FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GET OFF GOOGLE AND GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS, HERE!

DOULA INQUIRIES

What is a MISCARRIAGE doula?

A miscarriage doula is someone who provides knowledgeable guidance and support to people who experience pregnancy loss at any gestation in pregnancy. They provide emotional and mental support through grief coaching and are trauma-informed individuals.

IS A DOULA A MEDICAL PROVIDER?

Doulas are professionally trained and trauma-informed individuals. While they have extensive knowledge in the inner-workings of the medical field as it relates to pregnancy and miscarriage/stillbirth, they are not licensed physicians and will not diagnose or treat any conditions. Through our services you will not receive treatment plans or diagnoses.

What services do you offer?

We offer a range of services from self-paced courses on preparing for miscarriage, virtual one-on-one support, support groups (held via zoom), and free resources + downloads.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

When it comes to a birth doula, studies have shown that having a doula present during labor can lead to shorter labor times, fewer interventions, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience. With pregnancy loss, we don’t have access to this type of testing and funding however, we see that our clients feel emotionally and mentally more equipped to manage grief, trauma, and life after loss whether that includes another pregnancy or not.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Someone I love just had a miscarriage, what can I do to support them?

Even though it sounds like a simple answer, the best way to support someone through miscarriage is by being present and showing up for them. You may do this by being a listening ear, providing a meal during a difficult time, or by checking in on them often. Remember not to give unsolicited advice and don’t be afraid to ask them how they best receive support.

When should I try and conceive again after loss?

The time frame is completely up to you (and sometimes your medical team). Based on your type of miscarriage, there may be a recommended waiting period (such as a month or up to six months). But unless there’s a medical reason to not get pregnant again, you may try and conceive as soon as a cycle after loss. There’s a myth that we are “more fertile” following a miscarriage and this has been studied but not thoroughly proven to be true. Take time if you want time, don’t if you feel ready for another pregnancy.

How often do you recommend clients meeting with you?

Private sessions are recommended on an as-needed basis and this looks different for every client. Some clients find that having us to discuss their loss with is beneficial and meet with us often. It may depend on what you have going on and what areas of grief you need continued support. Generally, clients book a session to discuss the pregnancy loss experience and then check-in again after their first period. Sometimes we hear from clients when they are pregnant again because pregnancy after loss can be difficult.

Do you provide support in a pregnancy that is going well?

We do see clients through pregnancy after loss. I am a birth and bereavement doula which means I’ve been trained in pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum, and loss. Our services cater to those who are pregnant after loss and struggling with the onset of grief or anxiety during a healthy pregnancy. Click here to check out our pregnancy after loss support options.

When will I feel better and less sad?

I wish there was an answer to this question that would bring you some relief but the truth is, grief is something that we may feel forever. Of course, the intensity changes over time and with developing coping tools and such but you will not forget that this has happened to you. With that being said, I usually see that grief is most intense in the year following pregnancy loss due to milestones, due dates, holidays, and the year anniversary. It is very comparable to grief as a whole and any type of loss in life.

How can I support my non-pregnant/birthing partner postpartum after loss?

Supporting your partner after loss is just as important as taking care of yourself. Don’t forget to communicate with them, check in on how they are doing/feeling, and include them in your coping tools. The biggest thing is to validate that they are allowed to grieve even if they didn’t physically experience this loss. I like to say that partners grieve the same loss but in different ways.

What type of miscarriage do you typically support?

I have experience supporting all types of pregnancy loss including chemical pregnancy, molar pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, missed miscarriage, blighted ovums, termination for medical reasons, PPROM (premature rupture of membranes), early cervical opening, stillbirth, and more.

Do you provide support for LGTBQ+ clients?

Absolutely. Same-sex relationships, queer clients, transgender clients are welcome at The Miscarriage Doula. I am very knowledgeable in fertility assisted pregnancies, sperm/egg donations, IVF, and other methods of achieving pregnancy for LGTBQ clients. It’s important that you feel safe under my care.