Doula Business Development Tools & More! (February Newsletter)

NEW! The fully updated 4th editions of The Doula Business Guide and Workbook are now available! 

In addition to being a comprehensive guide to setting up a doula business from scratch, The Doula Business Guide and Workbook include new guidance on:

• how to optimize your website for the search engines (SEO), how to format blog posts, and strategies for using links to drive more traffic to your site;
• the recent increase in third-party reimbursement for birth doula services (analysis and resources);
• the importance of adaptation and diversification in the long-term success of your business;
• how career doulas can fund their retirement;
• the benefits and challenges of doula collectives;
• expanded options for what doulas can do when clients cannot afford to pay for their services;
• and more!

The Metrics of Suffering

Palliate:  To make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.

Palliative care is being implemented as a regular part of health care in an increasing number of countries. Health care has long focused on cure and survival, with little attention to alleviation of suffering. The field of palliative care, the fourth pillar in health care (in addition to prevention, cure, and rehabilitation) needs to provide proof of the added value of alleviation of suffering. Concise patient-reported outcome measures are needed, both in research and in clinical practice, to provide that evidence. However, this data will only capture a part of what makes palliative care effective. This article on the metrics of suffering discusses the limits of measurability in order to provide the best palliative care for each individual patient, according to their needs and values. 

Are RSV shots for newborns a good idea?

In August 2023, the CDC recommended Beyfortus as a one-time shot for infants born just before or during the RSV season and for those less than 8 months old before the season starts, as well for some high-risk 8- to 19-month-old infants. Parents might be surprised to learn (or not) that CDC approval came despite the fact that monoclonal antibodies have never been tested on newborns. French data for September and October 2023 show a very significant increase in newborn deaths between two and six days of life. According to researcher Hélène Banoun, “in September and October 2023, these averages are exceeded by 50%. This statistically improbable increase in infant deaths coincides with the rollout of Beyfortus in French maternity wards.” Read the article.

Lifespan Doulas promotes informed choice and a consumer approach to health care. What are the benefits, risks, and alternatives to a recommended course of action, prevention, treatment? What does the evidence tell us? Doulas always promote agency and informed decision making for clients.

Free Gift! Download Sample Tools from The Doula Business Guide Workbook, 4th Edition (PDF download)

Personal Inventory Exercise (PDF)

All small business owners need to wear different hats. It’s not enough to be a good doula to be successful. A variety of other skills, habits, and qualities are needed. Use this tool to maximize your strengths and identify your areas for improvement to increase your chances of success. Becoming self-aware is the first step.

Comparison of Doula Business Models (PDF)

Do you want to establish an independent doula practice or a partnership? Join an existing doula collective? Work for a doula agency or start one of your own? This detailed chart examines a variety of doula business models, highlighting the pros and cons of each model across several parameters (e.g., degree of control, peer support, level of complexity, income potential, etc.). What’s the right fit for you?

Learn more about the unique and useful tools included in The Doula Business Guide Workbook, 4th Edition—all designed to help you take the next step (and the next)!

Great resource for doulas facilitating Advance Care Planning

Thanacare offers an affordable, customizable, HIPAA-compliant end-of-life platform for planning, accessing, and reporting on future healthcare choices. This provider-led, patient-centric digital tool can bolster EOL doula work by streamlining document and patient management, portability, and alignment among patients, providers, and loved ones. Using a platform like this one will enable doulas to scale their businesses for growth. Founder Sam Madison is a passionate supporter of the end-of-life doula movement. You can try the platform for three months for free!

Don’t let the February blahs take hold of you!

Shake it off and join us this coming weekend (February 3 & 4) for an inspiring End-of-Life Doula Training—our first in 2024!  From our students: “Outstanding, cathartic, beautiful journey, depth, presence, wisdom, amazing … exactly what I was hoping for!” Topics covered include: Dying in America; the doula model of care; accompanying the dying; communications skills for doulas; supporting the family; after death care, home funerals, green burial, consumer choices; grief and bereavement support; establishing an EOLD practice; and more! SAVE $50 off the price (new enrollments only) with Coupon Code = February10. Coupon expires at midnight on Friday, February 2.

2024 Members Only Webinars

March 20 (Wednesday 8-9pm EST)
HOW TO NETWORK: TOP TIPS FOR END-OF-LIFE DOULAS
With Kelly Collins, CEOLD

This webinar addresses why professional networking often gets a bad rap and reframes the activity by bringing it back to its roots and true, authentic purpose—connecting with people. Attendees will walk away with a fresh perspective on networking, understand the importance and critical need to do it, and learn the skills to do so successfully and with ease.

Kelly Collins is a Certified End-of-Life Doula and Owner of Soul Bridge Partners, offering concierge care for seniors and those at the end of life.

Become a Member and take advantage of our member discount and these great opportunities for continuing education and connection with other doulas. See our list of 24 archived webinars—all available once you join.