THE DIASPORA DEATH DOULAS is a non-profit organization that works to serve the dying community and their families during their last months in life. We preserve ancestral traditions while providing loving palliative care to the dying. The Diaspora Death Doulas is a collective of people of color who work to foster a supportive environment designed to make the final rite of passage a beautiful experience for all involved.

 

We strive to maintain the integrity of our heritage and ancestral practice while educating the public on our history and philosophy of death and dying.

​

​

WHAT IS A DEATH DOULA?

A Death Doula is a non-medical person trained to care for someone holistically (physically, emotionally and spiritually) at the end of life. Death Doulas are also known around the world as: end of life coaches, transition guides, death coaches, end of life doulas, and many other titles.

​

 

WHAT DO DEATH DOULAS DO?

Death Doulas are people who support people during the end of life process, much like a midwife or doula with the birthing process. It is “non-medical profession” that recognizes death as a natural, accepted, and honored part of life.

​

Death Doulas can:

• Help create positive, empowering end of life plans;

• Provide spiritual care, psychological and social support;

• Suggest ideas for optimal physical comfort;

• Help plan home vigils; and

• Educate patients and families on the new and progressive options of home wakes and natural burials.

 

​

WHAT TYPE OF HOLISTIC SUPPORT DO DEATH DOULAS PROVIDE?

Death Doulas care for the whole person, taking into account patients’ emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical factors. They provide invaluable assistance in three notable areas of holistic support:

​

• Legacy: We are all born and we all die; it’s what we do in the middle that creates our legacy. What we leave behind is far more than simply wealth and possessions. We can share our story or give wisdom, advice, love, and support even after we have passed. And in doing so, give the future a glimpse of your essence – who you were, how you saw the world, and what gave your life. Death Doulas can help patients with the powerful, uplifting process of developing a legacy plan.

• Presence: The last phase of our life can stir fear and anxiety as we each face our end-of-life. This is simply because we have not walked this path before. Having someone present with the experience and training in such a time can bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to the otherwise unfamiliar. Death Doulas provide holistic support as they accompany individuals and their families before, during, and after death.

• Dignity: Everyone wants to have a positive passing, where they maintain dignity and honor as they exit life. We all have our own values, traditions, and belief systems that will influence our vision and expectation of what that would look like. Creating an environment that represents that vision is important. This, along with developing a legacy and presence work, is what an End-of-Life Doula brings to you and your family.

​

HOW DO I BECOME A DIASPORA DEATH DOULA?

Due to the enormous number of people in need of our services, there is an overwhelming need for these types of services and support. Join us for our next course. Go to "Booking" and select Diaspora Death Doula to register for our next course.