An end-of-life doula (also known as a death doula or death midwife) is someone who can support an individual, and often their family, when they are near to the end of their life or from the time they learn they have a life-limiting illness. End-of-life doulas offer practical care, emotional support and also spiritual support, if this is what the individual requires.

An end-of-life doula helps the person who is dying and their family to make informed decisions, where possible, about their care and the manner of their death and advocates for them in medical and care situations. They may also work with the individual and their family to find ways to make memories before their death, and to ensure the dying person’s wishes are taken into account with regard to their funeral and any memorial service or other way of marking their life. The doula can also help to put grief support in place for the family if they would like it. 

How an individual and their family choose to navigate the challenges of an end-of-life situation is deeply personal and for every individual and every family it will be different. For some people an end-of-life doula can be a valuable support, helping them and their family to negotiate a difficult time, make informed decisions and feel supported.

Doulas are required to undertake quality-assured training and it is worth checking their insurance and DBS status, as well as whether they charge for their services or offer them pro bono. For more information on end-of-life doulas visit the website: End of Life Doula UK.

See our resource for more on supporting a child or young person when someone is not expected to live and for guidance when your child is not expected to live.  

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