A death doula is a non-medical person trained to care for someone holistically (physically, emotionally and spiritually) at the end of life. They assure that comfort measures are in place and attend to a person’s other needs. Death Doulas are also known around the world as end of life coaches, soul midwives, transition guides, death coaches, doula to the dying, end-of-life doulas, death midwives and end-of-life guides.
Deeper dive
Doulas support people in the end-of-life process, much like a midwife or doula with the birthing process. Death doulas recognize death as a natural, accepted and honored part of life. According to Suzanne O’Brien, a wellness and oncology nurse and founder of The International Doulagivers Institute, death doulas can:
- Help create positive, empowering end of life plans
- Provide spiritual care, psychological and social support
- Suggest ideas for optimal physical comfort
- Help plan home vigils
- Educate patients and families on the new and progressive options of home wakes and natural burials.
The need for these types of services and supports will likely continue to increase due to the growing population of older adults in the U.S. and around the world.