Death Doula--What?

Not exactly sure what a death doula is? In fact, you've never heard of a death doula? No worries, you're not alone. I'll let you in on a secret, despite my fascination with the field of mortuary science I hadn't heard of a death doula until sometime in the Pandemic.

Let's try something else. Have you heard of a birth doula? A birth doula is an individual that helps mothers welcome their babies into the world as safely as possible and with as much intention and purpose as possible. Well my friend, a death doula is on the opposite end of the spectrum of a birth doula. A death doula, or an end-of-life coach helps you get the "good goodbye." A death doula can enter the end-of-life process well before an individual becomes terminally ill. Some death doulas, commonly referred to as end-of-life coaches, work with families to help with estate planning, others may help families establish end of life care for a loved one in hospice. There are other doulas that focus on helping with the celebration of life and vigil process. Others come in and help families long after the last visitor has left by helping families organize and store the possessions of the deceased.

Me? Well, I come in a few places. I strongly encourage all that I meet to consider putting their wishes in writing. I don't believe that planning is just for those that are up in years or those that have terminal illnesses. Sadly, time and unforeseen occurrences befall us all, and healthy people die every day leaving their families to try to plan, honor their wishes and grieve at the same time. That is unfair and unkind. So, I help individuals plan ahead and write their own life stories in their own words. I also come into the end of life process when a loved one is terminally ill or has recently passed. Through my company, A Worthy Experience, I assist families with the memorial planning process by providing support and resources on down to creating the memorial program and slide show to helping you pick out the easel for the portrait! Still, later some families use me to help create legacy projects for their families as heirlooms for the generations to come.

Death doulas-- we do a lot. It's okay, we've got a big heart with enough space for your grief and ours!