Why I Chose To Be An End Of Life Doula

It all started with some casual internet browsing one day and I stumbled across an article that spoke about ‘home funerals’ and ‘doing death differently’. It was about a man who was terminally ill and had chosen to die at home, with his wide and children present. There were pictures of him surrounded by candles, family holding hands as they encircled his body after he had passed. I was transfixed. The article spoke of the support of what they called, a “Death Midwife”, who had guided them through this incredible and painful process. I had never heard of this profession before and would soon come to learn that although it is still in it’s infancy, End of Life Doulas are appearing more and more as people explore different options as they near the end of their lives.

 

Reading this article, I had what can only be described as an epiphany. I had been raised in a home with a Birth Doula as a mother but was never drawn to practice that profession in particular…but this was something different altogether, and it called to me. I had never known what I wanted in life, usually being indecisive and making passionate, yet hasty decisions; but something stirred in my soul that I couldn’t extinguish. I immediately began researching more about the role of an End of Life Doula and by chance came across the End of Life Doula Professional Certificate course at the University of Vermont.

 

I had little to no experience in palliative or hospice care and at first I thought that was a hindrance, but now I see it as an opportunity to come into this work totally open and ready to soak up what is offered during my continuing journey. As well as being a single mom to a beautiful and vivacious toddler, I am also in the middle of an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting as well as completing another certificate in Starting Your Own Business in Health and Wellness.