You’ve likely heard the term doula, primarily associated with childbirth, referring to someone who aids in welcoming new life. However, there’s a lesser-known but increasingly recognized type of doula: the death doula.
The term gained wider recognition through Jodi Picoult’s novel, The Book of Two Ways, where the protagonist serves as a death doula, guiding families through the challenges of terminal illness. Recently, Riley James, daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and granddaughter of Elvis Presley, has shared her journey toward becoming a death doula following the tragic loss of her brother, who passed away less than a year ago.
What Does a Death Doula Do?
In essence, death doulas assist individuals nearing the end of life as well as their families in navigating the dying process. They offer guidance on legal matters like wills and advance directives, help coordinate memorials, and provide crucial emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Sometimes, their role is simply to be present with the patient in their final moments.
Janie Smith, president of the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), explains, “We accompany the dying individual and their loved ones, helping them through the entire end-of-life experience.” Death doulas are typically engaged after a terminal diagnosis and can continue to support families after the patient has passed away.
Certification for Death Doulas
While the field of death doulas is currently unregulated, certification programs exist. INELDA, a nonprofit established in 2015, provides training for aspiring doulas. This program is accessible to everyone, even those without clinical backgrounds, though they advise those who have recently experienced a loss to wait at least one year before starting their training.
The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including recognizing the signs of impending death, legacy creation, planning vigils, and addressing grief. Riley James recently completed her certification in The Art of Death Midwifery through Sacred Crossings, a program that integrates the roles of death doula, spiritual advisor, caregiver, and celebrant through an intensive 75-hour course.
The Significance of Riley’s Work as a Death Doula
Individuals often pursue death doula work following personal losses, as seen with Riley. After the untimely death of her brother Ben, who was only 27, Riley has transformed her grief into a commitment to support others. She emphasizes the need for open conversations about death, stating, “We are taught that it’s morbid to discuss, leading to unpreparedness when it inevitably occurs. It’s essential to educate ourselves on conscious dying, just as we do with childbirth.”
Conscious dying encourages a mindful approach to death, allowing for healing and spiritual growth. It’s a topic that many find uncomfortable and taboo, yet discussing it can lead to valuable experiences and insights.
Riley’s journey serves as a reminder that approaching death with intention is not morbid; rather, it’s a thoughtful way to engage with life’s final chapter. Death doulas can facilitate these conversations and experiences, providing support when it’s needed most.
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In summary, a death doula plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families through the end-of-life process by providing emotional, practical, and spiritual assistance. Riley James’ pursuit of this calling underscores the importance of open dialogue about death and conscious dying, helping others to navigate their grief and find peace.