Death Doula? by Barbara Saunders I was talking recently with a man about the loss of his wife to cancer. The conversation then shifted to him sharing how his daughter is a doula. Since the conversation prior to this was about death, I assumed he was referring to a death doula. He looked at me surprised and asked what a death doula is? Death doulas, also known as thanadoulas , (Than is Greek for death) end-of-Life coaches or death midwifes, are individuals who choose to help the dying during their end-of-life process. This is becoming a newer or reborn way of helping individuals at end of life when perhaps, family and friends are not available or extra support is needed. What type of person decides to be a death doula? An individual who has the ability to be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually present to all aspects of dying and grieving. Being able to be present in a number of capacities for those who are dying and their families is not for everyone. I know a few different professions handle death and loss, but being there with the dying individual requires a deeper understanding of death and a desire to help people in a gentle, compassionate manner as death nears. I have spoken with some nurses who, for the most part, provide some of the supports in this role and are comfortable with it. Do you ever wonder how much strength and courage it takes to be a death doula or to function in this role? Sometimes, mainstream society may question how they can do this; how they can sit with people who are dying. What do such individuals really do? Death care and grief support comes to mind – building a relationship with the dying individual and family with the intent to help everyone journey through loss and death; listening, acknowledging concerns; It’s our Rhubarb Sauce that made us famous! Join the Festivities!
Hometown St. Thomas Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com • 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. being a sounding board; being of service and more –helping to create a personal plan for dying. Death doulas are advocates for those who need it when dealing with professionals, providing resources and information and when necessary and acting as gatekeepers with respect for rest, privacy and access for visits. This is part of Advanced Care Planning, where the dying is not in a hospital but primarily at home with supports from family and friends. I quickly searched for death doulas and found the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, which provides useful information and resources. I also found the Home Hospice Association which has training for death doulas in Toronto, Ontario, plus more information that might be of interest to you. One article I read, referring to supports being there when needed, stated. “No one should die alone”.
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Page 32 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2026
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