1. What is a death doula?

A death doula, end-of-life guide, or death midwife is a non-medical, holistic professional who provides emotional, informational, and practical support to individuals nearing the end of life and to those who care for them. Through presence, education, advocacy, and compassionate guidance, end-of-life doulas help clients and their loved ones navigate the dying process with greater understanding and peace. Our purpose is to foster an end-of-life experience that is meaningful, dignified, and aligned with the individual’s values and wishes. Much like birth doulas who help support the beginning of life, death doulas offer support and comfort during life’s final transition.

2. Why would I need a death doula?

In a healthcare system that often overlooks emotional and spiritual needs, a death doula brings a human connection to this sacred time. We honor personal wishes, help maintain dignity, and ensure no one feels alone or unsupported. For families, a death doula eases uncertainty and brings clarity and comfort. Whether facilitating meaningful conversations, offering practical guidance, or simply being present, we help create a more peaceful and meaningful experience.

3. Are end-of-life doulas medical professionals?

No. End-of-life doulas are not medical professionals. We provide non-medical holistic support and guidance for individuals and their families. We help bridge the gaps in care by offering time, attention, and presence—allowing you to feel more comfortable and supported. Everyone benefits from a compassionate companion by their side who has walked this path before and can share wisdom and guidance. A doula helps you navigate this sacred, mysterious, and natural transition, supporting you in finding peace and solace as you approach the end of life.

4. How are end-of-life doulas different from hospice care?

We encourage individuals and families facing terminal illness to contact their local hospice as early as possible. End-of-life doula services do not replace hospice care; rather, we work alongside hospice teams to provide additional support. While hospice focuses on medical care and pain management, doulas offer extended time, personalized attention, continuity at the bedside, and compassionate advocacy—services that often fall outside the scope of hospice due to Medicare limitations.

5. When should I contact a doula?

You can reach out to a doula at any stage of the end-of-life journey. Some people seek support as early as the initial diagnosis, while others wait until the active dying phase—or even after death, if they are looking for bereavement care. Connecting with a death doula earlier allows more time to build a meaningful relationship, develop personalized care plans, prioritize end-of-life needs, and create sacred space and significance for both the individual and their loved ones. Even if death feels far off, a doula can help facilitate thoughtful conversations and planning around death and dying.

6. Do death doulas charge for their services?

Some do, and some do not. Some operate by donation, some have a specific pay structure like packages or hourly rates based on the specific services provided, or some have a sliding scale. Regardless, this part of the client-doula relationship should be clearly communicated and established from the beginning.

7. What services do death doulas offer?

Death doulas provide a wide range of services, including bedside support, compassionate guidance, education, and advocacy for end-of-life care. We offer customized care planning to address emotional, spiritual, and practical needs, as well as life review, legacy projects, completion of end-of-life documents, vigil sitting, early bereavement support, and can offer resources or referrals for additional support after a death. Some doulas may also incorporate holistic modalities such as yoga therapy, aromatherapy, massage, and Reiki. Our role is to complement the care provided by your medical team and hospice professionals, offering comfort, presence, and support in a deeply meaningful way.

8. How do I begin working with you?

I offer a free consultation to simply begin a conversation of what you think your needs may be. You can send me a message through the “Reach Out" page.