Death Doulas
We honor our loved ones by surrounding them with love and respect as they leave this life.
Still from upcoming documentary, “Through the Eyes of a Death Doula.”
Photo CreditWE'RE BRINGING THE VILLAGE BACK
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WE'RE BRINGING THE VILLAGE BACK •
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We’re wired for connection.
We’re not meant to grieve alone.
The dying process is sacred. It's a delicate and sorrowful time—a time to reflect. We believe that dying individuals and their families need someone in their corner to support them through this challenging period.
01 Lauren Hunter Smith, Bluegrass Death Doula of Kentucky, sits with her client and friend, Pat.
02 Lauren educates about what a green burial looks like, letting the public know that they have many options when it comes to funeral planning.
An end-of-life approach to care
“When individuals plan for death, they have autonomy over their decisions and are able to clearly define their end-of-life wishes with family and loved ones.”
— International end-of-life doula association
How we support death doulas & families
We’re dedicated to making end-of-life doulas accessible to all families who desire one.
Our work
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Death Doula Organization Grants & Funding
We award grants to doula organizations to help provide free or discounted death doula services. The doula organizations we support are chosen based on sustainability and impact in their communities.
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Aspiring Death Doula Scholarships
We award full and partial scholarships to aspiring death doulas to help them complete their doula training courses. Our scholarship recipients demonstrate passion, drive, and a commitment to improving birth experiences for families in their communities.
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Research & Education
We're creating a world where doula care is understood and readily acceptable to all who want it. We invest in new studies and disseminate existing research, advocate for the profession, and educate the public about the importance of collective support.
What is a
death doula?
Death doulas are trained professionals that support families before, during, and after death. They accompany an entire family as they honor a life lived, providing practical and emotional support.
An end-of-life doula advocates for the dying person's wishes while providing support for the families. They talk openly and honestly about the dying process and coordinate with friends and family to plan and prepare environments. They're invaluable sources of support, education, and guidance.
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01 Death Doula Lauren Hunter Smith explains the options that we all have regarding the end of life.
02 Comfort therapy is a customized combination of aromatherapy, hand massage, meditation, and sound therapy to fit the tastes of any individual at the end of life.
03 Home funeral class by Lauren, Bluegrass Death Doula
Photo credit“What is a Death Doula?”
A snippet from upcoming feature-length documentary, “Through the Eyes of a Death Doula” directed by French-Australian filmmaker Capucine Salvi-Offer.
Social support for
Dying people and grieving families before and after death
Home funeral class by Lauren, Bluegrass Death Doula
Julie of Adoray Home Health and Hospice in Wisconsin records James's life story for his legacy project.
Cryst'l Sheer of Summit Care Partners shares valuable information about end of life planning in Virginia.
Dr. Andrea Deerheart of The HeartWay End of Life Practitioner Course teaches students about alternative burial options.
Death Doula Kate Robbinson with her beloved grandfather "papa."
Provide a death doula for a family in need.
Be the
village
Share your story
Do you have a death doula story to share?
Whether you are a death doula or you’ve experienced the benefits of one, we’d love to hear from you! Please share as much or as little as you like. Our goal is to share more real-life examples to help advocate for doulas, and educate the public on the importance of community support.
The soul of a death doula’s mission:
“When we think about the time, love, and energy that goes into preparing for a birth, we know that preparing for a death deserves the same unconditional love and commitment.”
— Psychology today