What is a Death Doula and what does a Death Doula do?
A Death Doula, or Death Midwife, is a person who assists in the dying process, much like a midwife or doula does with the birthing process. It is often a community based role, aiming to help families cope with death through recognizing it as a natural and important part of life. A Death Doula can bring clarity and meaning to the end of life experience, and ease the transition from life into death.
As a Death Doula, I offer non-medical physical, emotional, and spiritual support to individuals and their loved ones, before, during, and after death. This support can be provided in hospital, in hospice, or in your home. I can work alongside your medical team, and any other practitioners that you are receiving support from.
Services/ Skills Offered:
End of life companioning
Bedside reading
Deep and active listening
Gentle hand/foot/head massage to relieve tension and provide comforting care
Respite for family and friends
Meditation and visualization
Restorative or therapeutic yoga to ease tension, fear, and fatigue for the dying and for their caregivers
Transparency about what to expect during active dying/ final stages of dying
Facilitation of challenging or uncomfortable conversations
Personalized care plans for living your best life and preparing for a meaningful death (see Wake up to Life Course)
Advance Care Planning
Liaison between client, family, and other care providers
Ceremony for honouring the body and saying good-bye during and after death
Guidance with funeral/memorial/celebration planning and decision-making