“Take care with the end as you do with the beginning.”
-Lao Tzu
Is doula care the same as therapy?
No, therapists are licensed professionals whose education, scope of practice, and training are entirely different from doulas, however both therapists and doulas support the emotional needs of a client, but doulas generally do not offer advice, nor are they trained to make any sort of medical or psychological diagnosis. Doulas are trained, however, to recognize when a referral to a licensed therapist, counselor, or social worker would be appropriate.
Are doulas the same as chaplains?
No, although many chaplains provide end-of-life spiritual support as part of their chaplaincy work. Board Certified Chaplains generally need to have completed 2-3 years of graduate level education (Master’s degree) in Chaplaincy, Divinity, or a related discipline and have performed at least 400 hours of clinical training in spiritual/pastoral care, such as Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
Do doulas offer physical care/nursing support?
While some EOL doulas are indeed registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), or certified nurse assistants (CNAs), while working within the scope of our doula role we typically do not perform any direct patient care. Some doulas are trained in patient transfer safety protocols and are comfortable assisting family members with client transfers/repositioning clients, however typically this is left to more specialized members of the client’s care team. SIDC does not offer physical care services.
Are doulas licensed/certified?
As of 2024, California does not currently have a licensing or certification body/agency for doulas, nor does one exist at the national level. There are, however, doula organizations that offer their own certification programs and many doulas work to become certified through these organizations.
Are doulas insured?
Liability insurance is available to EOL doulas. Ask your doula if he/she/they are insured and request a copy of their coverage info for your records. SIDC doulas are insured through Alternative Balance.
What should I look for when selecting a doula?
First and foremost, you should find someone you feel you can connect with as the doula-client relationship demands a level of intimacy due to the nature of discussing death, dying, life choices, regrets, etc. If you feel that you cannot truly connect with the doula for any reason, you may find it is not the right fit for you. Additionally, you may ask the doula about their training. Not all doulas will have participated in a formal training program, but this does not mean they are not qualified doulas capable of providing excellent doula care. Many communities provide end-of-life support as a part of how they come together to support their community members and certain people have been doing this care for many years, even decades. Inquire about what brought the doula into this line of work and what kind of experience they have supporting those at end-of-life. Cultural competency is also important, so you may prefer a doula that speaks your language and/or comes from your same religious or ethnic background. Don’t hesitate to interview your potential doula!
Can I work with a doula if I am not terminal/do not have a diagnosis?
Absolutely! There is no time like the present, when we still have the gift of time and good health, to start thinking about and planning for what we would want our end-of-life experience to look like. Doulas can assist clients with ideas for legacy projects, referrals to complete estate planning/health directives, vigil/ritual planning, and support discussions about what kind of after-death/funerary care one would prefer.
What my loved one has already passed on?
Doulas can still help the family with legacy work after the death of a loved one.
How often should I meet with my EOL doula?
That is entirely up to you! The usual determinants are the client’s energy level and how much time we have. SIDC recommends at least 3 sessions, however more may be desired depending on what the client wishes to achieve in our time together. Also, if there isn’t much time, we can accomplish a lot in just 1 or 2 sessions. During the initial consultation we will discuss your unique situation and determine the best care plan at that time.
What about doula care for pet loss?
Pets are a beloved part of our families that share many years alongside us offering love and companionship, not to mention service animals that offer specialized supports. When a pet is nearing the end of their lives or has already died, families/individuals will often grieve the same way they would if they lost a human friend or family member. In short, grief is grief and doulas can support families to prepare for the animal’s passing, brainstorm legacy projects to remember your beloved pet by, and help with grief discussions surrounding the animal’s passing. This type of work is especially important for children whose first experience with death is around a cherished pet’s passing.
What does doula service cost?
Most doulas charge hourly or package rates that are on par with other holistic and integrative services offered in their local area. Doula care involves travel and can involve a significant emotional investment as well. SIDC offers both hourly rates and packages, which you can view here. That said, at SIDC we believe that every person should be able to access doula care regardless of their ability to pay so we offer a sliding scale for services (proof of financial need may be required) and may offer a limited amount of sessions on a pro bono basis to eligible clients. Please discuss your unique situation during your initial consultation.