Upcoming Doula Legislation—March Newsletter

March 9, 2021|Patty Brennan|Birth & Postpartum Topics, Newsletters

Doula legislation in Michigan … Let your voice be heard!

The Michigan Doula Coalition and doulas from around the state are working with Senator Erika Geiss on legislation to enable Medicaid coverage for birth and postpartum doula services. Sign up for their newsletter to stay iinformed.

Experience from similar efforts in other states has demonstrated the importance of doulas being at the table when these discussions occur (e.g., Oregon, New York). While we applaud any effort to make doulas more accessible to families of all income levels, there is an inherent downside to government oversight of the doula profession. All restrictions and mandates must be closely scrutinized to maintain our freedom to practice as we see fit AND receive a living wage for our services. Join the conversation!

Most new doulas have lots of heart …

but do not necessarily possess the skills or know-how required to create, launch and grow a business. We can help make the “daunting” feel doable!Visioning, launching and growing a business is a creative act. It necessarily involves getting outside of your comfort zone, the humility to be a novice and a willingness to learn. The payoff is becoming one of those rare people who loves her job and gets paid for doing work you were born to do, on your own terms. Join us for a highly interactive, exploratory Doula Business Development Workshop.

Upcoming Dates: March 27 or June 19 (Saturday, 8:30am-5pm EST)

Not just for beginners. Any doula struggling to grow her business will benefit. Class fee includes a copy of The Doula Business Guide Workbook: Tools for Creating a Successful Practice, 3rd Edition, by Patty Brennan.

Pelvic Floor Resources

5 Pelvic floor videos by yoga instructor (and self-described “pelvic floor enthusiast” Marlene McGrath) include instruction in kegel exercises
Postpartum Herbal Healing Bath Recipe (PDF)
How episiotomy predisposes women to more serious tears (demonstration video)
What does the evidence tell us about perineal massage to prevent tears?
For moms recovering from a serious perineal tear, doulas can suggest that clients ask their health care provider for a physical therapy referral. Doulas should explore local resources for recommended providers.

Accessible to All–Professional Doula Training Live Online–Payment Plans Available!

Our next DONA International Birth Doula Workshop will be offered April 16-18
Our next DONA International Postpartum Doula Workshops will be offered April 29-May 2
Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas is a 3-hour class that fulfills a certification requirement for birth doulas. It will be offered April 13 (Tuesday 6-9:15pm).
Doula Business Development Workshop is a one-day training designed to get you started on your path. It is being offered on March 27 and June 19
Plus, check out the discounted training package that puts it all together–the Doula Business Builder Deluxe Training Package

Do you have questions about becoming a doula?

We have answers! Join Patty Brennan for a live FREE webinar on Thursday, March 11 at 7:30pm (EST). Pre-registration is required. Top 5 Questions about Becoming a Doula. Our monthly webinars are an easy way to discern whether doula work is right for you.

Can you make a living at it?
Is certification required to become a doula?
Should you focus solely on birth or postpartum work or do both?
Do you have the qualifications to become a doula?
What about liability for doulas? Will you need insurance?

Join us and get your questions answered.

Patty Brennan

Patty is the owner and visionary force behind Lifespan Doulas. For 40+ years, she has been a doula, midwife, educator, author, nonprofit executive, and entrepreneur. Patty has personally trained over 3,000 people to become doulas. She is the author of The Doula Business Guide: How to Succeed as a Birth, Postpartum or End-of-Life Doula, 4th Edition, and accompanying Workbook.

Upcoming Doula Legislation—March Newsletter