Ever heard of a "death doula"? It might sound scary, but think of them as a supportive friend specifically for navigating the end of life. Facing death for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. That's where compassionate death doulas step in as guides through a really tough time.

Learn about the vital role of death doulas in supporting families during end-of-life moments and find out how our partnership with International Doula Life Movement offers exclusive discounts on doula training for those looking to make a difference.

When it comes to end-of-life care, understanding your options is essential. Hospice, palliative care, and death doulas each play a unique role in providing comfort, support, and dignity during life’s final chapter. While hospice focuses on medical care for those with a terminal prognosis, palliative care helps manage symptoms at any stage of illness. Meanwhile, death doulas act as advocates, educators, and emotional guides, ensuring a more personalized and peaceful transition. Learn the key differences and how to choose the right support for yourself or a loved one.

Death is an inevitable part of life, yet in many cultures, it remains one of the least talked about and most misunderstood stages. This silence often leads to confusion, fear, and even unnecessary suffering for individuals and families facing end-of-life experiences. However, access to compassionate, grief-informed end-of-life doula care is changing this narrative. It fosters not only peace and understanding for individuals but also has a transformative ripple effect on families, communities, and society as a whole.

Social barriers, stress, avoidance and lack of knowledge are leading to huge disparities in end-of-life planning and care in the United States.

Because of our inherent susceptibility due to the nature of our work, it's really important for end-of-life doulas and grief specialists to be able to recognize the signs of compassion fatigue and have some resourcing in place for how to recharge and process. It's also key that we have measures in place for when we may need to take extended periods off. Compassion fatigue is real. It's happened to me, caring for my husband Jonathan with Alzheimer's. It happens to people that I know who are working in the field. So what do we do about that?

You may think end-of-life doulas are only for the last days before death or at least when there has been a terminal diagnosis, but they can actually be engaged at various points long before death. Here's how and when they can help.

I’m looking for a doula. A doula for me.