You might be familiar with the term “doula,” often associated with childbirth, referring to someone who supports parents during labor. However, a less commonly known type of doula is emerging in mainstream conversation: the death doula.
The concept of a death doula gained traction in popular culture, notably in Jodi Picoult’s novel, The Book Of Two Ways, where the protagonist assists families during a loved one’s terminal illness. Recently, Riley McBride, the granddaughter of a famous musical icon, has shared her own path to becoming a death doula following the tragic loss of her brother.
Role of Death Doulas
In essence, death doulas are professionals who guide patients nearing the end of their lives and their families through the dying process. They can assist with legal matters like wills and advance directives, help coordinate memorials, and, perhaps most importantly, offer emotional, physical, and spiritual support during this difficult time. As Janie Rakow, president of the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), stated, they accompany individuals and their families throughout the end-of-life journey.
Death doulas are typically engaged by patients or their families after a terminal diagnosis and remain involved until after the death occurs, providing support as needed.
Certification and Training
Although the death doula field is not yet regulated, there are certification programs available, like those offered by INELDA, which was established in 2015. Their training is accessible to anyone, regardless of prior clinical experience, although they advise individuals who have recently experienced a loss to wait at least a year before pursuing this path. Their curriculum covers various subjects, including recognizing signs of death and planning memorials.
Riley McBride completed her training through a program called The Art of Death Midwifery, which encompasses roles such as death doula, spiritual counselor, and end-of-life caregiver. This comprehensive course includes a mix of intensive workshops and practical assignments.
The Importance of Death Doula Work
Many individuals, like Riley, are drawn to this profession following personal loss. Riley’s brother, who passed away at a young age, inspired her to channel her grief into helping others navigate their own end-of-life experiences. She emphasizes the necessity of discussing death openly, rather than viewing it as a taboo subject.
She articulates, “We are taught that talking about death is morbid, yet when it inevitably happens, we find ourselves unprepared. It’s crucial to educate ourselves on conscious dying, just as we do with birth.”
Conscious dying encourages individuals to face death with intention and awareness, fostering opportunities for healing and spiritual growth.
While discussing death can feel uncomfortable or even daunting, it’s an essential part of life. Engaging with this topic thoughtfully can lead to meaningful conversations and experiences. Death doulas play a vital role in facilitating this process for individuals and their families.
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Summary
Death doulas are becoming increasingly recognized for their role in guiding patients and families through the end-of-life process. With figures like Riley McBride leading the way, this profession helps to demystify death and provides essential support during one of life’s most challenging times. By encouraging open conversations about death, we can prepare ourselves and our loved ones to face it with awareness and grace.