International End-of-Life Doulas ~ August Newsletter

Especially for our International End-of-Life Doulas

Researchers have been exploring the role of end-of-life doulas from an international perspective, according to a recent webinar sponsored by NEDA. The research is intended to be published before the end of 2023 in the journal of Palliative Care and Social Practice under the title, “International Reflections on a Transnational Movement.” The research team identified key differences around the world in the following areas:

• Variations in health system models and funding
• Laws and practices around assisted dying and VSED (Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking)
• After death care and funeral industry regulations
• Historical and contemporary practices regarding death

Lifespan Doulas’ growing number of international students (Canada, Brazil, Jamaica, Australia, Russia, France, the U.K., Ukraine, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt) have likely noted differences in these areas, and perhaps others(?) as they work through our End-of-Life Doula Training curriculum and begin working as community doulas. We welcome input from you on these topics (patty@lifespandoulas.com)!

For U.S. students, differences among the 50 states are also significant. The areas affected by regional differences (similar to those identified for international doulas) are highlighted in the curriculum with encouragement for doulas to research laws and practices specific to their state, along with available community resources.

Reinvent yourself getting paid to do work you love!

It never made sense to me to spend the better part of my time/week/life engaged in unfulfilling work so that I could enjoy an allegedly secure retirement in my sixties (and then begin to enjoy my life). Rather, I believe a fulfilling life calls for us to engage in pursuits that call forth the best that is within us, that is purposeful and meaningful, and makes a positive difference for ourselves and others. This belief is not inconsistent with making money. Banish the notion that work = drudgery! We’ll show you how.

• Birth Doula Training
• Postpartum Doula Training
• End-of-Life Doula Training
• Doula Business Builder Training Bundles (Discounted training packages for those who want to specialize in more than one area OR who want to add the Online Doula business Guide Training to a single specialty area!)

Featured End-of-Life Doula Blogs & Research Article

Describing the end-of-life doula role and practices of care: perspectives from four countries, by Krawczyk, M. and Rush, M. Journal article summarizing research on end-of-life doulas through a cross-cultural lens.

Here is an educational graphic you can use to educate on the role of the doula, shared in the NEDA webinar mentioned above. The End-of-Life Doula’s Path of Care.

EOL doula Aypril Porter shares her observations of Recompose in Seattle. Recompose is a full-service funeral home specializing in human composting. It is yet another option among a growing array of green burial and disposition practices.  

Death doulas serve dying patients at home, in hospice. This recently updated article was first published in 2018 by AARP. Patty Brennan was among the end-of-life doula trainers interviewed for this piece. It’s a very promising sign that there is sustained mainstream interest in the work of EOL doulas.

Favorite Resources for Birth & Postpartum Doulas 

Michigan’s Doula Initiative website has been updated with several new resources for birth doulas interested in providing services (and receiving reimbursement) for Medicaid-eligible families in the state.

• The Beginner Guide for Doula Providers
• Documentation Templates
• Medicaid, Billing and Submitting Claims
• Health Plan Special Projects Contact List for Doulas

More on doula research

Check out this collection of blog posts by Amy Gilliland of Doulaing the Doula. This collection is bound to draw you in and rightfully so. Amy is a former DONA International doula trainer (like me!). She is forging a new path now (like me!). Her four-part blog on the reasons for the lack of needed research on doulas is an insider’s perspective from a doula researcher.

Did you miss this excellent webinar?

Comfort Massage Basics for End-of-Life Doulas
With Cindy Spence, author
Comfort massage at end of life is slow, small, and soft. Cindy teaches that “we can give deep presence without deep pressure.” While not a doula herself, Cindy is imbued with the doula spirit and way of being. Her compassion, expertise, and sensitivity to each client’s needs shines throughout the presentation. You don’t have to be a massage therapist to offer comforting touch! You just need a little bit of training and the confidence to try it. This webinar is a great place to start.