“Be still prepared for death – and death or life shall thereby be the sweeter.”
William Shakespeare
Death Doula FAQs
What is a Death Doula?
A death doula is a certified non-medical person trained to care for someone and their loved ones holistically (physically, emotionally and spiritually) at the end of life. Death Doulas are also known around the world as: end of life doulas, end of life coaches, soul midwives, transition guides, death coaches, doula to the dying, death midwives, spiritual midwives or end of life guides.
Do I have to be dying to work with an end of life doula?
No. Any person at any stage of life can collaborate with a death doula. Unlike hospice, there are no requirements to connect with a death doula. In fact, the sooner we build our relationship the better! Regardless of how long you have left on your journey, creating advanced directives and addressing challenging conversations help manage death anxiety. Get in touch with me and let’s work together. No one has to die alone if they don’t want to.
What if someone wants End of Life Option Act / Medical Aid in Dying? When do I call an end of life doula?
Death doulas assist MAiD in states where it is currently legalized, including California.
Death doulas are here to work with individuals at all life to death stages! If you or a loved one are interested in having a death doula, it’s best to start our relationship sooner than later! I do not have the same criteria as hospice which means we can begin important discussions at any time in one's situation. I completed Aid-in-Dying training for end-of-life doulas and bedside attendants from American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying and would be honored to assist your dying day and be a part of your care team.
Do you support clients who choose VSED?
Yes. VSED means Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking. Some clients choose to hasten their disease process and experience the end of life naturally. VSED is the closest option to a natural death. When the body is ill, it naturally begins to shut down the digestion process.
Do death doulas work with hospice?
Yes. Death doulas often work alongside hospice. Hospice staff are generally limited to the number of hours of care due to budgeting and needs assessments. This is where my expertise as a death doula plays the biggest role! Working as a companion with the hospice care team to fill the gap of holistic wants and needs.
Where do you practice as a death doulas?
As a death doula, I practice anywhere I am welcomed, available to assist you where you are! I am a virtual death doula (Tele-Doula) also. In person, I primarily practice in Placer County, El Dorado County, Nevada County and Sacramento County areas of northern California.
How much does your death doula service cost and how do I engage a contract? Who pays for this service?
Peace of mind is priceless. Death doula concierge services are private pay and not covered by insurance. Each end of life process is unique and so is each package created. The initial 30 minute discovery consultation is FREE! Next we determine services desired, estimate hours needed, agree upon hourly rate/package rate, and create a clearly written contract signed by doula and client.
Who certifies or trains doulas?
There are MANY trainings and likely be more as the death doula service grows. The average beginning cost of an end of life course is $750 and up, and can range from a weekend to several months long. Every training varies in what they teach and specialize in. Some courses are natural burial focused while others are more spiritual. This depends on the doula and their areas of practice. I am certified with the International Doulagivers Institute and hold a NEDA Proficiency Badge.
How do I find an end of life doula near me? You aren’t in my area.
I am virtual too, available as a Tele-Doula! Always feel comfortable to contact me for a consultation! I am able to serve in person nationwide with the client covering travel expenses and fees. Additionally, there are several death doula directories that you can search by state. Please refer to the Resources page.
Let’s connect!
Rita's Certifications
Rita completed her Doulagivers Specialist Holistic Non-Medical End of Life Practitioner certification with Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN who founded Doulagivers and the International Doulagivers Institute.
The Dying Year Certified End of Life Doula
Aid-in-Dying training for end-of-life doulas and bedside attendants from American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying
Testimonies
"Very Dear Rita,
My heart overflows with gratitude our paths crossed, we spent such high quality time together, and you shared my ultimate journey. Thank you so, so much for all you've done for me! Holy wow indeed! Timeless love."
"Thanks for your support to Jack & Anita, she commented that your 1:1 with Jack meant so much to her!"
"You did so much for Leon. Helping him to do email, games and computer activities. Your love and enthusiasm were so supportive of him."
"Thank you so much for providing comfort and support to Marie. That's a long drive, your visits made a huge difference."
"Your presence was so supportive to Rae, thanks for your caring spirit."
"Thank you for the late night vigil so my father would not have to spend his last hours alone."
Partners
Create "good deaths" by promoting awareness, reducing fear.
Pay it Forward!
Your support and contributions enable us to provide a safe and secure space for discussion and educational events on the subject of death and dying and provide doula scholarship for those with limited resources at end of life.