What is a death douls?

Birth doulas and death doulas function like two sides of the same coin A birth doula is trained professional that assists someone before, during and after childbirth. They work alongside your healthcare team to provide emotional and physical support, education and guidance to make sure your have a positive birthing experience. Similarly, a death doula assists a dying person and their loved ones before, during and after death. A death doula provides emotional and physical support, education about the dying process, preparation for what’s to come and guidance while you’re grieving.

Does death doulas provide medical care?

No. Death doula’s are not licensed medical providers and do not give any medical care. They do no act as CNA’s and do not provide care like a CNA. They do however compliment your care team and/or hospice team and work together to fill in the gaps to make sure all your needs are met.

What does a death doula do?

Provide the opportunity to talk openly and freely about the dying process.

Help alleviate the anxiety, guilt and shoulda coulda woulda’s associated with dying.

Develop a plan for how the person’s environment will look, feel, sound and smell.

Help coordinate with friends and family to set schedules for visitation, respite care, and taking care of errands.

Provide education and guidance related to other medical services that may be available to you.

Create guided meditations and rituals specific to the person’s religious beliefs or spirituality.

Sitting vigil with the person as they near their final moments.

Assisting with obituaries and funeral services. This is not the same as funeral directors at funeral homes Death Certificates and embalming services are not offered by death doulas.

Providing supplemental grief companionship after the death.

Creating a Legacy Project which explores the person’s life and legacy.