Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking

Are you new to online training?

While many of us have engaged in various types of online courses in recent years, there are a number of you for whom online learning platforms are a new–perhaps even daunting–experience. I have now made available two Free Sample Lessons from our training programs to familiarize you with how our self-paced programs work. Each lesson uses a blend of teaching modalities, including videos, reflection exercises, PDF guides and other downloads, PowerPoint slides with lecture, and more. Access our sample programs here: 

• Community Resources & Referrals for Doulas (applicable to all doula specialties)
• End-of-Life Doulas & Vigil Planning

Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) versus No Forced Feeding or Artificial Hydration at the End of Life

These two possible courses of action should not be conflated as meaning the same thing. VSED (Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking) involves the decision to intentionally end one’s suffering for the specific purpose of causing death. The natural dying process eventually involves the inability or refusal to drink and eat because the digestive system is shutting down. Life can be prolonged through the administration of IV fluids and tube feeding, but this is understood to increase suffering as the body cannot digest/metabolize the nutrition being administered. A decision to stop force feeding someone who is dying is not the same as voluntarily choosing to end one’s life. Rather, it is an acknowledgment and acceptance that the dying process is underway. For more information on VSED, see these resources:

• Choosing to Die: A Personal Story, by Phyllis Shacter
• Compassion & Choices
• Final Exit Network

Final Exit Network has created a new advance directive designed to prevent dying people from being hand fed against their wishes, even if suffering from dementia. Click here to learn more about FEN’s Supplemental Advance Directive for Dementia Care (SADD).

Safe Infant Sleep Virtual Book Group

Sleep is typically the number one issue on most new parents’ minds. Exhausted and overwhelmed, many new parents turn to doulas for help. Join infant sleep expert Dr. James McKenna and lactation educator Barbara Robertson for a fun, informative, and interactive virtual book group. The program launches on September 19 and will help you to: 

• update your understanding of the latest research on safe infant sleep
• identify the best ways to help families maximize sleep
• effectively share information about the facts of safe infant sleep with families and colleagues

Articles about End-of-Life Doulas & More

• Enriching the dying experience: End-of-Life doulas help those who want to personalize their journey.
• Hospice pioneer Barbara Karnes discusses What does teaching end-of-life care look like? As a doula trainer for 23 years, I really identifed with her response: “I’ve always said I can teach anyone how to take care of someone who is dying, the physical, communication, supportive skills. It is the interpersonal, empathy, and heart skills that I can’t teach. They are part of the personality fabric of a person, their core, and that I can’t teach or instill.”​
• Death doulas help patients with cancer face their end of life with courage and meaning.

Enhance your Doula Support Skills for Breastfeeding Mothers!

Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC is pleased to announce a special limited-time offer on her Clnical and Communication Lactation Specialist 95-hour L-CERPS course. Use the following coupon codes (valid until 9-12-22):

• 95-Hour Group Training. Use the coupon code CCLSGT to save $300.
• 95-Hour Self-Study Training. Use the coupon code CCLSSS to save $100.

Do you know how doula agencies work?

The agency owner does all the marketing and business aspects related to securing clients, negotiating client contracts, billing, and collection of fees. Doulas are hired as independent contractors who accept clients on a case-by-case basis and are paid by the agency for their services. Your hourly rate will be lower than what you can charge clients who hire you directly, but then you don’t have the expenses (or hassle) of running a business, setting up a website, etc. And, you are a member of a team with built-in backup!

If you are interested, Ann Arbor Doulas is looking to hire experienced birth and postpartum doulas who are available to work in Michigan counties of Washtenaw, Oakland, Wayne, and/or Macomb. Send an email with resume attached to owner Stephanie Julian, at stephanie@annarbordoulas.com.

Research Project—Family Use of Death Doulas

Have you cared for someone who died between three to six months ago and who used the services of a death doula? Researchers from Flinders University in Australia would like to learn about your experience. Participation involves a one-hour Zoom interview plus a $30 electronic gift card for your time. Email deborah.rawlings@flinders.edu.au for more information.