Death Doula
When you think of a Doula, your first thought is a woman employed for the preparation for the birth of a baby. But since the early 1970’s the Doula profession has expanded far beyond that of only baby arrivals. There is post and antepartum doulas (before and after birth), sibling doulas (cares for the older siblings of a new baby while the mother is in labour), and death doulas (who care for those who know their life is coming to an end).
We will focus on the last one, there are many different names for a death Doula; end-of-life consultant, death walker, death midwife, a death guide, all being people who care for and guide those who are approaching the end of their time.
A death doula is a vessel of knowledge, they don’t take the role of family (though many families come to view them as an honorary part of the family). Death doulas are usually non-medical people who provide information and comfort to those who are feeling anxiety over the concept of death.
There are many reasons you might want the support of a death doula. Death is a very taboo topic, and makes many feel uncomfortable and families might not be able to have these conversations. You might not have anyone to talk to about your passing whether its in several years or a few weeks. You might just want information about what the process is when you die but aren’t ready or don’t want to talk to a funeral director.
The 2 most common reasons one might contact a death doula are: you might have a family member in hospice and need the support from outside your family, or you might have been given a terminal diagnosis. People who are in the process of voluntary assisted death often employ death doulas.
A death doula will come to a place that makes you feel safe, be that at your home, a park or even your local cafe. There they will listen with a gentle ear and answer any questions you may have.
Barb Fergusson
Since 2007 I have supported many families as both a birth and death doula.
Firstly it has been my privilege to support many families as a volunteer birth doula with Birth for humankind, in this role I was tasked with supporting families navigate the Australian hospital system as either asylum seekers, refugees, with mental health or delivering babies with poor health outcomes, miscarriage , still birth or neo-natal death.
Secondly I entered the world of being a death doula, end of life guide. In this role I work with families from diagnosis to death, initially I Studied with Denise Love but have also followed many other international doula trainers.
I happily work in any environment to ensure all dying persons end of life needs are being met and help provide after death acre for families either in their home, nursing home, hospital or funeral homes. With a keen interest in Eco friendly and natural burials I can educate families around funeral services and coffin choices.
Many of my client families have been able to access voluntary assisted dying and its been a true privilege to support them with education and continuity of care as well.
