Your Doula Career ~ February Newsletter

Have you considered engaging in doula work?

We offer a pathway to a fulfilling new doula career. Our DOULA BUSINESS BUILDER discounted bundled training packages can be customized to fit your needs. All trainings are online. What are your choices?

• End-of-Life Doula Training 
• Birth Doula Training
• Postpartum Doula Training and/or
• Any combination of the above
• Choose between self-paced study + an interactive workshop on Zoom ** OR ** 100% self-paced study (includes unlimited access to the online learning platform)
• Choose to pay in full at the time of registration OR select a payment plan.
• Packages include our Evolving Your Doula Business Workshop and Patty’s books, The Doula Business Guide and Doula Business Guide Workbook.
• BONUS: You will receive a complimentary Directory Listing for each specialty (good for one year and can be claimed whenever you are ready).
• In summary: We have everything you need to launch your doula career!

Top 5 Questions about Becoming a Doula

FREE monthly webinars to answer YOUR questions about becoming a doula:

END-OF-LIFE DOULAS
February 2 (Wednesday 7:30-8:30pm EST)

BIRH/POSTPARTUM DOULAS
February 9 (Wednesday 7:30-8:30pm EST)

Pre-register Now (to gain access on Zoom)

We understand aspiring doulas have a dizzying array of training choices. Which one is the best? Which is the right fit for you? This is an opportunity to meet the course creator and trainer, Patty Brennan, and get YOUR questions answered. See what sets us apart. 

All webinars are recorded and posted online. If you can’t join us live, watch at the links below and then let us know if you have further questions.

• Top 5 Questions about Becoming an End-of-Life Doula  
• Top 5 Questions about Becoming a Birth or Postpartum Doula

End-of-Life Doulas News & Resources

Here are two excellent blog posts from Barbara Karnes that I have been saving to share with you:

• Discussing terminal prognosis.
• Initiating religious talks in hospice care

I know some of you already do grief and bereavement support. Have you considered specializing in that area? Here are two training programs that have come to my attention and might prove to be a wonderful addition to your doula services: 

• Become a certified grief coach and work through any personal unresolved grief while learning to help others. The From Grief to Gratitude Coach certification program is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
• Holding Space for Pregnancy Loss online training program

Did you know … ?

• The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) features an End-of-Life Doula Advisory Council to promote awareness and understanding of our role. Lots of resources on this page.

The Art of Balanced Caregiving ~ Upcoming Member Webinar

With author Ellie Atherton
March 23 (Wednesday 7:30-8:30pm EST)

Don’t let your energy well run dry! Many of us know how wonderful it feels to help others and that deep satisfaction is what encourages us to continue giving. That’s why we chose a doula career in the first place. Ellie will share nurturing practices for self-preservation that will ultimately help to enhance the quality of care you offer to others.

Ellie Atherton became a midwife to the dying in the early 90s while working as an herbalist. In 2003, she became an RN and chose hospice as her specialty. Ellie is the author of three books:

• Stepping-Stones ~ Following a Pathway to the End of Life (2020)
• More Stepping-Stones ~ Unique Experiences and Vital Lessons Along Life’s Pathway (2021)
• The End-of-Life Pocket Guide ~ Honoring the Journey and Offering Care (2021)

Birth/Postpartum Doula News & Resources

• Listen to a podcast on How Doulas can Support Breastfeeding, with Barbara Robertson, MA IBCLC
• There is no evidence that COVID passes to newborns through breast milk.
• Elizabeth Pantley is the author of the “No-Cry Solution” series. I love her down-to-earth approach to resolving parenting challenges.
• The Six Healthy Birth Practices from Lamaze International are all evidence based: 

1. Let labor begin on its own.
2. Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.
3. Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support.
4. Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.
5. Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.
6. Keep mother and baby together—it’s best for mother, baby, and breastfeeding.