Working With a Death Doula: A Deep Dive Into the What, When, Why, and How
The term “death doula” is becoming more familiar, but many people are still unsure what a death doula actually does, when one becomes involved, and how this support fits alongside hospice, medical care, and funeral services.
In this live online class, experienced end-of-life doula and author Jane Callahan will offer a practical, firsthand look at the role. Drawing upon nearly a decade of experience supporting dying people and their families, Jane will explain the emotional, informational, and nonmedical assistance a death doula may provide before, during, and immediately following a death.
The session will explore how services can vary among death doulas, what falls outside their role, and how they may work alongside families, hospice teams, healthcare providers, and funeral professionals. Jane will also discuss when someone might contact a death doula, what working together may look like, and what questions to ask when deciding whether a particular doula is a good fit.
Participants are encouraged to bring their curiosity and questions for an open, respectful conversation.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• What a death doula is and what the role may include
• When individuals and families might seek doula support
• How death doulas may support a dying person and those close to them
• The difference between doula support and medical, hospice, or funeral care
• What falls within—and outside—the role of a death doula
• Questions to ask when choosing a death doula
• How doulas may collaborate with other end-of-life professionals
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This class is intended for everyone. No previous knowledge or professional experience is required.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Jane Callahan is an experienced end-of-life doula who has supported dying people and their families in hospice and other settings for nearly a decade. She trained through the International End of Life Doula Association and earned a professional certificate in end-of-life doula care from the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine.
Jane is also the author of A Death Doula’s Guide to a Meaningful End, a practical and personal exploration of end-of-life decisions, care, preparation, and the experiences of dying people and their families.