What is a Death Doula?

What is a death doula?

Formally, a death doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals facing a terminal illness and their families. Much like a birth doula, a death doula understands that there is meaningful labor at the end of life transition. They act as a steady, warm presence to help navigate the dying process and what comes immediately after. Functions range from emotional and spiritual support, caregiver respite, practical planning and systems navigation, and creating environments that support a person in dying with dignity, care, and a unique reflection of who they are. 

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Who could use a death doula?

Anyone. 

Those who are dying, families, friends, communities - we can all feel supported by a death doula's work. Sometimes, we aren't sure if our experience fits, but it does.

 

Mothers with infant loss,

     those looking for a more meaningful way to honor their deceased loved one,

          pet loss,

               those planning traditional end of life care: home funerals, community-centered care, green or natural burial,

               and celebrations of life,

                    those who couldn't be present before

 

                          - to name a few. 

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​It is important to know - I cannot be your death doula and your therapist at the same time. When you reach out, we will have a conversation about what kind of work is most meaningful for you. Michele Bograd, who is both a psychologist and death doula, wrote a lovely reflection on the duality of these roles here.