What is a death doula?

As defined by the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance: End-of-life doulas provide a broad range of non-medical, holistic support and comfort to those preparing for or experiencing end of life. People who desire such support may engage with doulas as early as initial diagnosis, or as late as the beginning of the active dying phase, or even after death if bereavement care is what they are seeking. Doulas may provide informational resources, hands-on comfort measures, respite, facilitation, advocacy, and many other services. Above all, doulas seek to help those dying, and their loved ones, achieve an end-of-life experience that is as meaningful, peaceful, and well-prepared as possible for all involved.

What are the benefits when working with a death doula?

Benefits of working with a death doula include having a supportive presence be by your side to assist in navigating care at end-of-life care that is personalized to the individual, in addition to supporting families, friends, and their community of care. Also, according to an article published in Palliative and Social Practice: “Experiences of engaging a death doula: qualitative interviews with bereaved family members”, families who have worked with a death doula reported more positive end-of-life experiences through personalized and informed end-of-life care, personal empowerment through increase death literacy and education, and a reduction of fear and anxiety around death.

When should I hire a death doula?

You can hire a death doula at any point in the lifespan if you are interested in advance care planning. If you have serious illness or a terminal diagnosis and are trying to figure out what to do next, a death doula can be an additional part of your team to support you. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make when you feel ready and comfortable to hire a death doula.

How much do services cost?

Death doula services are not currently covered by insurance. Doula Noire charges a flat rate fee for single service offerings or a package fee which includes a number of visits in addition to offerings agreed upon by the client and doula. For prices please contact directly by phone or email to discuss further.

How is a death doula different than hospice?

Hospice provides medical care and a death doula does not. Through hospice there is an interdisciplinary team to support the patient and family.