A End of Life Doula is a person who assists in the dying process, much like a midwife or doula does with the birthing process. The terms "End of Life Guide," "Home Funeral Guide" and "Celebrant" are also used. Aiming to help families cope with death through recognizing it as a natural and important part of life. This covers a large variety of service, including but not limited to - creating death plans - providing spiritual, psychological, and social support before and just after death. this can also include more logistical activities - helping with services - planning funerals and memorial services- guiding mourners in their rights and responsibilities. -- "Today, more and more American women are hiring birth and postpartum doulas to offer support, guidance and companionship through labor, delivery and the postpartum period. Originally a Greek term for women servants who attended laboring mothers, the word "doula" has entered our common lexicon. But the role of a doula is changing. Doulas are no longer associated only with birth and/or infant care. The comfort measures and care practices that doulas bring to the beginning of life now are being applied to life's end. While still in its nascent stages, there is a growing movement to train end-of-life doulas, abortion doulas, loss doulas and death doulas. For expectant couples facing miscarriage, stillbirth and/or infant loss, the journey is often terribly difficult." -- Amy Wright Glenn Additional Resources: The Conversation Project Opting for a funeral at home: Challenging cultural norms Institute for Birth Breath and Death NHFA - National Home Funeral Alliance Death doula training Bodhi Be Hawaii Care Choices adrienne maree brown - Interview