Category: professionalism of a doula
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Is a Doula Worth the Money? What You Actually Get When You Hire One
It’s a question that comes up all the time in pregnancy forums, Facebook groups, and late-night conversations between expectant parents: Is a doula worth the money? When you’re preparing for birth, the costs can add up quickly. When you’re covering medical expenses, baby gear, and unpaid maternity leave, it’s natural to wonder whether doula support…
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What to Expect from Me as an Orthodox Christian and Inclusive Birth Doula
Every family deserves a doula who recognizes that each pregnancy is unique and every birthing family deserves to be seen, heard, and supported with presence, compassion, and care. Indeed, as an inclusive birth doula, I meet you where you are. I recognize the importance of honoring each pregnancy as a deeply personal journey and each…
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Doula Reflections on Birth and Baptism
The Call to Return There is no greater affirmation of my work as a doula than when a family asks me to return. It is always a joy when I receive a message from a client I’ve worked with in the past. Often, they send an adorable baby picture and a little update on the…
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Want a doula but think you can’t afford it? Tips to make doula support work with any budget
We know that having high-quality doula support can make all the difference to your birth, postpartum, or end-of-life experience, but people sometimes may experience some sticker shock when quoted a price for this care. When you engage a doula, you get a commitment to round-the clock on-call availability, and access to the doula’s investment in…
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Introducing Matushka Olga Michael
Yesterday, after my husband had finished sharing information about end-of-life doulas at a senior center wellness fair, we were enjoying a rare lunch together and my phone pinged with a text message from an old college friend: “OCA synod of bishops just announced approval for the glorification of Blessed Olga of Alaska!!!” While this message…
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Eleison Doulas: Embracing Birth AND Death Support
I am really excited to announce something new at Eleison Doula Services. We are now providing doula support at the beginning AND end of life. My husband Nicholas has joined me as a certified End-of-Life Doula, adding to the birth and postpartum services that I offer. Please check out our new website and let us…
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My Secret Identity: Wonder Woman and The Public Health Doula Professor
Public health professor by day, doula by night (and sometimes also by day). A secret identity, or are these roles really working toward the same goal?