What is a death doula?

A death doula provides emotional, spiritual and physical support and works in conjunction with other services such as hospice and medical professionals. Having someone to lean on during such an emotional and unsteady time can leave you more emotionally and physically available to undertake the important work of grieving, or dying. My role is to walk with you as you and your loved ones are doing the important and emotional business of navigating death and dying.

How can a death doula help?

I provide help and support by acting as an advocate and educator for the dying and their loved ones. This can be in practical ways by liaising with medical professionals, hospice or palliative care staff, family members and loved ones, or simply as someone who can be present and just listen. My skills lie in being able to tailor my services to the specific needs of the people needing my help.

Do you provide medical support?

No. I do not provide medical intervention or support. However I will work with your medical team to ensure you receive the level of care that will help you feel safe, supported, and meets your values and wishes.

What end of life care do you provide?

My goal as a death doula is to help demystify and destigmatise some of the processes around death and dying. This may include:

• helping to facilitate conversations between family and loved ones about death and dying so that a dying person's values and wishes can be clearly and safely communicated
• explaining  the practical and physical aspects of death and dying, so people know what to expect
• discussing funeral and burial options, with both the dying person and their loved ones
• providing respite to the loved ones of a dying person
• being a conduit between the dying person, their loved ones, their medical team, state and local government services, funeral homes, and legal professionals
• co-creating a funeral or memorial service or a living wake

If you have any questions, not matter how small, unusual, or irrelevant they may seem, I am here to answer them as best I can.