What is a death doula?

A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula or death midwife, is a trained professional who provides non-medical, holistic support to individuals, their families, and caregivers during the dying process. Death doulas offer emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance to help individuals and their loved ones navigate the end-of-life journey with dignity, comfort, and peace.

Overall, death doulas strive to empower individuals to have a dignified and peaceful end-of-life experience that aligns with their values, beliefs, and desires. They offer personalized care and companionship during one of life's most profound transitions, honoring the sacredness of the dying process and promoting a deeper understanding and acceptance of death within both individuals and communities.

  • Death doulas offer compassionate companionship, active listening, and emotional support to individuals as they come to terms with their mortality and grapple with feelings of fear, sadness, or uncertainty.

  • Assisting individuals in creating advance care directives, discussing end-of-life wishes, and making decisions about palliative and hospice care options.

  • Providing information and guidance about the dying process, practical matters related to death, funeral planning, and other end-of-life issues.

  • Helping to create a peaceful and comforting environment for the dying individual, which may involve setting up altars, playing soothing music, or incorporating rituals and ceremonies.

  • Supporting individuals and their families through the grieving process, offering resources, and facilitating meaningful ways to honor and remember their loved ones.

  • Encouraging the sharing of stories, wisdom, and life reflections to create a lasting legacy and sense of closure for the dying individual and their loved ones.

Michael has led a diverse and impactful professional journey that has shaped his unique calling to death work. Beginning his career in leadership roles within department stores and the beauty industry, he honed his skills in team management and customer care. It was during the turbulent era of the 1980s in San Francisco, at the height of the AIDS crisis, that Michael's life took a profound turn.

Amidst the devastating impact of the epidemic, Michael found himself drawn to a new vocation, providing comfort and support to those nearing the end of their lives. Caring for numerous friends during their final moments, he discovered a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping individuals navigate the transition from life to death. One particular experience stands out - a profound connection that became one of the most rewarding chapters in Michael's life.

As life unfolded, Michael's path led him to another significant role - that of being the primary caregiver for his mother who faced the challenges of dementia and blindness due to macular degeneration. In her final year, after a fall necessitated skilled nursing care, Michael found himself embarking on a journey of care and compassion that brought a sense of fulfillment and closure. It was through this experience that he recognized the profound impact and importance of providing support and comfort to individuals in their final stages of life.

In a society where death is often viewed as a medical event, Michael offers a different perspective. He believes that death is a natural and inevitable part of life, akin to the birthing process. Embracing this philosophy, Michael discovered a passion for guiding and supporting individuals through this transitional phase with compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose.

Through his unique journey and experiences, Michael has found his calling in death work, offering solace and support to those navigating the profound and inevitable transition that is an intrinsic part of the human experience.