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What is an End of Life Doula?

Here are some places to learn about the End of Life Doula field, and about the benefits of hiring a doula.

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What does my training consist of?

The following information reflects the areas of training I received from the International End of Life Doula Association, and is specific to their excellent training program. This training serves as the backbone of my work, and I will expand upon it as my experience grows. Please see the link at the bottom to visit their website to learn more about this incredible training organization.

PHASE 1: 
SUMMING UP AND PLANNING

  • Exploring the meaning of the dying person’s life

  • Initiating legacy projects

  • Assisting with unfinished business

  • Creating visualizations

  • Deciding on how the space will look and feel

  • Designing rituals

  • Developing a vigil plan

PHASE 2: 
CONDUCTING VIGIL

  • Assuring the last days happen as planned

  • Using touch and holding to bring comfort

  • Providing family with respite

  • Making sure the patient doesn’t die alone

  • Informing about signs & symptoms

  • Leading guided visualizations and rituals

  • Providing emotional support


PHASE 3: 
REPROCESSING & EARLY GRIEF

  • Retelling the dying story in detail

  • Uncovering traumatic moments to reframe them

  • Giving back to family beautiful moments

  • Explaining the journey through grief

  • Providing emotional & spiritual support

  • Bring completion to the doula involvement

Article describing the End of Life Doula field and work.

Article describing the End of Life Doula field of work:

"An end-of-life doula is a nonmedical professional trained to care for a terminally ill person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during the death process. While you may never have heard of this position in the healthcare field, there’s quite a market for 'death doulas.'
The role is also referred to as an 'end-of-life coach,' 'soul midwife,' 'death midwife,' or 'transition guide.'"

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