The Happy Baby was established in 2016. Our Mission is to offer education and support for expecting families. Our services include Doula based labor and birth support, prenatal & postpartum coaching, postpartum support, nutrition coaching, and educational courses preparing for birth and caring for a new baby.

Erica Shulse

(formerly Erica Simpson) Founder & Executive Director

After 6 years in New York City, Erica moved to Saint Augustine, Florida in 2021. Although no longer in NYC, she continues to work virtually with families in the NYC area as well as many other states throughout the United States.

Erica holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in Behavioral and Community Health. She has spent years working in the world of women's health and is continuously fascinated by pregnancy and childbirth.

Erica is a Certified Birth Doula through DONA International, a Certified Childbirth Educator (CBE)  through Birth Arts International, and a Certified Holistic Nutritionist through AFPA Health, Nutrition & Fitness. She has extensive training and experience providing postpartum care and support and she has completed trainings in HypnoBirthing, Spinning Babies, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, Group B Strep, and baby wearing.

Erica is a former Health and Wellness Specialist at the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) in Prince George's County, Maryland. She designed and implemented wellness programs for DPR employees and the community. She is also a Wellness Advocate for Doterra Essential Oils and uses them daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Erica has cared for many children as a private nanny before becoming a doula and has a wealth of knowledge surrounding child development and child rearing. She became an Aunt in March of 2016 to Ella and again in May of 2020 to Livi. Erica welcomed her first baby, Henry, in January 2022 and is enjoying every moment of motherhood.