Mama Nurture
What a Bereavement Doula does
A bereavement doula provides support to families who are experiencing or anticipate loss. They understand how grief affects people. We offer assistance for miscarriage, stillbirth, or terminal diagnosis during pregnancy, sudden infant death and NICU care. We provide comprehensive physical, emotional and informational aid through the journey of loss. Mama Nurture Doulas utilise photography to help capture every precious moment of parenthood.
So what does that support look like?
This depends on the gestation of the baby at the time of death and the needs of the family. For early miscarriage, support may mean attending the doctors appointment or accompanying you to the emergency room. Emotional support via text, phone, email, or instant messaging. Being present while you labour and birth baby, preparing you to greet baby, bonding options for a tiny baby, explaining options and transportation for baby’s body. For stillbirth, the support may include much the same as above but may be more in-depth to ensure memories and mementos are created.
As Bereavement Doulas we journey with a family whose baby’s life is expected to be brief. Allowing them to enter into the sacred space where heaven meets earth as they say hello and goodbye to their child. Every life matters and we want each family to know, they are not walking this path alone. Mama Nurture strives to provide quality support from well-trained professionals. Bereavement Doulas have a heart of compassion and understanding for those who are grieving the loss of a child. Your Doula will not try to fix you or try to find the right answers, rather we are there to come alongside you as companions walking this path together.
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Your Bereavement Doula will provide information to help you make informed decisions. For example before 26 weeks of gestation in South Africa a fetus that showed no signs of life after delivery are disposed of as medical waste. However your Doula will ensure your baby’s remains are treated with dignity and assist in giving you the option to have them cremated or buried. Your Bereavement Doula will explain that in most hospitals, you can keep your baby with you for as long as you need after they have passed away. She will help you create an intimate environment where you can find comfort in looking at, touching and talking to your baby. Most parents find it helpful to make memories of this cherished time that will last a lifetime. Planning for a funeral is the last thing on anyone’s mind during pregnancy, but for a family who has been given a poor or fatal diagnosis it is a cruel reality. Your Bereavement Doula will provide you with information on the best options for your baby. |
Click on the file links below to watch two video interviews with Samala and Tv Nurse Tammy about bereavement doulas!
| Interview with Tammy Nurse |
| Second Interview with Tammy Nurse |
| Samala Kriedemann on Grieving |
If you are in need of a bereavement doula, please click here. You are not alone.
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