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.
Death Awareness Workshops
There is ample messaging in our culture to live life to the fullest in light of our mortality but little space to actually explore the end. Hannah hosts death awareness workshops in person and online to bring the conversations about death and dying out of the typical places like hospitals and grief groups and into our general awareness. We talk about every aspect of living - our hobbies, our relationships, our jobs - yet the one thing we all have in common is also universally avoided. Practicing death awareness can bring us into balance with this natural part of the cycle. We can reduce our anxiety, practice acceptance, and find more gratitude in our day to day living. By embracing dying we can learn to live more fully.
About Hannah
Hannah is a National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) certified death doula in Los Angeles. Her interest in death care was 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.
Workshop Testimonials
"This was a really beautiful, and refreshingly candid, exploration into thinking about these end of life topics."
"The session was so informative and transformative even. I loved diving into this sensitive subject with a subject matter expert and a supportive community."
"I felt uncomfortable and a bit scared at times, but Hannah really held space for the group and there was plenty of time for sharing and processing feelings. The main takeaway I left with is that I'm living a life of no regrets, which is more than anyone can ask for."
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
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.
PACKAGE 1
$750
1 in-person* visit
2 virtual visits
consistent phone access
1 follow up call for grievers
PACKAGE 2
$1,000
2 in-person* visits
3 virtual visits
consistent phone access
2 follow up calls
VIRTUAL
$500
3 virtual visits
consistent phone access
1 follow up call
*In-person visits must be within the City of Los Angeles or surrounding cities (Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra)
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