Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after a death. There is no right or wrong way to experience Bereavement
Northeast Indiana Doula Services offers grief support for pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum. Having a non-judgmental certified bereavement doula with you while experiencing a loss in any trimester brings validation and a supportive presence that is 100 percent focused on you. This can look like assessing your needs for the future or in the moment; creating a comforting environment; encouraging and assisting in self-care and basic needs; providing physical comfort measures and coping techniques; help with light housework and nutrition; help with memorializing and funeral planning; offering local and national resources.
Lora is Certified through StillBirthDay. You may go to their website for free resources and comprehensive information to support you through your grief, including birth plans and memorializing. You are not alone.
Lora Schnurr CD SBD PCD CLS
“Thank you for coming. Your presence made a huge difference.”
If you are needing to plan funeral arrangements, please request Lora's brochure of Fort Wayne Funeral Homes and Cemeteries by clicking here. Unfortunately, as of 2022 no local funeral homes will cover the costs of infant funerals and burials. There is, however, a local non-profit that will cover the expenses for any loss from miscarriage to one year. You can access their information and application at REMEMBERING ROWAN.
Remembering Rowan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to serve bereaved families in Northeast Indiana that have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss by providing financial assistance with funeral costs and medical expenses.
If you are here and have experienced a loss or are expecting a loss, I validate you, your pregnancy, and your baby or babies. You are a parent to this little one, and Northeast Indiana Doula Services offers non-judgmental support. You have permission to welcome your baby, love, and grieve. Lora has no expectations of you or from you and am not afraid of your grief, anger, or sadness. Here are the ways that you can receive support:
Bereavement Labor & Birth Doula services are available for loss in any trimester in the hospital labor & delivery unit, hospital emergency room*, or in the case of miscarriage at home (as long as you are under the care of a medical provider). Labor and Birth Support include Lora's undivided attention, whether you choose an unmedicated or medicated labor or a scheduled or unplanned c-section. An environment will be created to help you to feel safe and secure. Your needs will be assessed. You will be helped with a variety of coping and comfort techniques to remain active and present in your labor. Lora will continue to educate and help you process information and decisions including laboring and birthing options. She is also working for and with dad or other support persons. If there is time, we will schedule doula prenatal appointments and plan, and practice, your support for labor, delivery and postpartum.
Bereavement Antepartum & Postpartum Doula services are available for home or hospital.
Antepartum is before the baby is born and can be defined as the time period from conception to delivery. Antepartum services can be retained in cases such as limited physical conditions like extreme "morning" sickness, high-risk pregnancy, doctor-ordered bedrest, stress, disease, carrying multiples, single parent, teenage pregnancy, military family, or just because. A pregnant woman’s needs vary, and Antepartum services include, but are not limited to: physical and emotional support, perinatal depression, self care help, nutrition, simple meals, snacks, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, sibling care, companionship, planning for birth, home organization.
Postpartum is the time immediately after the birth of the baby or babies. There is no determined cut off for postpartum. Lora focuses on the emotional and physical needs of the mother. Postpartum help includes the same as listed for Antepartum, as well as C-section recovery, knowledge of postpartum conditions, such as anxiety/depression, and especially in the case of loss, not being alone.
Contact Lora here, call 260-341-4880, or message through Facebook.
Visit StillBirthDay for comprehensive information, birth plans, education, and resources.
Lora's SBD site
*note - If you have the option, and it’s not an emergency, contact your care provider first about seeing him/her or being admitted without going through an emergency room. Work with your doctor or midwife to decide where you should be and how you should safely be supported. Emergency rooms are not the best environment for parents to experience a loss.
Note: A Doula is not a medical professional or care provider, baby nurse, or midwife. The role of a baby nurse is the care of the newborn only. The role of a midwife is the safe delivery of a baby and the medical care of the laboring woman. The role of a doula is emotional and physical support and recovery and education.
The cost for bereavement services varies per individual situation. Talk with your care provider about recommending bereavement birth or postpartum services for your situation and check with your insurance for coverage.
Rates for birth will vary from $0-$900. Antepartum/Postpartum will vary from $0-$30/hr with packages available.
Bereaved parents may choose to “Pay it forward” and make a donation to services in their baby’s name
** Lora is not an abortion doula, aka “full spectrum” doula. In cases of loss, it is sometimes medically advised, for a variety of reasons, to terminate a pregnancy. If this is you, Lora will work with loss clients on a case-by-case basis. She believes life begins at conception and that every life has value in the eyes of God, woman and child. If you are facing something hard and needing to talk, no matter what’s going on, she is available to listen. If you have contemplated abortion, or had an abortion, and need someone to hear you in confidence, Lora will hear you.