Here’s how Erie can reduce pregnancy and infant loss

Tica Nickson
| Your Turn

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month highlights a public health crisis in Erie.
Black infants in Erie die at more than double the rate of white infants.
Studies show doula care can lower health risks, save lives and reduce medical costs.

On October 15th, families around the world will light candles at 7 p.m. for the Wave of Light, honoring the babies who were lost too soon. For one hour, a chain of light circles the globe, connecting grieving parents and communities in remembrance. Here in Erie, far too many families will join that observance, because pregnancy and infant loss is not rare. But even as we grieve, this month also calls us to hope — to imagine an Erie where every parent feels supported, every baby has the chance to thrive and no family walks through pregnancy or parenthood alone.

Our reality is sobering. Black infants in Erie die before their first birthday at more than double the rate of white infants, a disparity that has persisted for here decades. Behind every number is a family’s story: a mother and father whose expectations of joy turned to grief, siblings feeling that missing piece, grandparents mourning futures that will never unfold. These losses are not only private heartbreaks — they are a public health crisis that affects the whole community.

And yet, families facing pregnancy and infant loss often carry their grief silently. Too often, they are told to “move on” or suffer without resources, rituals or support. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month reminds us to break that silence — to say that these children mattered, that their families matter and that together we can build a community where fewer lives are cut short.

That requires action. Too many Erie families face barriers to safe, supported pregnancies: late or no prenatal care, difficulty accessing culturally responsive providers, transportation struggles, housing insecurity and the daily stress of racism and poverty. These challenges increase the risk of complications, preterm birth and infant death. We cannot address loss without addressing the conditions that can cause it.

This is where BirthRoot Community Doula comes in. Our mission is to surround families with trusted support through every stage of pregnancy and parenthood — celebrating births, strengthening bonds and walking with families through moments of hardship or loss. Our certified doulas and perinatal community health workers provide continuous, compassionate support before, during and after birth. We supplement, not replace, family and medical care — ensuring that mothers feel safe, heard, considered and respected in medical settings and with community resources.

Through the recent addition of our BirthRoot OnSite Doula Program, families in Erie hospitals have access to a certified doula who works for the birthing family while collaborating respectfully with medical staff. What makes BirthRoot unique is the training, professionalism and reputation of our team. Requesting a BirthRoot doula at any point in your pregnancy — from your doctor, midwife, nurse or insurance member services representative — ensures that you will have a professional doula who will recognized and welcomed in medical settings.

And thanks to long-standing investments from partners like UPMC Health Plan and the Erie County Department of Health, these services are free to families regardless of which hospital you choose or provider you have. BirthRoot Community Doula was born from the support of the Erie community making it possible for our doulas to stand beside hundreds of parents, offering care that is compassionate, culturally responsive and accessible to all.

The results are clear. Research shows that doula care lowers the risk of preterm birth and cesarean section, improves breastfeeding rates and reduces costly complications. In short: investment in doula work saves lives and saves money. Every dollar invested in prevention spares families unnecessary suffering and saves health systems millions in avoidable costs.

That is why Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month matters so deeply. It calls us to honor the babies lost, to comfort the families grieving and to invest in solutions that prevent future loss. On October 15th, as the Wave of Light circles the globe, let us grieve with those who mourn. But let us also commit to action: expanding access to doula care, strengthening maternal health systems and ensuring that every Erie family has the support they need to keep mothers and babies safe, supported and surrounded with care.

Pregnancy and infant loss will always mark our community with sorrow. But by investing in prevention, compassion and equity, we can change the story. Fewer candles lit in grief. More lit in celebration.

Birth is the root of the family. And when we strengthen families, we strengthen Erie. Learn more here about requesting a BirthRoot doula or supporting our work, or ask your doctor, midwife, nurse or insurance member services representative about connecting with us.

Tica Nickson is the founder and executive director of BirthRoot Community Doula in Erie. A lifelong member of the Erie community, she leads a team of certified doulas, certified lactation counselors and perinatal community health workers dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes through compassionate, culturally responsive and community-based support.

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