An end of life doula, also known as a death doula, is a trained professional who provides non-medical, holistic support to individuals and their families during the dying process.

End of life doulas offer a range of services including emotional support, companionship, assistance with advanced care planning, guidance on navigating end-of-life decisions, vigil support, and comfort measures such as massage or music therapy.

Exact services vary from person to person, so be sure to have a detailed initial discussion about your needs with any doula you’re considering working with.

While hospice care focuses on providing medical support and comfort to terminally ill individuals, death doulas provide non-medical, holistic support to both the dying person and their loved ones, focusing on emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of the dying process.

Doulas often work with people who are enrolled in a hospice program. Hospice services are useful and valuable, but hospice workers have many clients' needs to balance. Since most doulas work for themselves, there is a lot of flexibility to customize hours and services.

Death doulas can provide support to individuals at many stages of their lives, from those facing terminal diagnoses to those experiencing chronic illness or simply contemplating their end-of-life wishes.

Everyone over the age of 18 should have at least a basic advance directive!

I’m located on the Northwest side of Chicago and travel all around the city and surrounding suburbs. The distance I can travel to a client depends on my current schedule and workload, so I encourage you to inquire. If I’m not able to work with you due to location, I may still be able to connect you with another doula who can.

This is a time to share what brings you to me and for us both to make sure we’re a good fit to work together. You don’t have to know exactly what you need or what you’re looking for- I’ll ask you questions and make sure you know all your options.

Initial consultations are free and generally last about 30 minutes. We can talk on the phone or meet on Zoom.

Yes, some services can be provided virtually. During your initial consultation, we can discuss whether working together online aligns well with your needs.

My services are completely customized for each client. During your free initial consultation, we’ll discuss your situation, make sure we’re a good fit, and I can give you details about how I can help. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what services you want or need- part of my job is educating about all the ways that doulas can help.

I work on a sliding scale- pay what you are able. Clients who choose to pay a higher rate enable me to work with clients who need to pay a lower rate. I mostly work on an hourly basis, and I do not have minimum hours requirements. For something finite like an advance directive, I may decide with a client on a one-time fee.

End of life doulas are not covered by insurance, but I do my best to make my services accessible- we’ll discuss and agree upon fees during our consultation.

I accept Venmo and Zelle. If you’re not familiar with those platforms, they’re very easy and I can help you get them set up.

Depending on our service agreement, payment can be made upon service each time I visit or weekly/biweekly payments. We will agree upon a schedule during our consultation.

Death and dying do not have a set schedule, and neither do I.

If we are meeting for advance care planning or companion care, we’ll set times that work for both of our schedules.

If I am needed to sit vigil when someone is actively dying or my guidance is needed shortly after death, I can be on call as long as my schedule allows it and there is regular, open communication, including in the middle of the night. This possibility is something we can discuss during your initial consultation.