The term death doula may still raise eyebrows, with many people picturing something ominous, yet these compassionate guides are quickly becoming an essential part of the modern dying experience. In a society that still struggles with addressing death, this noble group emerges. These nonmedical guides comfort their clients and families during the end-of-life process, often weeks or even years in advance, and they can be there even after it is over. As one dies, a doula will help them face it with space, peace, and intention.
Anyone can train to become a death doula. As death doulas become a vital companion, even nurses are coming on board. In an article from The Guardian (2019), one nurse turned doula discussed how dying in the medical field can be “cold and sterile”. As most nurses find theirselves overburdened, they rarely can make positive space for the dying. Doulas have the luxury of time to offer their clients, a resource that most medical professionals do not have. Many nurses entered the industry to provide emotional care, which is often stripped away when their workload and job expectations leave little time or space for therapeutic modalities.
According to The State of the Long Term Care Industry (2021), the report indicates that long-term care facilities are experiencing a workforce crisis. With so few workers and large patient care loads, the sick and dying are not receiving the attention and emotional support they desperately need. This is where the power of death doulas comes in; they are trained and willing to sit with individuals during their vulnerable moments, providing comfort and tools to make the process of dying less scary and mysterious.
The Guardian (2019) reports on the harsh realities of death in medicine, emphasizing how doulas have the time to support their clients, unlike many medical professionals. With increasing attention on the needs of dying individuals and the lack of available care, death doulas play a crucial role. Doulas are the glue that fills the gap between medical, hospice, and family care. With their emotional and spiritual support, they bring meaning and power to the last moments of their client’s lives.
According to CBC (2018), death doulas “navigate the dying process.” As they do this, they can make all the difference in someone’s life at the end. A doula’s support extends to caregivers and families, providing much-needed respite for both the dying and their loved ones.
In Mayson’s (2021) article, a death doula likens her job to that of a shepherd, expressing how her work embodies honor and beauty. She, too, notes the lack of adequate death care and the need for creating a sacred space for the dying in care and medical facilities.
The rise of death doulas has also coincided with the “death positivity” movement and the establishment of death cafes, says Mayson (2021). Death doulas assist in addressing what may seem like small, loose ends, but can be monumental in the life of the dying, as illustrated by Liz Lightner’s care for her client’s cats in Time Magazine’s article, “Death Doulas Used to Be Rare.” Lightner knew how important it was to find her client a home for her beloved cat. Once Lightner did this, her client felt as peace.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the quality of death for many individuals, and thwarted Doulas’ abilities to be present with their clients. Kaplan (2020) highlighted how people faced difficult choices about whether to risk exposure to the virus or allow their loved ones to die alone. As hospitals and care centers restricted family presence for dying loved ones, many experienced profound devastation and grief over not being able to say goodbye. The need to care for the deceased is inherent for many, and doulas sought ways to support their clients, often resorting to Zoom and other creative methods. Unfortunately, this experience often felt diminished without the ability to provide physical presence.
The pandemic also sadly emptied funeral homes, denying people the opportunity to mourn alongside their loved ones. Caregivers were stripped of the chance to comfort their dying family members and were denied funerals, which many find integral to their grieving process. Fortunately, funeral homes have since reopened, allowing visitors back into medical facilities and enabling doulas to return to the bedside. The pandemic brought to light to the world the importance of not dying alone. Doulas can help make sure that doesn’t happen.
In summary, death doulas are becoming a more familiar name, less tabbo, as they provide their clients with dignity and empowerment while working towards a better way to die.

by Stephanie Daich