Death Doula
By Amber
@AmbiePam (118753)
United States
May 5, 2026 9:06am CST
Have you ever heard of a death doula? I think I had, but until my cousin (pictured) announced she was close to getting certified, I didn’t really look into it. This cousin is the youngest daughter of my late awful, terrible uncle. Her health has never been good (remember, this is my mom’s side of the family), and I think that may have influenced her decision, along with her huge heart.
A death doula is a supplement to hospice, it does not take the place of it. It has no association with medical aid. But they do facilitate practical, personalized, and compassionate help through the dying process or early bereavement. It’s interesting to read about. I could never subject myself to that view of suffering, but Adison (my cousin) was always pretty strong. Apparently, this is a very old practice.
15 people like this
12 responses
@AmbiePam (118753)
• United States
5 May
@LadyDuck I was really disappointed with how hospice communicated with me. It’s like they kept my dad informed (obviously the biggest priority), my sister informed, but I couldn’t get help even if I asked for it. And I did ask. Maybe they just ignore the quiet ones.
3 people like this
@xFiacre (14656)
• Ireland
5 May
@ambiepam Another trendy nonsense. When it's my time to depart I'd just be extremely irritated with anyone treating it like an event of some sort. and wanting to help me through it. Being an old or traditional practice doesn't make it any better. Boo to doulas, just give me the morphine.
5 people like this
@snowy22315 (207097)
• United States
5 May
I don't think I heard of them, but I can see where they would be useful.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (173602)
• United States
5 May
Yes, I've heard of them but don't really see the point. I'd just want some family and friends around I could talk with when we know it's my time to go or just to sit quietly while I read.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (173602)
• United States
5 May
@AmbiePam Maybe... But mom explained things rather well to us when dad passed away. I was 13 and my younger brother was 11. I've followed what mom told me when a friend passed away and his kids had questions. After I explained, I took the oldest boy aside (10 years old) and told him if he or the other kids needed somebody to talk with or ask more questions, they knew me and could talk to me about anything.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (118753)
• United States
5 May
@DaddyEvil That’s the absolute best way to do it, too, I think.
2 people like this
@MommyOfEli2013 (88843)
• Rupert, Idaho
5 May
I had never heard of them before, until I watched The Pitt, well and 911 had a little bit about it too.
3 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (54708)
• United States
6 May
I recently saw a celebrity that was becoming one. I don’t recall who, but it was a female.
@wolfgirl569 (134104)
• Marion, Ohio
5 May
I had heard of it but don't know much about them
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (220431)
• United States
19h
I don't know how I feel about this. I'd have to be dying to really know what I want.
1 person likes this
