Most people hire a birth doula the first time because they want support.

Most partners call for one a second time because they saw what it did.

Kelsie Thomas and Renee Forred of Transitions Doula Services in Sioux Falls

join Melissa Goodwin to answer the questions people are actually searching:

what a doula does, how they train, what Medicaid covers in South Dakota,

and what happens when a doula shows up not at the beginning of life

but at the end.

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WHAT IS A DOULA?

A doula is a non-medical emotional and physical support person who helps

families navigate birth, postpartum recovery, and end of life transitions.

Doulas do not deliver babies or provide medical care. They support the whole

family through the experience.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOULA AND A MIDWIFE?

A midwife handles the medical side of birth. A doula handles the support side.

Both can be on your team at the same time. They serve different roles.

HOW ARE DOULAS TRAINED AND CERTIFIED?

There is no single required path. Kelsie and Renee are both certified through

Doulas of North America (DONA), an internationally recognized certifying body

that requires ongoing continuing education.

DOES MEDICAID COVER DOULA CARE IN SOUTH DAKOTA?

Yes. As of January 2025, Medicaid in South Dakota approved doula coverage.

Kelsie walks through the billing codes and what that means for families.

WHAT IS A DEATH DOULA AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM HOSPICE?

Hospice is a medical service. A death doula is non-medical. They provide

emotional, logistical, and planning support for people who are dying and for

the families around them. They can work alongside hospice or independently.

WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE BECOMING DEATH DOULAS RIGHT NOW?

Demand is growing because people want a different experience at the end of life

than what the medical system alone can provide. Kelsie and Renee answer this

directly from their own experience.

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IN THIS EPISODE

What a doula actually does

Birth doulas: hospital births, epidurals, C sections, and VBAC

Real client stories: Jill's VBAC birth and Kristen and John's postpartum experience

Medicaid doula coverage in South Dakota as of January 2025

What a death doula is and how they differ from hospice

Cafe Mortal: community death conversations over coffee

Why interest in death doula work is surging

How to find Transitions Doula Services in Sioux Falls

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CONNECT WITH TRANSITIONS DOULA SERVICES

Website: TransitionsDoulaServices.com

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