A living doula offers comprehensive non-medical support and comfort to the person and their loved ones faced with a life-limiting illness. A doula encompasses a person as a whole emotionally, spiritually, and practically, providing resources, ways to promote dignity, facilitating difficult conversations, and advocating.
Most people and their families aren’t prepared for a life-limiting diagnosis. It’s a difficult and overwhelming transition that many say, “happens so fast.” You may not know what to expect, what questions to ask, what options are available, or even how things will transpire. It consists of not only the logistics of planning but also the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects that you may or may not know how to handle.
Trying to take care of things as they are happening costs time, money, and aggravation. This is precious time you'd likely rather be spending with your loved ones. Sometimes, you don’t know what you don’t know until it’s too late. Having support throughout the process, answers readily available, and everything planned would allow you to focus on what matters most with loved ones. Having a doula guide you reduces the confusion, fear, and burden for everyone involved.
Yes, because this period of life is more than just the logistics. Often, the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects are overlooked. It is an overwhelming time, not only for the person faced with a life-limiting illness, but also for their loved ones who are supporting them. Having a doula support and guide you throughout the process, takes tackling the difficult tasks off your hands and allows you and your loved ones to focus on what matters most. A doula can also be an unbiased companion and liaison to facilitate discussions related to fears, concerns, and wishes.
The major difference between palliative/hospice nurse and a doula is the amount of time a caretaker spends with you.
Unlike palliative and hospice, a doula does not provide medical care or services. Rather, a doula has ample time to provide the critical emotional, spiritual, and physical support a person and their loved ones need during this difficult time.
Time and support are essential during any major life transition, especially with a new life-limiting illness. Unfortunately, as much as palliative would love to provide unrestricted time to support the patient and families, reimbursement structures and high patient ratios leaves limited time at the bedside.
Often families choose to work with a doula for additional support, guidance, and care. The doula’s goal is to decrease stress and fear for both the patient and their family in all aspects of the journey.
My background as a registered nurse working on the neurology unit, emergency room, and at home/in facility hospice allows me to assist you and your loved ones in navigating and understanding the healthcare system and medical terms. I can help you make informed decisions and ask the right questions. Being a nurse has taught me how to advocate and support patients and their loved ones in the way that they need. Having worked with several families over the years, I can help facilitate everyone working together towards accomplishing you and/or your loved one’s goals.
Being certified as a doula is not required, although I chose to obtain my certification to better serve my clients.
I am also certified as a Life Transition Coach, which allows me to emotionally support and guide you or your loved ones to move forward during the overwhelming transition.
You can contact me at any time after you or your loved ones are initially diagnosed with a life-limiting illness with limited treatment options or are nearing the end-of-life and want an additional layer of support and guidance throughout the journey.
You may also want to contact me if you're in good health and wish to proactively prepare. Doing so can help prevent future emotional and financial stress for your loved ones.
Services are not covered by insurance. Although as I have experienced, many patients and their loved ones find doulas an important service to be used alongside with palliative or hospice care. I have been told several times “I didn’t realize how much I needed you until after I had your support.”