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.
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 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.'"