FAQs
What is a death doula?
A death doula provides compassionate, non-medical end-of-life care, physical and emotional assistance, and companionship to the dying. The specific kinds of services that a doula provides can vary widely, depending on individual circumstances, needs, and temperaments. They can include anything from helping the terminally-ill draft and implement advanced directives; to identifying and communicating with high-quality hospice services that meet the particular desires and needs of the dying individual; and assisting with planning funeral and memorial celebrations. Doulas can also give aid and comfort to family members and care-givers by providing emotional support, assisting with logistical matters related to the end-of-life experience, and helping the bereaved navigate the inevitable grief that follows in the immediate aftermath of the loss of a loved one.
How would I or my loved one benefit from having one?
Dying is a fact-of-life--and yet for many of us, it is an experience associated exclusively with fear or anxiety. A death doula can help make this process less intimidating for everyone involved. Doulas can help terminally-ill individuals prepare and plan for a death experience that suits their personal desires. In some instances, this might entail acting as an impartial advocate for the dying, in what can be emotionally fraught interactions with palliative care professionals, hospice care providers, or even family members. At the same time, doulas provide benefits to loved ones by aiding with these and other burdensome responsibilities, which typically fall on friends and family members who are already coping with the emotionally-taxing experience of losing someone dear to them.
Do I need a death doula if I'm already receiving hospice care?
Doulas work closely with hospice providers, and can help refer terminally-ill individuals to appropriate hospice services. But while hospice providers are often responsible for delivering end-of-life medical care and comfort to many patients at once, doulas provide more individualized attention, as well as services designed to complement those received from hospice--including pre-planning arrangements, bedside vigil, and support to loved ones.
Are doulas medical professionals?
No, but we can work closely with medical teams and hospice staff when desired and appropriate.
Are doulas religiously affiliated?
Not necessarily. Some doulas are members of particular faith-traditions, and bring that influence to their work with the dying. Some may even be ordained chaplains or spiritual counselors. Others may be agnostic when it comes to religious matters. In all cases, doulas are trained to work respectfully with dying individuals of every faith, and to communicate with clergy about end-of-life matters and funeral arrangements.
Can I still work with a doula during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. Doulas follow all state public health and safety regulations, and can accommodate individual needs or preferences related to in-person contact. Many doula-provided services can also be delivered virtually, as needed during these difficult times.
