A Sustainable Living Wage for Doulas (November Newsletter)

become a birth doula

Michigan Birth Doulas—This is big!

Thanks to the advocacy efforts of the Doula Advisory Council and doulas throughout the state, the reimbursement rates for birth doula services to Medicaid-eligible families have recently been raised to a sustainable living wage. Effective October 1, 2024, the rate for labor support is $1500 (previously $700) and the number of allowable visits has increased from six to twelve at $100 each (previously $75). Maximum reimbursement per family served has gone from $1150 to $2700! Read the official Update to Coverage of Medicaid Services from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Qualified birth doulas can join the Doula Initiative.

Invest in Birth Doula Training today ($797; payment plans available) and more than earn back your investment after completing services to your first Medicaid-eligible family! What other career promises this kind of Return on Investment (ROI) in a relatively short period of time? Our online training program allows you to start immediately and proceed at your own pace.

P.S. Many other states also have Medicaid reimbursement in place for birth doulas. Each state is different in terms of process, reimbursement amounts, and qualifications. Check with the Department of Health and Human Services in your state. See more information here.

Birth & Postpartum Doula Resources 

Speaking of ROI, you may legitimately wonder whether the Medicaid investment in doulas is a good use of tax dollars. Read this ROI Analysis of an Enhanced Community Doula Program from the National Institute of Health.

The Maternal Health and Intimate Partner Violence fact sheet emphasizes that intimate partner violence during pregnancy can result in severe health outcomes, including maternal injury, increased stress, and adverse birth outcomes. The fact sheet includes statistics and resources for Michigan, as well as national resources.

Especially for End-of-Life Doulas 

End-of-Life Psychedelic Care announces the EOLPC Connector Directory This group seeks to create an environment where the safe use of psychedelic medicine is accessible and affordable for anyone faced with a life-threatening illness. Focus is placed on educating consumers and practitioners on the safe and supported use of psychedelics, connecting consumers and professionals together, and advocating for legislative and policy reform. 

Advance Care Planning Resources/Questions (PDF). This download contains great information to promote informed decision making related to end of life. It is a tremendously helpful condensed summary.

The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting fundraisers and needs your help. They provide education, financial support, fund research, and more!

Alzheimer's Association

Lactation Counselor & Educator (LCE) Foundation Course

This 50-hour self-paced study course is perfect for doulas or any health care provider seeking a stand-alone LCE credential that enables you to better support breastfeeding families. It is also part of the pathway to become a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)—the gold standard of lactation credentials. This professional lactation training provides you with the foundational clinical and communication skills needed to effectively help nursing families. The goal of this course is to provide the skills and insights needed to apply lactation theory to clinical practice. 50 Nursing Contact Hours approved. Learn more: Lactation Counselor & Educator (LCE) Foundation Course.

Support for families facing loss

Grief & Bereavement Resources & Services summarizes available information, resources, and support services before or after a loss. This web page is for Michigan but it will give doulas practicing in other states a sense of what’s available. Check out the 2-1-1 services in your state. Download the comprehensive resources guide: Michigan Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Resources (PDF). 

Join us for this free webinar!

HOSPICE INCLUSION & ONGOING CARE FOR COMPANION ANIMALS

With Judy Ramsey
November 20 (Wednesday, 89pm EST)
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


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81607022090?pwd=idItFXAtDCYsbl6b38mY770Rxj5HKp.1

Meeting ID: 816 0702 2090
Passcode: 618294

Or Call: Find your local number

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Patty Brennan

Patty is the owner and visionary force behind Lifespan Doulas. For 40+ years, she has been a doula, midwife, educator, author, nonprofit executive, and entrepreneur. Patty has personally trained over 3,000 people to become doulas. She is the author of The Doula Business Guide: How to Succeed as a Birth, Postpartum or End-of-Life Doula, 4th Edition, and accompanying Workbook.