What is a death doula?

Death doulas, also known as End-of-Life Doulas, provide non-medical holistic support which can include emotional, spiritual, and practical care before, during, and after end of life.There are a range of different services offered by different death doulas and they can be present from initial diagnosis through bereavement.

What are the benefits when working with a death doula?

Having a supportive presence be by your side and a quality of life through end of life that is personalized to the individual, in addition to supporting their families, friends, and 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 used 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. When a terminal diagnosis is received and you 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 me directly 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. In order to qualify for hospice a person is certified by a physician with less than 6 months to live, however, there are recertification periods for people extending hospice service beyond the 6 months when applicable.