Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Death Doula?
A death doula, (AKA end-of-life doula / death midwife) are professionals who provide emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives, as well as to their families and loved ones. The role of a death doula is similar in some ways to a birth doula, who supports individuals during the birthing process, but instead focuses on the dying process and the transition from life to death.
How can a Death Doula Help?
Death doulas provide support to both the dying individual and their families. They aim to create a supportive environment for everyone involved, offering guidance, comfort, and a compassionate presence. They are there for the dying - and by extension, the family, loved ones and friends. We provide services like the below - but are not limited to this. If there is anything you require that is not on the below list, you are more than welcome to reach out and I will doo all in my power to help to the best of my ability.
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Emotional support
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Death Education and Guidance
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Care Planning
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Legacy Work
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Family support - including vigiling and respite support including overnight stays
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Loss and Grief support
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Assistance liaising with funeral homes / memorial services
Are Death Doulas medical professionals?
No. Whilst I am a Qualified Nurse and accredited by the national standards board APHRA, in my role as a Death Doula I am not operating as a Nurse or Medical professional. It is important to note that death doulas do not provide medical or nursing care. Instead, they complement the services of healthcare professionals by focusing on the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of end-of-life care.
Death doulas typically undergo training programs or certification courses to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. They may have backgrounds in fields such as healthcare, counseling, social work, or spiritual care.
Do death doulas replace the role of family or caregivers?
No, death doulas do not replace the role of family members or primary caregivers. Instead, they work alongside them, providing additional support, guidance, and resources to ensure the best possible end-of-life experience for the individual and their loved ones.
Kara, where are you located?
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My primary location is Albury Wodonga (NSW/VIC) - but I am more than happy to help in the smaller towns around the area too - such as (but not limited to):
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Jindera
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Howlong
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Corowa
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Holbrook
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Beechworth
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Wangaratta
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Benalla
What is a funeral celebrant?
A funeral celebrant is a trained professional who leads funeral or memorial services. They work with families to create a personalized ceremony that reflects the life and values of the deceased.
Do I have to be religious to use a funeral celebrant?
No, funeral celebrants serve people of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation. They specialize in creating ceremonies that honor the life of the deceased in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to the family.
Do funeral celebrants only perform services for funerals?
While funerals are their primary focus, funeral celebrants can also lead memorial services, celebrations of life, and other types of ceremonies to honor and remember the deceased.
Can a pet doula help with pet loss and grief?
Yes, pet doulas are trained to provide support and guidance to pet owners who are experiencing grief and loss. They offer compassionate listening, assistance with end-of-life decision-making, and resources for coping with the loss of a beloved pet.
Are pet doulas only for dogs and cats?
No, pet doulas can provide support for a wide range of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and exotic animals. They tailor their services to meet the unique needs of each species and individual pet.
What is a pet doula?
A pet doula is a trained professional who provides non medical support and guidance to pet owners before, during, and after significant events in their pet's life, such as birth, illness, or end-of-life care. They offer emotional support, education, and practical assistance to help pet owners navigate these experiences.
What does a funeral celebrant do?
Funeral celebrants work closely with the family to create a meaningful ceremony. They often conduct interviews to learn about the deceased, help choose readings, music, and other elements of the service, and then lead the ceremony on the day of the funeral or memorial.
How is a Death Doula Different from Palliative Care?
While Palliative care is typically provided by a team of healthcare professionals, death doulas focus on the emotional and spiritual - non medical aspects of care. They work alongside medical professionals to ensure a holistic approach and can work in hospitals, care homes, disability homes, and the private homes of the family. In Australia it is very common and the standard that end of life doulas are employed by the dying and their families personaly, and not the hospital.