Miscarriage & Stillbirth Support in Atlanta
Bereavement doulas Maegan + Milene, Atlanta Birth Collective
Because loss is part of birth and you still deserve continuous, compassionate care
Content note: stillbirth and infant loss.
A true story
One evening, several years ago, a mother messaged to say there was no heartbeat and that the doula she hired wouldn’t come. She was hurt, confused, desperate, ghosted and alone. The doula also wouldn’t give her any refund. I was already on call for another family, so I began trying to find backup, just incase I was at another birth when the mom called me to assist in her stillbirth. To my shock, several doulas told me they don’t attend confirmed stillbirths. That moment cemented this promise for our collective: no family should learn in crisis that their doula won’t show up. With Atlanta Birth Collective, you will have bereavement-trained support in place, either from one of us (Maegan or Milene) or from our named backup if a conflict arises. You will not be left alone to navigate the hardest day of your life.
Why choose a bereavement-trained doula (and not just “any” doula)
Loss is still a birth but the needs are different. Shock is real, time feels strange, and decisions come quickly. A bereavement-trained doula helps you:
Understand your options (induction/augmentation, epidural or not, what to expect medically and emotionally).
Slow the moment down so you can make choices you’ll feel at peace with later.
Create memories (only if you want to)- footprints, keepsakes, photos, rituals, time to hold and bathe/dress your baby.
Advocate gently with your care team so your wishes are heard.
Plan the days after - lactation/comfort, milk suppression options, funeral home coordination, resources, support groups.
Not every doula is comfortable or trained for this. We are.
What our care looks like (before, during, after)
Before (as soon as you contact us):
Quick response with an ETA or backup plan.
A plain-language overview of what to expect on admission and options to consider.
If photography is requested, we discuss how you’d like it handled (quiet, discreet, no-flash, specific moments, or none at all).
During labor & birth:
Continuous presence (or named backup if one of us is with another family) - calm coaching, breath/positioning, and a protective, quiet atmosphere.
Optionally guide memory-making: gentle photos, hand/footprints, dressing baby.
Clear explanations of language you may hear and time to pause before decisions.
After:
Unhurried time with your baby, if you wish.
Optional written “aftercare” instructions you can take home (because shock makes details hard to retain). Or just text/call us.
Coordination for helpful next steps: lactation guidance (or comfort care), local grief supports, and check-ins from us in the days that follow.
What sets Atlanta Birth Collective apart
Two bereavement doulas, one team: Maegan + Milene are experienced, coordinated, and aligned in how we care for families.
Named backup, disclosed up front: real names, real numbers, confirmed availability.
Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care: we ask before touching, follow your lead, and honor faith/culture without imposing.
Discreet remembrance photography (optional): handled with reverence.
Ethical, transparent fees & refunds: we itemize breakdown of options in our contract. So you know exactly what type of doulas you are choosing.
Hospital or home support anywhere we serve in the Atlanta area.
If you’re comparing doulas, ask these questions (even if you don’t hire us)
Do you attend confirmed stillbirth and infant loss?
Who is your named backup and how is backup activated?
How quickly do you respond when loss is suspected or confirmed?
Do you have bereavement/trauma-informed training?
What is your refund policy if you or backup cannot attend?
Will you help with memory-making or connect us to a photographer if we ask?
Do you have written aftercare instructions and local resources?
If any answer is vague, keep looking. If they don’t have the answers to these questions, that’s ok. You asking them with change how the non-bereavement doula community handles loss.
Clear fees & refund options
Miscarriage before 14 weeks: full refund.
Miscarriage between 4-24 weeks: retainer is non-refundable; remaining balance is waived. Includes up to 10 hours of birth and postpartum support.
Stillbirth / infant loss after 20 weeks: doula provides full birth support and the full fee applies. Doula is available for postpartum grief support.
Bereavement-only packages are available for families who find us after a diagnosis or at admission-ask us.
FAQs about Miscarriage and Stillbirth
Will you come if loss is already confirmed?
Yes. Loss is still a birth. If one of us is with another family, our named backup, already briefed on your wishes, will arrive.
Can we have photos?
Only if you want them. Many parents later cherish a handful of quiet images. We discuss boundaries and specific moments (or we skip photography entirely). I’ve done this for over 20 years, I don’t suggest you skip photos, even if you look at them 3 years later.
Do you support siblings or grandparents being present?
Yes/no. We help set expectations and roles so the room stays peaceful and you feel supported. But our attention is to you. We can’t “carry the emotions of the room” and also be there deeply attuned to you.
Do you work with my hospital team?
Absolutely. We collaborate respectfully so your needs are heard and documented.
We Hope You Never Need Us
But if you do:
Reach out day/night (call/text or use our contact form) and say, “We need bereavement support.”
We’ll reply with our ETA and a plan, what to bring, and one next step you can act on now.
There is no “right” way to do this. We’ll follow your pace.
Maegan + Milene, Atlanta Birth Collective
bereavement doulas for stillbirth & infant loss in Atlanta