Death is inevitable, but it is not always easy to face. Many people fear death or avoid talking about it, even when they or their loved ones are terminally ill. This can lead to a lack of preparation, communication, and support for the dying person and their family. However, there is a growing movement of professionals who aim to change this by offering a different kind of service: death doulas. A death doula (also sometimes called end-of-life doula, death midwife, or death coach) is a trained nonmedical professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support for someone nearing death. They can be considered a mentor for the final chapter of life and are typically brought in by the dying individual’s family.
