FAQ

Why choose an End-of-Life Doula?

After I had my daughter, my eyes were opened to how precious life is. Coming from just a few tiny cells, here was this amazing tiny person who depended solely on me to care for her, help her grow, and to look out for her as she learned to look about for herself.

So what does the beginning of life have to do with the end of one’s life? Well, for as much as they differ from each other, I think they are surprisingly similar. During someone’s last months, weeks or days, they also need somebody to be an advocate for them. Dying, much like being born, is a long and tiresome journey that can rouse feelings of anxiety, fear, love and exhaustion. I believe that the dying person has the right to embrace all of these emotions and feel comfortable making their final passage. The service I will provide is that of companionship and comfort, to both the dying person and their family, who also are going through journeys of their own. Think of me as a human cushion or blanket, there to take the weight from your shoulders so you are able to focus on whatever it is you need to do to make this time as non-stressful as it can be.

 

What does it take to qualify as an End-of-Life Doula?

Since there is no national certifying board for being an EOLD, it would seem that anybody could practice as one. I believe that this service holds such value and importance that it demands a certain level of education – which is why I will not be accepting clients until I have completed this.

Currently, I am taking an End-of-Life Doula Certificate program offered by the University of Vermont, set to finish in April 2018.

I am also working towards my Associates Degree in Medical Assisting, with plans to graduate in 2019. As an End-of-Life Doula, my services are strictly non-medical; however, I think that experience in the medical field is valuable and allows me to have a certain level of understanding of any medical issues a dying person has been through or may still going through.

Lastly, the single most important factor that allows me to be the person to navigate this journey with, is my passion. My goal is to serve the dying person and their family in any way that is needed, and you get to decide what that means for you.