Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas is a nonprofit that offers free, non-medical support to people experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, and early infant loss. The organization provides emotional, physical, and informational assistance during and after perinatal loss, helping families navigate logistics and make memory-driven decisions. Bereavement doulas act as contingency planners, discussing hopes and priorities and preparing for possible outcomes. The doulas seek to maximize opportunities for connection with the infant and reduce long-term regrets by facilitating holding, memory-making, and informed choices. The program has supported about 40 families and roughly 50 babies, offering comfort and practical guidance during grief.
Jennifer Stampfel said she received help from the duals at the nonprofit back in April, during "the most difficult time in my life." She said it was difficult because her body prematurely went into labor, dilating early and delivering Judah at twenty weeks. "Losing him after wanting him so badly," said Stampfel. She wanted this baby so badly, she endured I.V.F. treatments, and when doctors told her Judah was arriving too soon, they offered a "bereavement doula".
Through this non-profit, they help people navigate the logistics of infant loss, while never losing focus on the heart of the matter. "In perinatal loss, a lot of parents have suffered regrets. They don't remember what their baby's face looks like, they don't remember how it feels to hold their baby in their arms," said Perez. With Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas, it maximizes love and minimizes regrets.
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