Event Planning Guide & More (September Newsletter)
Increase your reach! Free Event Planning Guide & Networking Opportunities for End-of-Life Doulas
We have been emphasizing the importance of getting out in the community to spread the word about end-of-life doulas and your services. Here are some opportunities coming up in Michigan. I want to encourage you think outside the box a bit. For example, a Folk Festival featuring communal burial basket weaving was originally on this list but was unfortunately canceled. What ready-made events and venues in your area which might be a good fit for you? In the meantime, here is a complimentary resource for you, excerpted from my Doula Business Guide Workbook, designed to help you get the most out of your community events (whether as a vendor/exhibitor or visitor). Download my step-by-step Event Planning Guide (PDF).
UPCOMING EVENTS IN MICHIGAN
Kalamazoo Senior Expo
Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging and over 100 exhibitors
October 1, 9am–3pm
Kalamazoo County Expo Center
University of Michigan Senior Living EXPO
Saturday, October 5, 9:30am–1:30pm
Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building, Ann Arbor
Celebrating Penny Simkin (1938–2024)
| Penny’s Birth Goddess Auction Open September 2–15! For over five decades, Penny Simkin dedicated her life to advancing informed birthing care, writing books, and traveling the globe to train doulas, deliver workshops, and speak on the importance of compassionate support. She was one of the esteemed founders of DONA International, the first professional doula training organization in the world. Throughout her journey, Penny collected exquisite sculptures, indigenous art, and unique pieces related to pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, and childrearing. Penny wished for these treasured “Goddesses” to support the Simkin Center Leadership Scholarship Fund at Bastyr University. Over 100 items from Penny’s remarkable collection will be auctioned! Register on Facebook for this online event. In addition, there will be a Celebration of Penny’s Life on September 7, 2024, from 1–3pm PST. For folks who can join in person, the celebration will take place at Bastyr University Kenmore, WA Campus. A live-stream attendance option is available. Please register here to attend in person or via Zoom.  |
Have you thought about becoming a doula? Do you have questions? We have answers!
| Join doula trainer and author Patty Brennan for a FREE Webinar on the role of the doula, services offered, income potential, doula lifestyle, training considerations, professional certification, and more! Register now for the webinar of your choice: |
- Top 5 Questions about Becoming an End-of-Life Doula on August 29 (Thursday, 7:30–8:30pm EDT)
- Top 5 Questions about Becoming a Birth or Postpartum Doula on September 10 (Tuesday, 7:30–8:30pm EDT)
- OR watch a recording of last month’s webinar.
- Patty is also available for a private conversation and welcomes a personal connection if that would be helpful for you (734-663-1523).
End-of-Life Doulas in the News, Research, & Resources
- Top ten tips palliative care clinicians should know about end-of-life doulas. Journal of Palliative Medicine, July 2024. [Only the Abstract is available for free.]
- A Conversation with Death Doula Nicole Fisher, by The CaringInfo Team.
- The Companion Animal End-of-life Doula (see also our upcoming November Member webinar, below)
- Death Doula Network International
Carrot Insurance
| Carrot Insurance is an employer-sponsored financial benefit, often referred to as “fertility insurance” (though it is technically not insurance). The company generously reimburses members for birth and postpartum doula care. Carrot accepts doulas who are certified through Lifespan Doulas. Birth and postpartum doulas should be sure to explore whether prospective clients have this benefit. |
End-of-Life Doula Training in Russia
| The Human Development Institute is an educational organization in St. Petersburg, Russia opened the first official End-of-life Doula training course for the Russian public in 2024. The next session starts on September 12. |
Michigan Birth Doulas: Medicaid reimbursement rates have increased!
| Beginning October 1st, new rates for doula reimbursement will be:$1500 for attending a birth (unrelated to length of time spent)$100 per prenatal or postpartum visit. Number of visits allowed has increased to 12 per client.That’s up to $2700 per client, a much more sustainable proposition for the doulas.Next on the agenda is to simplify the cumbersome billing and reimbursement process. The Michigan Doula Advisory Council (DAC) works to inform the advancement of doula services in Michigan as a result of the Medicaid doula reimbursement policy. The DAC includes representation from doulas across the state who successfully advocated for the rate increase. Michigan doulas are encouraged to apply by September 23, 2024. Successful applicants will serve a two-year term. Membership guidelines and an application are available on their website. Let your voice be heard!  |
Keep on learning! Fall Member Webinars
| Become a member to take advantage of our bi-monthly continuing education webinars (and more!). WHY TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE MATTERS IN END-OF-LIFE WORK With Tamara MacIntyre September 18 (Wednesday, 8–9pm EDT)Discover the critical role of trauma-informed care in end-of-life doula practices. This webinar will explore key principles and practical strategies to recognize and address past traumas, enhancing the care and support provided to individuals and families. Gain valuable tools to create a safe, compassionate environment and improve the overall end-of-life experience. Ideal for both experienced and new doulas. Tamara MacIntyre, an end-of-life doula with over two decades in holistic healthcare, is dedicated to increasing death literacy and fostering open dialogue around mortality. She empowers individuals to navigate life’s transitions with confidence. As a death educator and advocate, Tamara provides end-of-life education, personalized care planning, and client advocacy. She also crafts sustainable willow coffins through consciousdeath.org, blending artistry with mindful end-of-life practices. Join us on Zoom! (We are opening this webinar up to non-members as well.) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85312804747?pwd=JzBGbR4Nq3nASi31NMex4Ckbb1UiWN.1 Meeting ID: 853 1280 4747 Passcode: 832227 Or Call ~ Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kiz64gVoB HOSPICE INCLUSION & ONGOING CARE FOR COMPANION ANIMALS With Judy Ramsey November 20 (Wednesday, 8–9pm EDT) As an end-of-life doula, you will encounter situations where there are beloved animal companions who are frequently the sole companion of the dying person. Even if family members have been actively involved, they may be unaware of any arrangements for ongoing care of the animal(s), and medical personnel may not understand the animal’s role in their person’s care. Judy will present information from the animal’s viewpoint, as well as provide resources which you can share with your clients to assure the well-being of their beloved animals. Judy Liu Ramsey is an ordained animal chaplain, a shamanic practitioner and teacher, a professional animal communicator and interspecies counselor with over 40 years of experience in counseling, teaching, and mentorship. About 80% of her practice is working with people and their beloved animal companions during the dying and death process. She offers grief support and hospice communication to families in need. Heart to Heart Animal Communication & Shamanic Practice. |
| Copyright © 2024 Lifespan Doulas, LLC. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Lifespan Doulas, LLC217 SUNSET RD ANN ARBOR, MI 48103-2911 Add us to your address book Unsubscribe from this list. |
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