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

Should Doulas Volunteer Their Services?

By Patty Brennan | March 1, 2023

Part 1 Volunteer doulas and volunteer doula programs have fallen out of favor with an outspoken segment of the doula community who view them as devaluing the role of the doula. The word “demonization” comes to mind as the tone of the criticisms and pushback on social media has become increasingly polarizing. One doula Facebook…

Buddhist Beliefs & Practices at End of Life Webinar

By Patty Brennan | November 21, 2022

Join us for a look at Buddhism and how the doula can support the religious beliefs and practices of families at the end of life. We will discuss what it means to practice “spiritual humility” and explore how doulas can integrate this practice into their work with families. We will also touch briefly on other…

Navigating the Healthcare System: Coaching Clients through the Maze ~ July Member Webinar

By Patty Brennan | July 20, 2022

With Bonnie Blachly Helping clients navigate the healthcare system to ensure they receive the best health care possible is of utmost importance, especially when facing a life-limiting or life-ending condition. Multiple doctors and other disciplines may be involved. Helping your client develop trust in their doctors is an important aspect of support provided by an…

Is mentoring available for doulas?

By Patty Brennan | June 17, 2022

Are you a newly trained doula? Have you ever wished you could be a fly on the wall and observe an experienced, professional doula at work? Perhaps watch how she/he handles questions during a new client interview, or observe interactions with medical personnel or hospice staff (especially when those interactions are trending adversarial)? It makes…

End-of-Life Doulas in Pediatric Palliative & Death Care ~ Webinar

By Patty Brennan | May 20, 2022

Toula Saratsis, CEOLD, presents on the need for information, networking, and advocacy for the pediatric population at end of life. She shares practical insights from the unique perspective of children and their essential support systems. Download Pediatric EOL Resources. Toula Saratsis is a bereaved parent, a certified end-of-life doula, and a home funeral guide. She specializes…

Balanced Caregiving ~ March Webinar

By Patty Brennan | March 23, 2022

With author Ellie Atherton. Don’t let your energy well go dry! Many of us know how wonderful it feels to help others, and that deep satisfaction is what encourages us to continue giving. But if you are giving without refueling your own energy stores, this may leave you exhausted and limit your ability to be fully…

How to Choose a Doula Training

By Patty Brennan | February 18, 2022

How to choose a doula training when there are so many options? Which is best? Just as no one doula can be the right fit for every family, no one doula training can be the best fit for every prospective doula. Before you get lost in the Sea of Choices and are tempted to give…

SEO for Doulas ~ Webinar

By Patty Brennan | January 30, 2022

With Patty Brennan, author of The Doula Business Guide “Build it and they will come” (from the movie, Field of Dreams). Well, no, actually it doesn’t work that way. It’s not enough to create and launch your website. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a great accomplishment for a new business owner! Next, the task is to get your…

Dementia at End of Life ~ Webinar

By Patty Brennan | November 18, 2021

With Lori Smith & Patty Brennan Lori shares practical tips for doulas and other caregivers in the art of support for a person with dementia at end of life. Topics include: The EOLD/caregiver’s role in identifying pain Communication challenges in expressing pain Observing and identifying signs of pain Creating a comfortable environment 4 main triggers…

How to Market your Doula Business

By Patty Brennan | November 3, 2021

How to Promote your Doula Business An initial stumbling block to marketing my doula services involved a deep-seated distaste for selling. I began to feel more comfortable with the idea of selling myself and my services once I understood the importance of articulating the VALUE I bring to my clients. Consider the following questions: What…

How to Create a Doula Contract

By Patty Brennan | October 5, 2021

October 2021 Newsletter from Lifespan Doulas How to Create a Doula Contract #1. Understand the purpose of your contract. It is essentially a tool for communication. Your contract (or “Letter of Agreement”) commits to writing the terms of the doula-client relationship, especially around services provided, fees, and terms of payment. You are seeking to create…

Acupressure in Labor

By Patty Brennan | October 4, 2021

How can acupressure in labor be beneficial? We will focus on two acupressure points in the body that, when stimulated, help to release the hormone oxytocin in order to start or augment uterine contractions. A common application is as a natural means of getting labor contractions started. Or to help erratic early labor contractions strengthen…