A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or a death midwife, is a person who provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support to individuals and their families during the end-of-life process.
Death doulas can offer a wide range of support to individuals and their families, depending on their needs and preferences. Some of the ways that a death doula can support you include:
Providing practical support: A death doula can offer practical support and guidance as you navigate the challenges and decisions that arise at the end of life. This can include helping you create an end-of-life plan, coordinating with your healthcare team, and providing practical assistance with tasks such as preparing meals and running errands.
Offering emotional support: A death doula can provide emotional support and comfort to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. This can include listening and offering a compassionate presence, helping you process your emotions, and providing resources and support for caregivers.
Providing spiritual support: Depending on your beliefs and values, a death doula can offer spiritual support and guidance as you navigate the end of life. This can include offering spiritual practices and rituals, helping you connect with your spiritual community, or simply being present with you in a compassionate and supportive way.
Facilitating communication: A death doula can help facilitate communication between you, your loved ones, and your healthcare team, and can provide resources and support for caregivers.
It's important to note that a death doula is not a replacement for professional medical care. If you are experiencing serious medical issues, it's important to seek help from a licensed healthcare professional.