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A doula is a nonmedical person who – in referring to the common use of the term – assists women during the birthing process. A death doula, which draws from the original meaning of “doula,” is a nonmedical person who helps a dying person and their family members. Also referred to as end-of-life doulas, death midwives, transition coaches, and soul midwives, death doulas can provide comfort when the end of life is near.
Who Serves as a Death Doula?
Death doulas come from all walks of life; some are former medical professionals, like nurses, whereas others are simply individuals who have been trained to provide company and comfort to those who are nearing death. Many death doulas, as reported by an article in The Washington Post, explain that they were “inexplicably called to the role.” Some may have had negative experiences with death in their own life, or near death experiences.
What Exactly Does a Death Doula Do?
The specific role of a death doula will vary on a case-by-case basis. Some death doulas may simply sit with patients as they make the transition from life to death, holding their hand or issuing comforting words. Other death doulas will do everything from helping with the physical care of a dying person, such as feeding or bathing, to assisting families with household chores as they care for their dying family member. Some death doulas will provide spiritual guidance for dying persons and their family members, and many will facilitate conversations and interactions between dying persons and their loved ones. One death doula, quoted in the article cited above, told interviewers that one of the most important roles of a death doula is to “encourage people to say everything they need to say so that they don’t look back and regret it.”
How Can a Death Doula Help You and Your Family?
A death doula can provide comfort and support in a time of great emotional need for a dying person, and the family members of that dying person. Death is often a painful thing to cope with; having a person who is willing to lend spiritual and emotional support throughout the process can provide consolation and solace. It is important to remember, however, that a death doula is not a medical professional, and should not replace the role of a nurse or hospice worker without serious consideration and understanding of the consequences of this.
Planning for End of Life
As you plan for the end of your own life, or the life of a loved one, it is important to remember that there is more to death than pain management, high quality medical care, and an end-of-life plan for assets. Having a death doula on your side who can provide support through the transition process may be very important to your family. If it is, you should be sure to find a doula that you can trust in advance; finding a doula last minute is the last thing you want to be tasked with.
For more end-of-life planning services, contact Patricia Bloom-McDonald, Attorney at Law. Patricia Bloom McDonald can aid your family with the legal side of end of life planning, including planning for death. Call her law offices today at 508-646-9888, or visit her online.