Advancing Knowledge, Strengthening Communities

Research & Education for the Doula Profession

 
 

Through research, advocacy, and education, we work to elevate the doula profession and expand access to compassionate, community-centered care. Pull up a chair, we’ve got lots to share with you.

Our doula advocacy initiatives examine the impact of doulas across life’s transitions, ensuring evidence-based support reaches those who need it most.

It's our mission to educate the public about the importance of doula support. By sharing current research, telling stories, and introducing people to the world of doula work, we are creating a movement. One that shifts our society towards support, healing, and understanding birth and death.

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Featured Initiatives

  • Illustration for "Birth & Death Doulas" podcast by Global Doula Project, featuring a woman with green hair and dress holding red flowers in both hands.

    Birth & Death Doulas

    Our podcast, Birth & Death Doulas (coming soon!), educates families, healthcare providers, policy makers, and anyone working with new families on the importance of social support around the times of birth and death.

    Coming soon
  • Group of six people sitting at a wooden table in a room being filmed by camera equipment, appearing to be in a discussion or interview setting.

    A Conversation Between Birth Doulas and Death Doulas

    A conversation between birth doulas and death doulas was filmed in Memphis, Tennessee. Death doulas of Serene Transitions and birth doulas of Naturally Nurtured Birth Charitable Services are also grant recipients.

    Watch the video
  • A woman smiling while sitting at a table in a cozy, well-lit room. The table has a cup, some papers, and a book. In the background, there are plants, framed photos, and a painting on the wall.

    “Through the Eyes of a Death Doula” Documentary

    Through the Eyes of a Death Doula is a feature-length documentary directed by French-Australian filmmaker Capucine Salvi-Offer and produced by Tony Tehle & Mara Kikuchi. The film examines the role of death doulas, non-medical companions who guide individuals and families in their end-of-life journeys, and follows the movement’s impact in Bend, Oregon, and across the United States. This project offers a glimpse into the importance of death literacy highlighting the need for more accessible, holistic, end-of-life care that ultimately enriches our understanding of what it means to live and die. Global Doula Project contributed partial funding for the filming.

    Learn more
  • Book cover titled 'Death Over Dinner: The Importance of Having Conversations About Death and Dying and How to Start One' by Sheila M. Burke with an illustration of people having a meal.

    End-of-Life Guidance Books

    In 2023, Death Doula and author Sheila Burke distributed 100 End of Life Guidance books to families in her community in Cleveland, Ohio.

    Get your own
  • Group of people sitting at tables in a cafe, engaged in conversation, with a large window and artwork on the wall.

    Death Café

    In 2023, grant recipient Sheila Burke of Cleveland Ohio, was able to hold her first death cafe thanks to the funds received.

    More about Death Cafés
  • Indoor meeting with a panel of speakers seated at a long table covered with a floral tablecloth. A woman stands at a podium addressing an audience. Decor in the room includes a large painting and multiple colorful signs on the wall. Attendees are seated facing the speakers.

    End-of-Life Planning Presentations & Workshops

    Cryst'l Sheer of Summit Care Partners provided multiple end-of-life planning presentations and workshops throughout the year, thanks to the grant from the Global Doula Project. Throughout 2023, Summit Care Partners provided education and outreach to hundreds of Virginia residents. We also helped five families privately complete their advance directives (outside of a workshop setting, more complex family dynamics) and facilitated important conversations focused on care and decisions to help complete their living will.

    Learn more

Keep it going

Have an idea for a collaboration?

Let’s connect

We’re always on the lookout for new ways to share our passion for doulas with others. No matter how big or small, reach out—we’d love to connect.