What is a death doula?
As long as humans have been dying, others have been supporting that journey. Death doulas offer non-medical support for those at the end of life as well as for their loved ones, providing consistent care between doctor visits or hospice calls. A doula is not administering medication or tending to other patients the way a nurse might be, not getting not caught up in all the attachments and expectations the way a loved one might be. Hannah can go over end of life plans, help facilitate communication between family & friends, offer guidance for after-death care of the body at home or help plan a funeral, empower you or your loved one to die on your/their own terms, or simply hold space for this massive, unique transition. The end of someone's life is sacred ground and it's hard to be present for that when there are so many other things happening. Death doulas are holistic guides that help approach death with compassion, dignity, and peace.
About Hannah
Hannah is a National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) certified death doula in Los Angeles. Her interest in death care is the result of being raised in a death-positive household, a desire to live a more examined life, and various experiences volunteering with those at the end of life. She's held a lifelong commitment to exploring not just the light, but the darker parts of oneself. With experience in Voluntarily Stopping Eating & Drinking (VSED), at-home after-care of the body, and green burials, Hannah brings warmth and grounding to especially difficult situations and hopes that you'll allow her to guide you in this deep and meaningful work.
Services
Death, like life, varies from person to person and your experience should be tailored to fit your needs and values.
For any questions about my services or pricing, please use the form below. I'm open to discussing bespoke
packages, modified rates, payment plans, and other options to better suit your needs.
Before Death
It's never too early to reach out to a doula. In our 2-3 care visits we'll review end of life plans (advance directive, support system, wishes for an ideal death), ritual planning, education on the dying process, and resources. In addition to providing practical, emotional and spiritual support, I'll be a constant guide to check in with to remind you or your loved one of what's important with the end in mind.
Dying Experience
Doula support at the end of life can include communicating with your family and friends, curating playlists, and doing what's in my power to create the ideal dying experience with who and what is desired. After-death care can include guidance with washing the body at home or having a home funeral. These long-held traditions are an incredibly healing way to honor and care for your person one last time and it can provide a sense of agency and control in an otherwise powerless situation.
Follow Up Support
Unfortunately after the funeral or other rituals, it seems like everyone else gets back to their lives while you adjust to this new reality. While I am not a licensed counselor or therapist, I'll be there to check in after the meal train has ended and the phone has stopped ringing. There is also the benefit of sharing the death story with someone who wants to hear it to truly metabolize the experience.
Hannah met me at the edge of my life and taught me how to stand there without fear. Though our work was virtual, her presence was constant—steady, calm, and deeply human. She helped me carry my husband through death with love, agency, and reverence, and that is a gift I will hold forever. - Allison N