What is a Death Doula and why do you want one?

You know how to die. Your body knows how to die. You don’t need someone to teach you that. A death doula is here to be a companion on your journey at end of life. Someone to ask you the questions you never thought to ask, to hold presence for this sacred time, to help you plan your sacred space at end of life, and to be there for your family and support system now and after your body is laid to rest.

The word “doula” may have come from the Greek work doule meaning servant woman. You may have heard a birth doula is one who labors a baby into the world. A woman’s body knows how to have a baby too, but having someone there to give presence, to set the space, and to guide you through the time and be a support is an amazing addition.

Palliative and hospice care often come in at end of life. I find that families and the dying often lack support even when on hospice even though it is a beautiful service. A death doula helps fill in the gaps and provides additional support and presence during this sacred time.

As a holistic death doula, I offer:

  • Advance directives or what I call “Living Well Plans” that focus on the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial aspects of your being to promote peace of mind. This includes last wishes for when you are no longer able to make decisions, body disposition, forgiveness work, rituals, tying up financial loose ends, and more. This process is unique to each individual and family. Not only do I speak with the dying but also have hold family meetings to discuss the wishes of the dying.

  • I work in conjunction with Hospice. Hospice is a beautiful service, but with the national average of only 6 days on hopsice-families often need support beyond nurse visits and bathing. I am the eyes and ears for hospice and help you understand the course in between visits from hospice professionals.

  • Creating legacy projects for your loved ones; maybe its videos, gathering photos, writing letters to your loved ones, the possibilities are endless.

  • Writing eulogies and obituaries

  • Education for you and your family about what to expect and offer support in decision making

  • Companion care and respite care

  • Vigil Planning and sitting vigil

  • Assist in planning home funerals

  • Offer anticipatory grief support to the dying and their families

  • Offer bereavement support to the family after the death

  • And if you don’t see what you want on this list, get in touch with me, I would still love to work with you!

  • What I DO NOT offer: any kind of skilled nursing care, delivering medication, legal matters

I also love to meet with groups and speak about end of life and grief topics.

We can live well, die well, and grieve well-sometimes we just need a little help getting there.

$75 $50/hr

Packages available for 3 hours and more, sliding scale for those in need.

I have a short little questionnaire for you to fill out so when we get on the call, we can utilize the time efficiently. I offer these calls as a consult and to check if we are compatible. Do you vibe with me and can I support you fully? This is the importance of a connection call. There is no obligation at all.

You can email me directly also joslyn@sacredroaddoula.com