What IS an End-of-Life Doula? Are they all the same?

AUSTIN, Texas - June 2, 2015 - PRLog -- I am asked all the time, "so, what really is an end-of-life doula?" I wish there was an easy answer in one way and I'm glad there isn't in another.

We are calling this role of people who have a desire to accompany families at the end of life, a doula. Doula is a Greek term meaning servent or slave and its fuller meaning was a woman who served another woman through all the life cycles. The birthing field, narrowed the term for birthing; we in the death field chose it for our 'accompanyer' role.

So, there are many ways people serve the dying, it all depends on the their other skills and trainings and experiences. But the core similarity is presence. Its presence which defines this role to me. The presence of one who is not afraid of death, who knows the dying process, who knows themselves, who has discernment, who is loving and compassionate...will bring a stability to a situation where people may be scared, confused and feeling alone. The situation may be stable already and the family simply wants additional loving support.

So what I talk about in this podcast is why its not so easy to say what I doula does. They are as different as the people who call themselves this. Further complicate it by not everyone likes the word doula and may call themselves a coach, amicus, midwife, or guide.

The bottom line is we are accompanying people at the end of life and our presence brings love and stability. My feeling is we won't need people in this role forever, just long enough to show the present and next few generations how to care for our own dying again (we forgot over the last 75 years).

Listen to this week's podcast here => http://journeypodcast.com/what-is-an-end-of-life-doula