An End-of-Life Doula—sometimes called a death doula or soul midwife—is a non-medical support person who provides comfort, guidance, and companionship to individuals and their loved ones during the dying process. The role is similar to how birth doulas support families during childbirth, but focused on the final stage of life.

What an End-of-Life Doula does

• Emotional & Spiritual Support
  Offers a calm, compassionate presence for the person who is dying and their family, helping reduce fear and anxiety.

• Education & Guidance
  Explains what to expect as death approaches, helping loved ones prepare emotionally and practically.

• Practical Assistance
  Supports with legacy projects (letters, memory books, storytelling), ritual creation, and planning how the person wants their final days to look and feel.

• Advocacy
  Helps ensure the dying person’s wishes—about environment, care, visitors, or after-death rituals—are respected.

• Bereavement Support
  Provides comfort and continuity for families after death, sometimes offering grief support or connecting them with resources.

An End-of-Life Doula is NOT

• They are not doctors, nurses, or hospice workers.

• They don’t provide medical treatment or replace palliative/hospice care.

• Instead, they complement existing medical and hospice teams by focusing on emotional, spiritual, and holistic well-being.