Society has evolved in such a way that few people in the developed world can rely on the support of a network of extended family or friends to participate in the upbringing of their children in a regular, ongoing way. But if we want to have any chance of getting back to a world where mothers have time to rest and recover post-birth, allowing them to nourish and bond with their babies, and parents are supported in the critically important work of raising children with love and connection, then we have to start asking for, and offering, help.

With the excitement of a new baby, many people - often including the mother herself - forget that mom needs someone to make sure that her physical and emotional needs are met after the all-encompassing transition of birth.

Unfortunately many people, both in medical professions and in the general public, view doula care for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum parents as an expensive luxury. But would people view doula care differently if they knew that the presence of a doula before, during, and after birth can act as preventative care against physical and mental health complications related togiving birth?

How did we get from home-based death care to a more medical one? The emergence of hospitals in the 20th century significantly changed how society viewed and experienced death in several important ways.

The hospice movement has had a global impact, with organizations and hospice services established in many countries. However, access to hospice and palliative care remains uneven across different regions due to healthcare disparities and varying cultural attitudes towards death and dying.

This End-of-Life Practitioner training (death doula training) is an in-depth training and takes place over the course of 12 months both online and in person. Students explore the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of death and dying.

Death doulas, also known as end-of-life doulas or death midwives, are trained professionals who provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and their families during the dying process.

The statistics for black and brown birthing people are terrible. In Tennessee black people are 69% more likely to die than white people. It’s heartbreaking and maddening and dire. I asked Kaila, “Why? What can we do?”

Support from death doulas during the time of death addresses various aspects of the dying process: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual.

What is an End-of-Life Doula and how do they support families? Sheila Burke, death doula, author, and Global Doula Project grant recipient, explains.