Black Love’s Podcast Network’s show “My New BFF,” hosted by Black Love Co-Creator Codie Elaine Oliver, held space for an essential conversation during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
The episode features Oliver’s line sister and friend, Porsha Summerville, and “Black Love” Season 4 guest, Felicia Gangloff-Bailey. Summerville and Gangloff-Bailey share the experience of being Angel Mothers to Josiah and Kamiu Sol. Both women beautifully opened up about the darkest and most vulnerable moments of their journeys together as Angel Mothers with Oliver as they discussed life after loss, setting boundaries with family members as Angel parents, and what their firstborn children taught them about love. While there were so many moments where all three ladies shared so much wisdom and transparency, here are our favorite takeaways to Angel Moms from the conversation:
1. Grief isn’t linear.
2. Your anger is valid.
3. You deserve to celebrate the life of your Angel baby.
4. Gratitude is not a destination.
5. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
6. Establish boundaries.
7. You deserve to be acknowledged as a Mother.
Transforming Our Reality of Loss and Grief as Angel Parents
Midwives & Doulas: Learning Your Options for Birthing Partners
Why Birth Stories From Black Women Matter
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month was first declared by President Ronald Reagan on October 15, 1988. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 women will lose a baby during pregnancy, delivery or infancy. While grief cannot be contained to one month, we honor this opportunity to discuss grief, love, and awareness for all Angel parents. Listen to the full podcast episode here, and for additional resources, learn more about Felicia’s affirmations book for Angel Mothers SOL Affirmations: A Toolkit For Mothers Who Are Investigating Grief’s Process.
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