Clover's profession is certainly unique, but she is not alone in her line of work. End-of-life doulas, or EOLDs, also called death doulas or death midwives, minimize the trauma and emotional discomfort of dying for patients, family members and friends. Doulas also strengthen the relationship between medical (the doctors, nurses, social workers) and non-medical support (the family or caretakers) as seasoned advocates.
While there are no federal standards for death doulas, certification programs are available and growing in recognition. The End-of-Life Doula Council of the The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) outlines the duties of certified doulas as:
- Advance Health Care Planning
- Practical Training for Family Caregivers
- Creating a Plan for Support at the Patient’s Time of Death
- Help with Planning Funeral and Memorial Services
- Companionship to Patients
- Needed Relief for Family Caregivers
- Grief Support
- Vigil presence for Actively Dying Patients
End-of-life doulas provide compassionate companionship and support, guiding individuals with dignity and grace through the challenging aspects of dying.
Here are some of the associations of end-of-life doulas in the United States:
- Chicago Death Doula Collective
- International End-of-Life Doula Association
- National End-of-Life Doula Alliance
- End-of-Life Doula Council - Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
- Going With Grace
- The Peaceful Presence Project
Here are some recent articles about death doulas:
- PBS - End-of-Life Doulas Are Changing How We Die
- Fortune - What is a Death Doula
- Cleveland Clinic - What an End-of-Life Doula Can Do for You
- New York Times - ‘Death Doulas’ Provide Aid at the End of Life
- AARP - ‘Death Doulas’ Serve Dying Patients at Home, in Hospice
This End of Life Doulas and Palliative Care booklist contains some books to learn more about end-of-life doulas and palliative care.