Our Blog & Newsletter Archives From birth to end-of-life care

Doula Business Guide Virtual Book Group

Doula Business Guide Virtual Book Group (January Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | January 6, 2025

Interactive, guided discussions online provide community support to launch your doula business.Happy New Year Everyone!I love the promised renewal of this season. The days are getting longer now. And it is time to review the highs and lows experienced over the past twelve months. How did you do? What are you most proud of? What are…

Happy Thanksgiving

Group training discounts, doula program start-up, HELP WANTED (December Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | December 1, 2024

Thanksgiving SALE continues through Cyber Monday. Save 25% on your selection of doula training(s). Use Coupon Code = BlackFriday25. This is our best price on doula training you will see! New purchases only; cannot be combined with other discount offers. Sale ends at 12am on December 3rd. NEW!Do you work for a hospice, hospital, community-based group, or home…

Judy Ramsey and animal companion

Hospice Inclusion & Care of Companion Animals (Webinar)

By Patty Brennan | November 21, 2024

With Judy Ramsey 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…

become a birth doula

A Sustainable Living Wage for Doulas (November Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | October 29, 2024

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…

palliative positioning

Palliative Positioning in Hospice Care

By Patty Brennan | October 29, 2024

By Cindy Spence Tips for Getting Clients Comfortable in Bed at the End of Life Palliative positioning has the power to reduce a pain score dramatically, and it’s a skill that anyone can learn. As a massage therapist working in hospice care, I’ve learned that most of what I do to help people is very…

trauma-informed care

Trauma-Informed Care for Doulas (October Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | October 1, 2024

Trauma-Informed Care for Doulas In September, we hosted Tamara MacIntyre for an excellent webinar on Trauma-Informed Care that is relevant for ALL doulas. Doulas are often in a position to prevent trauma, or triggering of old traumas. At the very least, we hope to recognize the signs of a trauma response in our clients so that we can provide…

Trauma Informed Care

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters (Webinar)

By Patty Brennan | September 19, 2024

With Tamara MacIntyre Discover the critical role of trauma-informed care in end-of-life doula practices. This webinar explores 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…

Penny Simkin

Event Planning Guide & More (September Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | September 3, 2024

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,…

End-of-Life Doula Training

Thoughts on “Holding Space” and More (August Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | August 31, 2024

From a student: “I loved talking about what it means to “hold space.” I think sometimes in life we always want to have an answer for everything or be doing something when we have a friend or client in need of support. The idea of “holding space” really has helped me to be okay stepping back…

webinars on doula business topics

Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results (July Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | July 2, 2024

Atomic Habits (Book Review): You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Success as a doula business owner is certainly related to our skills, including both doula support skills AND business skills. Equally important is our mindset and the personal habits that enable us to…

doula legal challenges

Doula Legal Challenges (June Newsletter)

By Patty Brennan | May 28, 2024

Rites and Rights Revisited: Legal Challenges for End-of-Life Doulas This virtual townhall, co-sponsored by NEDA and INELDA, featuring two lawyers who have been active in defense of EOLDs in California and Indiana, was tremendously informative. The legal team shared these tips as general lessons for doulas: A recording of the townhall is available at the link above,…

End-of-Life Doula Scope of Practice

Medical Aid in Dying, End-of-Life Doulas, and the Doula Scope of Practice

By Patty Brennan | May 16, 2024

By Patty Brennan Recently, I was conducting a webinar for end-of-life doulas (EOLDs) when someone in the audience shared that Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) clients were her specialty and that she travels to other states to “do it.” As MAiD was not the theme of our webinar, I did not pursue questioning her as to whether she…