"You were born silent. Perfect and beautiful. Still loved. Still missed. Still remembered. Everyday. Stillborn. But still born"
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-Michelle Salisbury
What Is A Bereavement Doula?
A Bereavement Doula assists with pregnancy-related grief and bereavement which can be through miscarriage, abortion, fetal demise, stillbirth, and infant death. As a full-spectrum doula, I strive to support individuals in my community regardless of reproductive choice or outcome. I also recognize that bereavement may have it's own timeline, or arrive and linger unexpectedly and indefinitely. Bereavement may include working through challenging feelings after a miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, unplanned outcome, adoption process, and other complex factors or it may be connected or compounded by inter-generational, familial, social, cultural, or medical treatment related issues.
Having an Bereavement Doula during your experience can alleviate anxiety and help with aftercare. I listen to you and respond compassionately and without judgment, I honor your unique needs and feelings throughout your experience. Your well-being is my only concern. I also provide in-person and telephone support before, during and after elective or medically neccessary procedures that take place both inside and outside the hospital and home. I am a fully trained and certified bereavement doula through Still Birthday and will be honored to support you through this time.
Some of the services I provide as a bereavement doula are:
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Answering questions and providing resources as needed.
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Giving one-on-one support throughout your unique situation.
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Offering emotional support to help you process your birth.
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Taking photos, as desired, along with keepsakes such as foot prints and handprints.
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Helping you with physical relaxation and stress relieving methods.
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Supporting you postpartum.
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Providing you with spiritual support.
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Encouraging you to advocate for the exact experience you want.
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Helping your loved ones through this tough and emotional time.
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Refering you to other support services, including medical, mental health, social and cultural services, funeral and church arrangements and more.
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Providing you with postpartum support immediately after loss.
When Should You Call Me?
Ideally, as soon as a loss is identified. However, it is never too late to contact me. I will be able to support you over the phone, email, video, or in person, and provide you with the neccessary resources to grieve, mourn, and heal. I am available 24/7 to assist you.