Does the doula’s role resonate with you?

“I didn’t know there was a name for what I do.”

As the word “doula” comes into the consciousness of a growing number of people, many who are new to the concept unexpectedly recognize that they naturally possess the mindset and skills of a doula, that they are, in fact, already functioning as a doula. The role resonates. It feels like their rightful place, a calling and a privilege to serve others in a unique way. Did you know it can also be a way to make your living?

Our discounted Doula Business Builder Training Packages are designed especially for folks who want to earn income as a doula OR who want to specialize in more than one specialty area. Packages are available for Birth, Postpartum, and End-of-Life Doula training programs or any combination of these specialties. Professional certification is included and payment plans are available.

End-of-Life Resources for Doulas & Families

Browse a collection of recommended children’s books on grief and loss from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (among the many valuable resources available on this website).

After Death Planning Guide. This thorough guide covers a lot of ground—from how to get immediate help after the loss of a loved one to choosing disposition, settling the estate, planning a remembrance event, and more.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has published the 2022 edition of NHPCO Facts and Figures, an annual report on key data points related to the delivery of hospice care. Report shows a growing number of hospice patients last year.

Attention Birth Doulas in Michigan!

Lifespan Doulas has been approved as a training organization to qualify birth doulas for reimbursement from the state for services to Medicaid eligible families. Doulas must show proof of having completed an approved professional doula training to participate. Certification, however, is not required. Click here for more information.

Birth doulas in Michigan can now receive up to $1050 dollars for a package of services that includes attending the birth and up to six prenatal and/or postpartum visits. Doulas are continuing to lobby for a higher rate of reimbursement but this is a decent start.

Lifespan Doulas is currently researching the status of third party reimbursement for doula services in other states and will be sharing more information soon. Please share any links you may have about the process in your state with patty@lifespandoulas.com. We want to hear from you!

Upcoming Members Only Webinars

Goal Setting & Business Planning
With Patty Brennan
February 1 (Wednesday, 8-9pm EST)
Join me for a working session focused on:

• Identifying the challenges you are facing
• Setting realistic goals
• Creating your plan for success

Become a Member today to gain access to these webinars!

Shifting Away from Medicalized Death: The EOL Doula’s Critical Role
With Jacki Mann, EOLD
March 15 (Wednesday, 8-9pm EST)
The paradigm of medicalized death in our culture today is pervasive. As end-of-life doulas, we are the leaders needed to help shift this paradigm back to one of death as natural and sacred. In this webinar, we will brainstorm ways we can move forward purposefully and strategically to effect the change this culture desperately needs. Come prepared to discuss and strategize how EOLDs can be instrumental in returning death to its natural, sacred place in the circle of life.

Jacki Mann was a hospice and palliative care nurse for many years and witnessed the catastrophic effects of medicalized dying in her work. With a desire to be a catalyst for change, she became an end-of-life doula and educator, as well as a Home Funeral Guide, Green Burial consultant, and Living & Dying Coach. She is author of the book, Attending to the End: A Good Death Guidebook. Learn more about the work Jacki is doing at Circle of Life.

“The archived webinars have been so useful in my journey to be a doula. The one on dementia gave me a real understanding of what I witnessed as my mother spiraled in her last weeks of life. Richelle Godwin’s talk on feeding the dying was amazing. I felt like I took a semester long course in one hour. The webinars are truly worth the price of membership.”

—Linda Alvarez-Cruz, Bronx, NY

Herbal Allies for Health & Healing in the Childbearing Year

I am sharing below some of my favorite educational resources for clients interested in using alternative approaches to health and healing.

Aviva Romm, M.D. was first an herbalist, author, and a homebirth midwife. Then she became an OB/GYN. She is an authoritative source of information on the safe use of herbs in pregnant and lactating women. She also publishes a blog and teaches/writes extensively about women’s health.

Susun Weed has also authored a number of books on women’s health. Her Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year is more than a guide to safe use of herbs during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Her teachings include nutritional recommendations, food as medicine, herbs as food, and naturopathic suggestions. The book includes good warnings on herbs to avoid or use with extreme caution.

Christiane Northrup, M.D. is also big on women’s health, looking critically at the limitations of modern mainstream medical care and offering evidence-based alternatives. She is the author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause. She also offers helpful information and advice about vaccines, in particular, the Gardasil HPV vaccine. (Spoiler Alert: She’s not a fan, and there are safer means available to address the concern.)

Top 5 Questions about Becoming a Doula ~ Free Webinar

Join doula expert, trainer, and author Patty Brennan for a FREE webinar covering the role of the doula, your income potential as a doula, the certification process, and more. This is an opportunity to meet the trainer and ask questions about our program. Register for our upcoming February session(s) or watch a recording of a recent webinar.

• Birth & Postpartum Doulas: Thursday, February 2, from 7:30-8:30pm EST
• End-of-Life Doulas: Tuesday, February 7, from 7:30-8:30pm EST