Is it possible to make money as a doula? June Newsletter
Absolutely! Invest now and earn back your investment (and more) with your first client (or two). AND engage in work that feeds your soul as well as your wallet. The doula movement is hitting critical mass. In this context, critical mass is defined as the moment when enough members of a society or community have adopted an interactive innovation so that a further rate of adoption becomes self-sustaining.
Online Doula Business Guide Training
Doula Business Builder Training Bundles (for those who want to specialize in more than one area)
In honor of Father’s Day . . .
| I think about my father frequently these days. As I grew older, I realized that I was more like him than any of my four siblings. Rebellious in my youth, this trajectory is surprising. But there it is. End-of-life doulas are aware of a process known as “life review” which is a natural part of the aging and dying process. This process—wherein the person revisits key times, people, events, and choices of a lifetime in an attempt to assign meaning, reconcile ambivalence, forgive others, and receive forgiveness—presents as an opportunity, a means of achieving deeper understanding of ourselves and a path to reconciliation. It is too bad I wasn’t closer to my dad when he was alive, but I do feel close to him now. And that’s okay. Happy Father’s Day Dad! I love you and appreciate all that you did for me. On a lighter note, this short video rates high on the cuteness index. When children imitate their fathers. |
End-of-Life Doula Articles & Resources
How psychedelics can help patients face the end of life. Psychedelics have been used by humans for millenia, for both sacred and medicinal purposes. Now, researchers are investigating how psychedelics can help patients face the end of life.
NEW! Home Funeral Guidebook by the National Home Funeral Alliance. The guidebook is available on a pay-what-you-can basis. Topics covered include:
- Planning a home funeral
- Building community
- Disposition after a home funeral
- Grief and vigils
CaringInfo is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) offering guides and resources to help individuals and families navigate the end of life journey and make informed choices. The site contains clear and concise explanations and guidance regarding advance directives, palliative care, caregiving, and hospice care.
Especially for Birth & Postpartum Doulas in Michigan!
Michigan Doulas: Medicaid Enrollment & Claims Support. This Facebook group was set up so that doulas can advise and support each other as they learn to navigate the new Medicaid reimbursement system for birth doulas in Michigan. Doulas who intend to serve low-income communities now have a viable pathway to a sustainable doula career in a few states.
Doula Meet, Greet and Eat is a networking event for doulas, midwives, and OB practice managers scheduled for June 14 sponsored by Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Twp. This is an opportunity to learn how all parties can work together during an informative breakfast session about the hospital’s comprehensive OB services, including: the natural birthing suite, advanced care for babies, nurse navigation services, pelvic floor rehab, and more. Questions? Contact Melissa Reyes at MReyes@dmc.org. Register here.
Have you been struggling to discern which End-of-Life Doula Training is right for you?
Meet the NEDA End-of-Life Doula Trainers! This “Virtual Open House” will be hosted by the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) on Thursday, June 1, from 7-8:30pm EDT. The open house provides an opportunity to meet six trainers, representing six different end-of-life doula training programs. Patty Brennan will represent Lifespan Doulas. Space is limited. Register Now.
Be present and willing . . .
One evening, I received a panic phone call from a newly trained doula on her way to her first birth. “What do I DO?” Rather than remind her of the detailed ins and outs of labor support (everything I taught her), I decided she needed some doula-ing herself. I responded, “You’ve got this. Deep breaths. You know what to do. Focus on the mother. Just do your best.” I could hear her sigh of relief. At its core, labor support is simple: be present and willing. The rest will flow.
Here’s a tip: Create a grounding ritual for yourself to get in the right head space as you head out to provide support. A prayer or meditation, a few moments of intentional deep breathing, drawing an angel card … whatever is meaningful to you and helps to shift distracted energy to focused intention and the work ahead. (Don’t worry too much about your professional performance—there won’t be time for that!)
Save the Dates: Upcoming Member Webinars Featuring End-of-Life Authors & Trainers
Lifespan Doulas hosts bi-monthly continuing education webinars to our members featuring a variety of guest speakers. Become a member to receive access to these upcoming webinars plus other member benefits (access to webinar archives, directory listing, product discount).
July 19 (Wednesday 8-9pm EDT)
Comfort Massage Basics for End-of-Life Doulas
With Cindi Spence
Come join a discussion aimed at building confidence to incorporate gentle techniques used by massage therapists into your doula practice. Topics will include positioning and propping of clients in the home environment, selection and use of lotion, and guidelines for getting started. Cindi is the author of Palliative Touch: Massage for People at the End of Life. Learn more about her work at Final Touch Training.
September 20
Introduction to Death Journaling: Planning, Preparing & Processing
With Francesca Lynn Arnoldy
In this webinar, based on her upcoming book, The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared, participants will be invited to reflect back, turn inward, and plan ahead with intention and insight, focusing first on introspection and then extending care to others. 
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