What is a Death Doula?

A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or death midwife, is a non-medical professional who provides holistic support to individuals and their families during the dying process. Similar to birth doulas who offer emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance during childbirth, death doulas offer compassionate care and guidance to individuals as they navigate the end of life.

Death doulas may provide a range of services, including:

Emotional support: Offering a listening ear, companionship, and validation of feelings for the dying person and their loved ones.
Practical assistance: Helping with practical tasks such as creating advance directives, making funeral arrangements, and organizing end-of-life preferences.
Education and advocacy: Providing information about the dying process, available resources, and advocating for the individual’s wishes and needs.
Spiritual support: Assisting in exploring and addressing existential or spiritual concerns, providing comfort, and facilitating rituals or ceremonies if desired.
Legacy work: Supporting the dying person in reflecting on their life, sharing memories, and leaving behind meaningful legacies or messages for loved ones.

Death doulas work alongside medical professionals, hospice teams, and caregivers to ensure that the individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met during their end-of-life journey. They aim to foster a sense of peace, dignity, and comfort for both the dying person and their loved ones during this profound transition.