End of Life Doula

A Death Doula, also known as End of Life Doula, is one who is trained to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care at end of life. In addition, Death Doulas also educate and provide support for the patient’s family and loved ones. It is a non-medical position that guides others.

As a reference, Doulagivers, states, “Death Doulas are people who support people at the end of life process, much like a midwife or doula with the birthing process. It is “a new non-medical profession” that recognizes death as a natural, accepted, and honored part of life. One might say that death midwifery is to hospice palliative care as birth midwifery is to obstetrics.”

Benefits of working with a Death Doula can include:

• Help create positive, empowering end of life plans

• Provide spiritual care, psychological, and social support

• Suggest ideas for optimal physical comfort

• Help plan home vigils

• Educate patients and families on the new and progressive options of home wakes and natural burials