Learn · 5 min read
What an end-of-life doula does (and doesn’t do)
A doula brings continuity and presence. Here is what that looks like, and where the lines are.
A doula can
- Explain the process in plain language
- Help with planning and documents
- Help you talk with your medical team
- Help build a 24/7 caregiving team
- Sit with you at the bedside
- Support leave-taking and grief
A doula does not
- Give medical care
- Diagnose
- Give or prescribe medicine
- Complete clinician-only forms (POLST/MOLST)
- Make legal or financial decisions
- Replace hospice or your physician
- Impose any beliefs