​This page covers a sensitive subject. Please proceed with discernment for your own health & heart. 

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If you are miscarrying right now, or have just received a life limiting diagnosis for your baby, I am so very sorry. My heart is with you, as are my prayers. If you are a parent who has just lost their infant or young child, I am so very sorry. My heart is with you, as are my prayers. I can not think of a more devastating pain than the aching of a bereaved parents' heart.

If you are a friend, or a loved one to someone who has lost, or may lose their baby, I am so very sorry. My heart is with you, as are my prayers. Thank you for being here in support of your friend or loved one. You may use the "Contact me" form to request information on local grief resources, and Bereavement services for your loved one.

Many people have never heard of a "Birth & Bereavement Doula" before. Most parents don't associate Welcoming their child with saying "Goodbye" to their child. The fact that you're here means tragedy has interrupted what should  be  a beautiful, joyous season and for that, I'm deeply sorry. Death is the last  topic on a parents mind, when there was such evidence of, and expectation for life.  Loss often creeps up on us unexpectedly, leaving us breathless, confused, brokenhearted and ill-prepared to cope, much less respond  to it.  It's said that "grief is the price we pay for love."  This is especially true when that grief is felt by a parent who's lost a child. You may feel shock, anger, guilt, overwhelming sadness, despair, or "numb" altogether. It can feel like you too, have "died" if not completely - than at least in part. Your emotional response to loss will vary, and that's completely normal. Whatever has brought you to this section, I'm so very sorry that you're going through this. It's not easy and it certainly is not fair, yet it must be endured. It's my prayer that with much love and support, you're able to navigate your grief in a healthy way; moving towards a place of acceptance and hope! This journey looks different for everyone and happens gradually, over time. You may have good days, and very bad days. You may feel trapped in the dark one day, and experience glimmers of joy another. Can I encourage you, friend?

Don't give up. Find the will to keep moving forward. Lean on your faith, if you practice one. Borrow strength from those around you, who know what you're going through. Don't be afraid to ask for help and please, keep going! The best way to honor the child whom you loved so dearly, is to move forward with the intention of  living  and  enjoying  life  again, despite it's many challenges. 

That's where a Birth & Bereavement Doula can help. I'm trained to support women throughout pregnancy, labor and childbirth, in addition  to helping families who are experiencing - or may experience - the loss of their baby. Whether that loss is through miscarriage, stillbirth, life-limiting diagnosis, disease, illness, or SIDS. I can assist in the Welcoming of your baby, and help with initial bonding. I can help Mamas manage immediate postpartum changes. Help coordinate loss photography; assist in creating special keepsakes, and hold the hand of families as they say "Goodbye" to their precious baby. Together, we can find ways to celebrate your baby’s life, and honor their death through a Farewell Ceremony or  Celebration of Life. My role is to encourage parents along their healing journey; Connecting you to Emotional, Spiritual & Mental Health Support Services as needed. 

Why did I choose Birth & Bereavement Certification? I was inspired to become a Birth & Bereavement doula shortly after experiencing my own losses. In these difficult moments, I discovered a disturbing lack of support for women facing such unbearable loss. With time, the wounds in my own heart began to heal and I felt a gentle tug to help fill the gap. To walk alongside women throughout pregnancy, labor, and the birth of their baby – at any stage, with any outcome. To offer information on options available to parents, so they can make informed decisions on how to best love and care for their baby for as long as their baby is with them, before & after birth.

Bereavement Support is tailored to help you locate specific resources throughout Rhode Island that are relevant for you & your families unique situation. It can be practical support, such as me providing Dinner to the grieving family: See "Nutrition" under Birth Services; Or we can tackle more complex issues like Prenatal Care referrals: OBGYN & Midwifery Services, as well as assistance for High-Risk Pregnancies. NICU Family Resources. Pregnancy & Infant loss Support. End–of–Life and / or Farewell Preparations; and Grief Counseling for Parents & Siblings.