Reasons People Want to be a Doula

Why does it seem like everyone wants to be a death doula?

It is no coincidence that most of us come to the work after experiencing caring for a loved one who died. 

We were deeply, incredibly moved by sitting bedside.

We were altered by being their witnesses.

We were changed by facing death gently and compassionately.

We were carried into a place of deep love.

We survived the pain, the poignancy, the extraordinary experience of the hours and days and weeks of sitting quietly, wiping foreheads, cleaning bodies, talking with hospice workers, making arrangements, feeling death arrive and then leave with our dear ones.

We shared with them their desire to belong, to feel deeply known. 

We felt their need to know their life made a difference, their longing to be remembered. 

We helped them leave this world in an ordered and peaceful way. 

We feel blessed by them and we bless them.

We celebrate them and we hold them in peace.

Thank you Dr Byock for this list!