What a Mortality Doula can and cannot do

Are you looking to engage a Mortality or Death Doula, but you’re not sure what they can and cannot do within their services?

A Mortality Doula provides non-medical and non-clinical emotional, practical and spiritual support to those at end of life and their families. While there are many things we can do, and many services we can provide, it is also important to know that there are things we cannot do in our role as a Mortality or Death doula.

Mortality Doulas can:
- provide emotional and spiritual support
- assist with Advanced Care planning and end-of-life wishes
- plan legacies and memorials
- advocate for clients and their wishes
- navigate the medical system
- provide physical, non-clinical comfort
- provide after-death vital and body care
- assist with transport of the body
- offer bereavement support

Mortality Doulas cannot:
- perform clinical tasks
- administer medications, perform wound care, or provide clinical advice
- replace medical professionals or palliative care or hospice services
- make legal, financial or estate planning decisions
- tell a client to stop, start or change medical treatments
- act as a Power of Attorney, sign wills or fill out legal death certificates, sign death certificates or complete legal documentation

A Mortality Doula is there to fill the gaps where medical staff, friends and family may not be able to go. We walk with you through end of life and support you every step of the way.

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