Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Adams.
Hi Anna, We’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, can you briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At 15, I started volunteering at a local hospital and found my calling in the medical intensive care unit. By 16, I became a certified nursing assistant and began caring for a loved one at the request of a friend. This experience led me to embark on my Hospice journey, which has involved caring for numerous clients and families. I have worked in crisis care and in-patient units throughout my career, where I discovered my role as an End of Life Doula. I noticed that as Hospice became more medically focused, it began to lose sight of its original purpose. I decided to conduct further research on the care and support I was providing, which led me to discover end-of-life doulas. Realizing this aligned with my work, I sought to make it more official by exploring available programs. However, I soon realized that these programs were expensive, and as a mother with four children living paycheck to paycheck, I was still determining how I would afford them. Despite my financial concerns, I ultimately decided to invest in a program that cost me nearly $3000, which was a significant financial regret. I didn’t gain anything from the program, but I was able to connect with others in the same line of work. However, after 12 weeks, I noticed that most of the 20 people who left the program needed more confidence, proper education, and the support and community that doulas need. This prompted me to conduct a research project and speak to 30 doulas worldwide. Through this, I discovered that our industry faces significant issues, particularly cost, support, and education. I realized that I had the potential to make a change, although I wasn’t surprised to find out how quickly it would happen.
Shortly later, I established the International Doula Life Movement. In the initial year, we offered a 12-week course, a 14-week course in the second year, and a 16-week course in the third year. Currently, we provide a comprehensive 25-module training program spanning over 80 hours. Our first-class commenced in January 2021, with an enrollment of 49 students from various parts of the world. To date, we have successfully graduated over 800 doulas nationally and internationally. Our students and graduates not only seek education but also find a supportive community of doulas to accompany them on their doula journey. IDLM provides its students with cost-effective education, support, and community, enabling them to become proficient doulas who serve their communities. Unlike other doula programs, we invest time learning and building relationships with our students and alums. Our students receive personal contact numbers for me and the director, ensuring they receive full support throughout their doula program.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest struggle through this journey has been not having enough doulas to help with the demands of clients and families.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In addition to founding IDLM, I am actively involved in teaching our doula program, providing one-on-one support to our students and graduates, and maintaining a private End of Life Doula Practice. Furthermore, I work as an on-staff End of Life Doula for two local hospices, namely Caring Hands Hospice and Holistic Hospice. My role involves:
- Educating the community on the importance of preplanning for the end of life
- Supporting families during significant life events
- Helping them give the best gifts to their loved ones
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Research end-of-life doula programs, ask questions, see how long it takes to get responses ( do you get to speak to the founder of the school? I speak, and all of our students get my number to reach out to me), find out if they offer free community support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.internationaldoulalifemovement.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationaldoulalife
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalDoulaLifeMovement
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idlmdeathdoula/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYRUAwsVZGJgDfGNNFzwUpQ
