Death Doula: What to expect

Death Doula offerings vary greatly because no two deaths are the same. Every family has specific and unique needs that a death doula can help with, and thus, offerings are very customizable. It's a good idea to do your research and read about a few different doulas you may feel will fit in well with you, your family, and the beliefs you have about how this process should look. You may request an initial phone call or meeting to learn more. 

 A Death Doula can help support the family and the dying in many ways. She can work with the family to plan the vigil whether it happens at home, in a hospital or at an assisted living facility. The Death Doula can help create a beautiful environment that honors the dying and supports the family. She can offer respite care for the family and can bring music, poetry, prayer, and legacy work into the space. She can help the family be more present with their loved one and practices active listening. She will be holding space with love and compassion throughout the process and can offer loving touch in the form of holding hands if requested.  Some doulas will be on-call or will visit regularly as necessary. Death doulas can also help with the organization and legal requirements needed for a death and the logistics that follow a death. 

Interested in becoming a death doula?