The Origin Story of a Death Doula
I am here to tell you my origin story: how I chose to become a death doula, and just how much it means to me. My journey to becoming a death doula began in 2017, with the death of my grandfather, whom I called Papa.
Stop saying “health disparities” when it’s really obstetric racism
The statistics for black and brown birthing people are terrible. In Tennessee black people are 69% more likely to die than white people. It’s heartbreaking and maddening and dire. I asked Kaila, “Why? What can we do?”
Why I am becoming and End-of-Life Doula
To me, death is a part of life that we cannot avoid. But what happens at the time of death and afterwards, has always been an unknown.
Why are death doulas so important?
Support from death doulas during the time of death addresses various aspects of the dying process: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual.
Support is not a luxury: How the Momager Collective in Virginia is making doula support accessible to all
When Taja Iglesias, a young BIPOC girl with a Spanish last name, gave birth in southern Florida over a decade ago, she had no idea that her experience would inspire her to create a doula agency that would support families in the U.S. and beyond.
After a traumatic first birth, I hired a doula for my second
I experienced a very traumatic birth with my first child that caused physical injuries to both of us, as well as postpartum depression and the inability to breastfeed. My family doctor, who had been at my first birth and knew what I wanted to avoid, suggested a doula.
How death doulas support the dying and their families too
When his grandfather passed away, Marquis Allen flew in from out of town to pay his respects and be with his family during a delicate and sad time. After some reflection and research, Marquis learned about the existence of death doulas, trained professionals who assist families in taking care of the end of life planning.
How one doula collective in Memphis is addressing the Black maternal health crisis
Doulas support all kinds of people and all kinds of births, without judgement. If every mother felt heard and supported in her birth, just imagine the potential impact on maternal physical and mental health worldwide.
End-of-life doulas are there to walk you home
What is an End-of-Life Doula and how do they support families? Sheila Burke, death doula, author, and Global Doula Project grant recipient, explains.
The myth of the “super” parent
Before my first baby was born I remember being home on maternity leave and feeling a bit lost, like I didn’t have a purpose…