotional planning; memorial services, quality measures, personal goals.
Elective or TFMR Abortion
Free emotional support + resources, including in-person attendance for appointments if requested. Additional support + services cost TBD.
Advanced - By The Hour
All bereavement services in addition to formal logistics discussion and facilitation (i.e., advance directives, estate planning, etc.)
Spontaneous Abortion
Free emotional support + resources via text, phone, or email during period of loss. Additional support + services cost TBD.
*Doulas may provide context for documentation and services revolving around death, however are not medical or legal professionals and will refer to the client to an appropriate licensed authority.
Bereavement Photography
Centering & Grief Digest Magazine
Includes sympathy cards, content in Spanish, resources for children & teens, and much more
GriefShare
A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief.
Post-Abortion Support
In partnership with Exhale, PSI offers this support group for people who have had abortions (please see alternative group for those who experienced termination for medical reasons)
Share
Share is a community for anyone who has experienced the death of a baby; parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, as well as the professionals who care for grieving families.
Black Moms in Loss Support Group
The Black Moms in Loss Support Group provides connections for individuals that identify as Black mothers grieving the loss of a pregnancy or infant.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group
Note: This group is not for partners/dads.
Center for Loss in Multiple Birth
Resources for families, including PDFs
Parenting After Loss
Led by trained peer facilitators, this group is for parents who have experienced pregnancy loss and also have living children.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support for Moms
Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, early infant loss, any type of pregnancy or infant loss.
Books on Grief
-
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief
By: Martha Whitmore Hickman
-
Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss
By: Rachel Lewis
-
You Are Not Alone: Love Letters From Loss Mom to Loss Mom
By: Emily R. Long
-
The Miscarriage Map: What To Expect When You Are No Longer Expecting
By: Dr. Sunita Osborn & Catherine Knepper
-
It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand
By: Megan Devine
-
Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief
By: Dr. Joanne Cacciatore
-
Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back
Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back
-
Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss
By: Gina Moffa LCSW
-
My Miscarriage: And Other Uninvited Events
By: Traci McCombs
-
Your Guide to Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss
By: Dr. Kate White M.D. M.P.H.
-
Healing Your Grieving Heart After Stillbirth: 100 Practical Ideas
By: Alan Wolfelt
-
Pregnancy Loss Affirmation Coloring Book
By: Vallen Webb
-
He Lost His Baby Too: Survival Guide for the Grieving Dad
By: Kelly Farley & David DiCola
-
Stillbirth, Yet Still Born: Grieving and Honoring Your Precious Baby
By: Deborah L. Davis
-
The Invisible String
By: Patrice Karst & Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
-
Cry, Heart, But Never Break
By: Glenn Ringtved & Charlotte Pardi
-
Some Babies Can't Stay
By: Jessica Ells & Stefanie St. Dennis
-
My Sibling Still
By: Megan Lacourrege & Joshua Wichterich
Amazon Affiliate disclosure: I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases when readers purchase books via these links. Please know that all recommendations are chosen for their overall reputation, regardless of any affiliate relationships. Have a book you’d like to recommend? Reach out to discuss!