What is a death doula?
Doulas support people and their loved ones who are transitioning to death. The word doula comes from Greek and means “a woman of service,” but a person of any gender can be a doula. Doulas help individuals find meaning through the process of dying and are professionals trained to have open-hearted and meaningful conversations with dying individuals and their families.
Death doulas are compassionate and service-oriented people. A death doula spends much of their time having difficult conversations about mortality and proactively finding ways to make things easier for the dying person and their loved ones. Becoming a death-doula is a calling—while the job is emotionally difficult, if you feel moved by the idea of supporting people through their transition into death, this may be the right career for you.
What services do death doulas provide?
Doula’s provide experience and wisdom to the dying and their loved ones. While each doula may specialize in different aspects of the dying process, they generally share some major responsibilities. Some services that death doulas often provide include: Provide the space to speak frankly and openly about dying Discuss the meaning of the dying person’s legacy Create rituals and incorporate traditions to mark special moments Support and substitute for exhausted caregivers Guide people through the stages of grieving Explain symptoms and signs during the dying process
What kind of training does it take to become a death doula?
Doulas do not require training, but a course from a doula organization is recommended. Several organizations provide training for death doulas and offer certificates (including through online education) so that you can demonstrate your qualifications. The programs last a few months, during which you can expect to learn about your responsibilities as a doula, morals and ethics surrounding death in different countries and traditions, and how to interact with the dying person and their loved ones. You may want to choose a program that meets the requirements set by the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance. After graduating from a program like this, you’ll be officially designated as a NEDA-proficient doula.
Expect to pay around $600 USD for a training program. When deciding what program to attend, research their teaching methodologies, pricing and scholarship opportunities, and program requirements to find the best fit. Some reputable programs to consider include: The International End of Life Doula Association The International Doula Life Movement The University of Vermont Douglas College
Building a Career as a Death or End-of-Life Doula
Volunteer with local hospices to explore your interests. Before signing up for a death doula training program, it’s a good idea to see if working in the end-of-life care industry is something that’s right for you. Many hospices offer volunteer programs, even ones specifically for prospective doulas, that will give you practice working with terminally ill people and understanding their needs.
Take a training or certification program. It’s highly recommended that you take a training program before becoming a doula. Many programs are fully online, which makes them far more accessible. These programs will give you a foundation of skills that will serve you well during your work.
Look for job opportunities in your area. Death doulas often work with hospices, hospitals, retirement and nursing homes. Other doulas prefer to start their own business, and get referrals from doctors, funeral homes, grief counselors, and even attorneys. Make calls to local organizations working in end-of-life care to see if there are openings for a doula on their staff, or introduce yourself to let them know you’re offering your services to interested clients. Depending on your interests, you may also be able to work with clients remotely. Doulas who specialize in end-of-life paperwork, legacy work, and vigil services may be able to perform their roles over video calls.
Educate others on your services. Since many people are unaware of what an end-of-life doula does, an important part of your job will be to explain how you can help them or their loved ones when dealing with death. Public education about the role of doulas doesn’t just help others understand that they have this resource available to them—it’s also a good way to advertise your own work. Many doulas use the Internet to meet new clients and explain how their role works. Try expanding your online presence by building your own website.
Connect with other doulas to build a network. When you’re dealing with the very particular emotional challenges of this kind of work, it’s really helpful to be able to lean on the expertise and companionship of other doulas. Consider joining the national doula organization in your country, which can connect you to other doulas and resources for your work. Once you’ve become an experienced doula, it’s a great idea to mentor others who may be interested in pursuing the same path. Building the next generation of doulas can make a huge difference in the lives and deaths of many.
How much does a death doula get paid?
Doulas are paid anywhere from $35-75 USD per an hour. Payments are generally made upfront, and some doulas may charge a flat fee for a client instead of an hourly rate, depending on their situation. While most doulas don’t make a traditional salary, it’s very possible to live a comfortable and financially secure life in this profession.
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