Death Doula / myLot

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.

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7 responses

Anna

@LadyDuck (500127)

• Italy

I fully agree with @xFiacre. When it's my time to leave this material world I do not want any sort of help. I only want not to suffer.

3 people like this

Amber

@AmbiePam (118659)

• United States

I think it’s just as much for the family of the dying than just the dying. And, I have a feeling this is not especially geared towards those up there in age.

2 people like this

Amber

@AmbiePam (118659)

• United States

@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.

1 person likes this

Anna

@LadyDuck (500127)

• Italy

@AmbiePam - May be you are right that it's more for the family. Anyway most of the time our questions remain without a clear answer.

2 people like this

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Fiacre Banks

@xFiacre (14639)

• Ireland

@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.

3 people like this

Amber

@AmbiePam (118659)

• United States

I think it tends to be just as much for the family of the dying than the dying. I know I had questions with my mom that hospice did not answer.

2 people like this

snowy

@snowy22315 (206994)

• United States

I don't think I heard of them, but I can see where they would be useful.

2 people like this

@DaddyEvil (173442)

• United States

46m

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.

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Amber

@AmbiePam (118659)

• United States

29m

The more I read, the more I think they would be helpful if a family had kids.

2 people like this

@DaddyEvil (173442)

• United States

23m

@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.

1 person likes this