- Categories:
- Appreciation
- Tags:
- AwarenessCareer
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 🫂
National Death Doula Day is observed every April 20, shining a light on the vital role these non-medical professionals play. Death doulas offer holistic physical, emotional, and spiritual support to individuals and families navigating the end-of-life journey. Learn more about their services and how to support this growing profession.
Want to sponsor National Death Doula Day? Learn how
Expected National Death Doula Day Deals
On National Death Doula Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to educational and supportive initiatives. Organizations like the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) and the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) often host webinars, offer discounted training courses, or provide free resources to raise awareness. Training providers such as DoulaGivers and Going with Grace may feature special enrollment offers for aspiring doulas. Hospice and palliative care providers, including the Hospice Foundation of America, might share educational materials on integrated care. We will update this page with confirmed live events and resources as April 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Death Doula Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #DeathDoulaDay. Share insights on the profession’s growth and impact.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DeathDoulaDay. Share stories or resources on end-of-life planning and support.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DeathDoulaDay. Create visually engaging content that demystifies the role of a death doula.
National Death Doula Day Hero
Henry Fersko-Weiss
History of National Death Doula Day
If you are wondering what a Doula is, “Doula” is a Greek word used to refer to a woman of service in ancient times. Doula came into use in the 1980s again. Referring to a person who guided a woman — and others she chose to be with her — through the birthing process. The current end-of-life doula approach models the birth doula model. A doula can also be a death doula, death midwife, death coach, or end-of-life coach — they essentially refer to the same approach.
Soon after a terminal diagnosis, doulas might get involved. They also might be involved later when the person declines more, at the point where the patient’s body begins its final breakdown. They might even get involved after a death to help loved ones start their time of grieving. The primary purpose of the doula is to provide emotional, spiritual, and physical support to everyone involved by listening deeply to the concerns, fears, hopes, and life stories of the dying person and their loved ones. In summary, the doulas’ main job is to bring them peace at the end of life. The doula holds the space for the dying experience that honors who the ill person is and used to be and helps them live with purpose up to the final breath.
This model of care is about open-hearted service. The doula meets with the dying person and their loved ones where they are emotionally and spiritually. The doula assists all involved with living their dying in the best way possible for them. At the same time, the doula will utilize their experience and expertise to offer an expanded view of dying that can bring greater meaning and comfort to this intense process.
National Death Doula Day timeline
It is first used to refer to a person who guides a woman through the birthing process.
Henry Fersko-Weiss creates the first end-of-life doula program at a hospice where he serves as a social worker.
Henry´s passion for serving dying patients and their loved ones as a doula lead him to co-found INELDA as a non-profit organization.
This day is created by Doula givers.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Death Doula Day
Local businesses can honor National Death Doula Day by recognizing the importance of end-of-life care and support. Wellness centers or therapy practices could host informational workshops on grief support or advanced care planning, partnering with local doulas. Bookstores might feature sections on death, dying, and legacy, highlighting relevant titles. Even funeral homes or elder care facilities can participate by offering free consultations or resources that explain the benefits of incorporating a death doula into end-of-life journeys.
National Death Doula Day FAQs
When is National Death Doula Day?
In 2027, National Death Doula Day is observed on Tuesday, April 20. The day highlights the growing importance of end-of-life care and the unique guidance provided by death doulas.
What services do death doulas provide?
These professionals offer a range of services, from facilitating difficult conversations and creating comfort plans to assisting with vigil planning and bereavement support for families. Their role is to normalize and humanize the dying process.
How popular is the death doula profession?
Awareness of death doulas is expanding rapidly as more people seek personalized, compassionate end-of-life care beyond traditional medical models. The profession is gaining recognition in healthcare and community settings.
What is the difference between a death doula and hospice care?
While hospice is a medical service, a death doula is a non-medical professional. Doulas work alongside hospice teams, providing additional layers of comfort, advocacy, and guidance to the dying person and their loved ones, often before hospice care begins or after it concludes.
How to Observe National Death Doula Day
Listen to a podcast
There is a podcast called “Ask a Death Doula,” a weekly show hosted by Hospice and Oncology nurse Suzanne B. O’Brien. This podcast will chronicle the Death Doula movement with interviews of leaders in this progressive movement from around the world, patients, families, and Death Doulas.
Encourage conversation about this profession
On this day, the conversation about the profession of Death Doulas is encouraged. Do this anywhere in any way. Share a post on Twitter or Instagram, have a discussion panel, give training, etc.
Watch a documentary
This day may be a chance to watch a documentary about this profession. “End of Life” may be a good option.
5 Interesting Facts About Death Doulas
Doulas train
Although there is no federally mandated certification to become an end-of-life doula in the United States, many private organizations offer education or certification programs.
They volunteer
Doulas obtain volunteer experience at a hospice.
They do not compete with funeral directors
While funeral directors interact with families post-death, end-of-life doulas are present with families before, during, and after death occurs.
Every doula is different
Some doulas assist only the healthy, and some aid only the dying, so it is best to interview doula to see where they specialize.
They are experts at listening
Doulas listen to each other with an open heart guide.
Why National Death Doula Day is Important
Doulas help families at difficult times
Death doulas help families at difficult and sad times. They help people reduce confusion and mistrust when interacting with death care professionals.
Doulas help people to make choices
Before someone becomes unable to speak and make decisions, a doula works with them to figure out every detail of what they would consider their ideal passing and what they want to listen to at the end. This brings a great deal of comfort to the afflicted.
Doulas help to reduce stress
Doulas´services increase satisfaction which leads to more referrals and reduced intake stress. A doula burdens some tasks from the family to provide care for the individual going through the dying process but also gives the individual psychological and emotional support.
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