WHY A BEREAVEMENT DOULA?
It can be helpful to reach out to a bereavement doula as soon as you receive difficult or life-altering news during pregnancy. Many families connect with a bereavement doula at the moment a poor prognosis or life-limiting diagnosis is shared, while others reach out later as plans begin to take shape or emotions feel overwhelming. There is no “right” time—only the time that feels right for you.
A bereavement doula provides specialized emotional, physical, and informational support to families facing a poor prognosis, a life-limiting or lethal diagnosis, or an imminent loss during pregnancy. From the moment a family receives devastating news through birth and into the earliest days of grief, bereavement doulas walk alongside parents—offering steady, compassionate care and a reassuring presence during one of life’s most overwhelming moments.
Some families reach out early for ongoing support and planning, while others connect closer to birth or during a medical crisis. Bereavement doulas meet families wherever they are—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—providing steady presence from diagnosis through birth and into the earliest days of grief.
You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for help. If you are wondering whether support might help, that is often the sign that it can.
ESTABLISHING SUPPORT:
STEPS TO BEGIN BEREAVEMENT DOULA SUPPORT:
Through the generosity of our donors and community partners, the Missing Alexis Foundation is honored to scholarship bereavement doula services at zero cost to the families we serve, provided by Rebecca Jahnigen of The Whole Life Doula. This ensures families can receive this essential support without financial burden, allowing them to focus solely on their baby and their healing. Beginning the process is simple, confidential, and centered entirely on your needs.
Step 1: Reach Out to the Missing Alexis Foundation
Families (or healthcare providers supporting them) may initiate support by contacting the Missing Alexis Foundation directly through our website, email, or phone. You do not need a referral, a diagnosis summary, or all the answers. Reaching out simply lets us know that support is needed.
Step 2: A Gentle Connection & Needs Assessment
A member of the Missing Alexis Foundation team will connect with you to listen, answer questions, and better understand your situation. This conversation is informal, compassionate, and guided by what feels comfortable for you.
Together, we will determine whether bereavement doula support through The Whole Life Doula is the right fit and discuss what support might look like for your family.
Step 3: Coordinated Introduction to Rebecca Jahnigen
With your consent, the Missing Alexis Foundation will coordinate a direct introduction to Rebecca Jahnigen, bereavement doula with The Whole Life Doula. From there, Rebecca will connect with you personally to begin providing care tailored to your needs, values, and wishes. Support may begin immediately or be planned for the days or weeks ahead, depending on your circumstances.
Step 4: Ongoing Support at No Cost to Your Family
Once support is established, Rebecca will walk alongside your family through planning, birth, memory-making, and the early stages of grief. All bereavement doula services provided through this outreach are fully scholarshiped by the Missing Alexis Foundation, ensuring no cost to your family.
Step 5: Continued Care & Connection
The Missing Alexis Foundation remains available throughout your journey—offering additional resources, referrals, and ongoing support. You are never expected to navigate this experience alone.
A Note to Families
There is no timeline, no expectation, and no “right way” to ask for help. If you are facing uncertainty, heartbreak, or unimaginable loss, reaching out is enough. We will meet you where you are.
Rebecca Jahnigen: The Whole Life Doula