National Death Doula Day 2023: National Death Doula Day is annually observed on April 20. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the profession and its benefits for patients and their families. A Death Doula is a non-medical person who has been trained to provide holistic, physical, emotional, and spiritual care at the end of life. Death Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide comprehensive care for the ailing and their loved ones prior to, during, and after death. A Doula is trained in the various phases of end-of-life care in order to aid the family in comprehending the natural processes while offering comfort and support.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DEATH DOULA DAY
If you are pondering what a Doula is, “Doula” is an ancient Greek word that referred to a woman of service. Doula became popular again in the 1980s. Referring to a person who guided a woman and her chosen childbirth companions through the labour and delivery process. The current approach to end-of-life doula care is based on the birth doula paradigm. The terms doula, death doula, death midwife, death coach, and end-of-life counsellor all refer to the same approach.
Doulas may become involved soon after a terminal diagnosis. They may also be involved later, as the patient’s condition worsens and their body begins its final decomposition. They may even become involved after a death to assist loved ones in beginning the bereavement process. The primary purpose of the doula is to provide emotional, spiritual, and physical support to everyone involved by attentively listening to the dying person and their loved ones’ concerns, fears, aspirations, and life stories. Doulas are primarily responsible for bringing their clients serenity at the end of life. The doula provides a space for the dying process that honours who the ailing person is and was, and assists them in living with purpose until their last breath.
This model of care emphasises service from the spirit. The doula encounters the dying individual and their loved ones at their current emotional and spiritual state. The doula assists all parties in dying in the most dignified manner imaginable. In addition, the doula will utilise their knowledge and experience to provide a broader perspective on death that can bring greater meaning and solace to this arduous process.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DEATH DOULA DAY
Listen to a podcast
There is a weekly podcast called “Ask a Death Doula,” hosted by hospice and oncology nurse Suzanne B. O’Brien. This podcast will document the Death Doula movement through interviews with international leaders in this progressive movement, patients, families, and Death Doulas.
Encourage dialogue about this occupation
On this day, discussion about the Death Doula profession is encouraged. Do so anywhere and in any manner. Share a Twitter or Instagram post, host a panel discussion, provide training, etc.
View a documentary.
This day may be an opportunity to view a documentary about this occupation. “End of Life” may be a viable alternative.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DEATH DOULAS
Doulas undergo
In the United States, there is no federally mandated certification for end-of-life doulas, but many private organisations offer education or certification programmes.
They are unpaid
Doulas gain hospice volunteer experience.
They have no competition from funeral directors.
In contrast to funeral directors, end-of-life doulas are present with families before, during, and after death.
Every doula is unique.
Some doulas assist only the healthy, while others only the ailing; therefore, it is best to interview doulas to determine their area of expertise.
They are skilled listeners.
Doulas listen with an open heart to one another.
WHY NATIONAL DEATH DOULA DAY IS IMPORTANT
Doulas assist families during trying moments.
Death doulas assist families during trying and tragic situations. They assist individuals in reducing their confusion and mistrust of death care professionals.
Doulas aid individuals in making decisions
Before a person becomes unable to communicate or make decisions, a doula works with them to determine every detail of their ideal departure and what they wish to hear at the end. This provides tremendous solace to those who are suffering.
Doulas aid in tension reduction
The services of doulas increase satisfaction, which results in more referrals and decreased intake anxiety. A doula relieves the family of some caregiving responsibilities for the deceased individual, while also providing psychological and emotional support to the individual.
NATIONAL DEATH DOULA DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 20 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 20 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 20 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 20 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 20 | Tuesday |
