What Is A Death Doula?

On 28th May, we are running a CPD for our members called ‘An Introduction to Death Doula’. But what is a death doula and how does this role cross over into celebrancy?

A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or dying companion, is a non-medical professional who provides holistic support to individuals and their families during the dying process. Their role is to offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support as individuals transition from life to death. We think it’s important for our members and those who train with us to have a comprehensive understanding of death and dying, especially those of you in funeral celebrancy, and believe death doulas can be exceptionally helpful in educating us on this topic. 

History of Death Doulas

Much like nursing and midwifery, death doulas can be traced back to ancient times, and formed integral roles within communities around the globe. The role has always been suited to caring, wise and compassionate individuals and doesn’t require any qualifications, just a loving presence. Historically, it was common for various community members to assist the dying and their families with rituals, prayers, and practical tasks such as funeral preparation or physical care of the dying person. In modern times, the death doula movement has gained momentum once more, as it can be a more personal and meaningful experience than support offered by conventional healthcare institutions. 

What Do Death Doulas Do?

Death doulas form a close relationship with a dying person, and offer a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family. These may include providing emotional support and companionship, assisting with advance care planning and decision-making, facilitating meaningful conversations about death and dying, creating personalised rituals and ceremonies, and offering practical assistance with tasks such as will writing. The role of the death doula is varied and unique, and can form crossover with the celebrant organising the funeral. In your role as a celebrant, you may come across some death doulas and work with them to tailor a ceremony to suit the wishes of the deceased. 

Why Do People Choose Death Doulas?

One of the key benefits of working with a death doula is the personalised and compassionate support they provide. Unlike medical professionals who focus primarily on physical care, death doulas offer holistic support that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of the dying process. This can help individuals and their families feel more empowered, supported, and at peace during this challenging time. There’s also a continuity of care which is important for families and individuals so that they aren’t constantly meeting new people or re-explaining certain things. 

Crossover With The Celebrant

The role of the celebrant is different from the role of a death doula, but there is some crossover. Both professions require compassion, empathy, practical organisational skills, a friendly demeanour, and a good understanding of death and dying. Celebrants and death doulas might work together if a person is planning their own funeral towards the end of their life, or arranging a living funeral. Celebrants and death doulas also form close relationships with the family of the deceased. 

It is a good idea to gain professional relationships with death doulas for your own growth and to better your understanding of the death and dying process. We want to support you by giving you as much information as possible.

If you’d like to learn more, we offer regular CPD sessions covering a wide range of topics. Please keep an eye on our website for the latest CPD courses.