Why did you decide to become a bereavement doula?
Being a birth doula, I will admit that I didn’t think that I would be faced with a baby born sleeping at all, let alone so quickly in my career. Although of course no one is prepared for this, it happens. Although I feel I handled that birth as best as I could, I feel as though if I had more training, I could have done something different, said something better, and feel more confident about what happened. Because of how I handled that birth, I realized there was more in me than I realized, and there was a calling for me to be in this space.
Why did you decide to take a Haven Bereavement Doula training or become an HCBD Haven Certified Bereavement Doula?
I met Abby through her coming to speak at birth doula training. I was so intrigued by her bravery to do this work, her heart to serve, and compassion behind how she speaks about this beautiful work. She spoke so highly of being a bereavement doula and how she supports clients, I really felt training under her would be the best decision for me.
Although I have yet to certify, I plan to.
What does serving as a bereavement doula look like for you right now?
Support. Simply put. No one wants to ever think of being in the position to have a bereavement doula; however, the fact remains that there will always be babies born sleeping. I just want to be equipped to support clients in this delicate space.
How else do you serve your community?
I am a childbirth educator, I am also a Community Based Doula Trainer.
What is one thing that you like to do to take care of yourself?
Massage! It is a MUST. I also enjoy reading in my big sweat pants and just relaxing.
Do you have any advice for anyone who is considering becoming a bereavement doula? (Maybe especially if they’re already a live birth doula like you were before taking the training)
I think every doula should consider not necessarily becoming a bereavement doula; however, they should consider being bereavement trained. Yes, we want babies to be born healthy, but that is not always the case. As we know, there may never be a reason why a baby is born sleeping, but doulas should always be prepared. If they see that they do handle the situation with “ease” and care, maybe they should consider adding bereavement as something they do take on. It is not easy, but it’s NEEDED.
To learn more about Erica and her work, you can visit her website at Labor of Love: Doula Care. Birth Doula in Columbus, Ohio (laboroflovedoulacare.com).