Bereavement Doula Support 

Compassionate Care During and After Perinatal Loss 

Experiencing perinatal loss is overwhelming, isolating, and deeply painful. Many families leave medical settings feeling unprepared for what comes next—emotionally, physically, and practically. Bereavement doulas provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support during this time, walking alongside families through loss and the days, weeks, and months that follow.

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A bereavement doula is a trained, non-medical support person who offers emotional presence, education, advocacy, and practical care to families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, termination for medical reasons, or pregnancy after loss.

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How Bereavement Doulas Support Families

Bereavement doulas provide individualized support that may include:

• Emotional support and presence without judgment or pressure to “move on”

• Education about the physical and emotional aspects of loss

• Support during labor and birth when a baby is expected to die or has died

• Postpartum recovery support, including guidance around lactation, milk suppression, or donation

• Advocacy and communication support within medical and clinical settings

• Practical help such as meals, household support, and sibling care coordination

• Memory-making, rituals, keepsakes, and ways to honor and remember a baby

• Ongoing follow-up, check-ins, and support over time as grief evolves

Bereavement support does not end when the hospital stay ends. For many families, having consistent, compassionate support after returning home can make a meaningful difference in their healing and adjustment.

Who Bereavement Doula Support Is For

Bereavement doula support may be helpful for:

• Parents and families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss

• Families navigating complex or life-limiting prenatal diagnoses

• Individuals terminating a pregnancy for medical reasons

• Families preparing to give birth to a baby who is not expected to live

• Parents navigating pregnancy after loss

• Providers seeking additional support resources for their patients or clients

Accessing Bereavement Doula Support

Doula Synergy is working to improve access to trained bereavement doulas through partnerships, education, and the development of a national directory. Availability and services may vary by location.

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If you are interested in bereavement doula support for yourself, a loved one, or a client, we invite you to reach out.

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To learn more or inquire about bereavement doula support, click below. You are not alone, and support is available.

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