A death doula’s advice on thinking about mortality
A death doula discusses her role in helping individuals and families navigate end-of-life experiences. The growing interest in death doulas, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, reflects a broader societal shift towards acknowledging mortality. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing for death and the emotional impact of this work on both the doula and those they assist.
- ▪Death doulas provide support and companionship to patients and families during the end-of-life process.
- ▪Public interest in death doulas has surged, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic.
- ▪Celebrities have also shown interest in becoming death doulas, contributing to the movement's visibility.
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PodcastsA death doula’s advice on thinking about mortalityA death doula explains her work, the death-positive movement, and more.by Avishay Artsy and Noel KingMay 23, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCShareGiftA sign for “Death Doula Days, a weekly program hosted by Laura Lyster-Mensh” is seen near the chapel at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC, on January 7, 2023. Carolyn Van Houten/the Washington Post via Getty ImagesDeath doulas, also called end-of-life doulas, wear many hats. In helping patients and their families prepare for a peaceful end of life, they can offer solace and companionship, handle logistics, mediate with medical staff, and more.As my colleague Anna North reported recently, public interest in the job is growing.
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