Episode 26: Supporting Loss

Supporting loss. This is a topic that doulas and other birth workers hope to never face. Yet when you are involved in birth work long enough, it’s inevitable.

Join us as we discuss the ways that doulas can support families through loss with our incredible guest, Annie Willems.

Often called bereavement doula work, walking alongside clients as they navigate the loss of their baby is a heavy topic. It doesn’t matter if the loss is expected or unexpected. These births can be beautiful if they are handled the right way.

For many doulas, they enter the process of supporting clients through loss unprepared. That first experience is often the catalyst to begin to explore the tender topic of supporting clients through loss. Doulas are caregivers and often feel the need to fix things. But there is no fixing loss.

Loss support means that doulas are willing to sit down in the middle of the grief and just be there. No directing, no fixing, no judgment. Just being a present, compassionate listening ear. Someone who is comfortable to sit in the deep emotions that families will express throughout the grieving and loss process.

We invite you to join us in this episode as we learn ways to help families navigate loss as doulas.