DONA International explains that “the word ‘doula’ comes from the ancient Greek meaning ‘a woman who serves’ and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period”. Others may simply explain a doula as being a birth or labor coach.
Jolie Vega, No Footprint Too Small's founder, is a trained and certified birth and bereavement doula who provides mothers with unbiased emotional and physical support during the emotional and intimate labors that involve loss. She is able to companion mothers in the sacred space where birth and bereavement meet. Jolie supports births in any trimester and specializes in induced birth, cesarean birth, unmedicated vaginal birth, and vaginal birth using pain medication or an epidural.
Jolie can also serve as a liaison to the hospital and funeral home, refer mothers and families to grief counseling, contact Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep to provide a birth photographer, provide the mother and family with sentimental mementos, and most importantly she can offer gentle suggestions that facilitate bonding experiences between the family and the baby during their time together.
If you or a mother you know are currently pregnant with a baby who has been given a fatal diagnosis, are miscarrying, or having a stillbirth and would like the support of a doula during your labor, please Contact Us.
No Footprint Too Small’s birth and bereavement doula support is offered on a volunteer basis and is free of charge, but donations are accepted and always appreciated. Donate here.
