Birth is unpredictable, and occasionally the outcome is unexpected, whether due to maternal or newborn complications, disability or death. The doula can BEST help in this situation by:

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Understanding that parents go through a typical progression of grief reactions can be helpful for a doula. In grieving situations, the initial reaction is typically shock or denial, followed by anger and numbness. The stages of grief take varying amounts of time depending on each individual, but the burden diminishes over time. The doula can be an active agent to help parents work through the grief process, even by just lending a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. Because each person works through the stages of grief in their own way, encouraging them to move on before they're ready is not prudent. Sharing concerns with colleagues can be helpful if the doula is overwhelmed by the situation, but remaining connected to the family can help her work through the grief she will naturally feel, as well.

Birth Is Unpredictable, and Occasionally the Outcome Is Unexpected, Whether