What is a Death Doula?
What is a Death Doula?
When most people think about death and dying, they imagine a scene of sadness and despair. But death doesn't have to be a sad or negative experience – in fact, it can be quite the opposite. With the help of a death doula, families can approach death with openness and understanding, creating a more peaceful and meaningful end-of-life experience for everyone involved.
So, what exactly is a death doula? Also known as death walkers or bereavement counsellors, death doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional and physical support to the dying and their families. Unlike hospice care workers, death doulas do not provide medical care or treatment – instead, they focus on providing comfort and ease.
Death doulas typically meet with their clients several times before death, getting to know them and their families so that they can best support them during the end-of-life process. They may also provide guidance on things like funeral planning and after-death care.
If you're interested in exploring death doula services for yourself or a loved one, be sure to find a qualified professional who has experience and training in this growing trend in end-of-life care. You can ask your doctor or hospice worker for recommendations, or look for death doula services in your area. As part of the Picaluna network, I can also help you find someone to walk you through an approaching or recent death. With the help of a death doula, you can create a more peaceful and positive end-of-life experience.
As an example, death doulas can provide support in the following ways:
- Being present during the dying process
- Helping to create a sacred space around death
- Assisting with funeral planning
- Supporting the family after death has occurred
- Providing guidance on how to cope with grief.
If you are interested in finding out more about death doulas or would like to explore the possibility of working with one, please get in touch. I can refer you to a death doula through Picaluna, and I would be honoured to help you or your loved ones with this valuable service.
Philip Holland
Narrabeen Funerals
0414 450 460