Choosing the right Death Doula Training Program

How to Choose the Right Death Doula Training Program

Hey there, future certified death doula! So, you've decided to embark on this beautiful journey to become a death doula. First off, welcome! You've chosen a path filled with compassion, support, and a whole lot of heart. But now comes the big question: how do you choose the right death doula training program? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's dive into the world of death doula training.

No Prerequisites, No Problem!

You might be wondering, "Do I need a medical degree or a history in healthcare to become a death doula?" The short answer is no! There are no prerequisites required before becoming a death doula. While having a background in healthcare can be helpful, it's definitely not necessary. This is why choosing the right death doula training program is so important.

Non-Medical, but Trained by Medical Professionals

Here's the deal: death doulas are non-medical. We don't provide medical care or advice. However, a death doula who has been properly trained by a medical professional can be infinitely more helpful than one who hasn't. Unfortunately, not all death doula training programs offer this crucial aspect. Many don't even have medical personnel on staff. So, let's talk about what you should look for in a death doula training program.

What to Look for in a Death Doula Training Program

1. **Medical Expertise Matters**

Is the program taught by someone with a medical degree, like an RN, NP, or MD? Has the instructor had hands-on experience with death and dying? These are important questions to ask. A program led by someone with medical expertise will provide you with a deeper understanding of the phases of dying and how to support someone through them.

2. **Business Training for Success**

Does the program provide business training? There are many training programs and thousands of certified death doulas, but very few are working successfully. Why? Because they weren't trained to be successful. Make sure the program you choose equips you with all the tools you need to not only be a death doula but a successful one. 

3. **Ongoing Guidance and Community Support**

Does the program foster ongoing guidance, community, and support? As the role of the death doula grows, we need to rely on community support and empowerment to help each other grow. Answering the call to become a death doula means joining a whole new community of like-minded friends who want to see you succeed.

My Top Pick: Death Doula School

Now, you might be wondering which program I recommend. Drum roll, please... I recommend Death Doula School! Death Doula School has the most comprehensive curriculum out there. Their graduates show signs of success even before finishing the program. One graduate was featured in a front-page story in her local town the week she graduated!

Death Doula School is an online, learn-at-your-own-pace program designed to seamlessly fit into your life, wherever you see fit. With ongoing guidance, community, and support, you can’t go wrong joining us!

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Choosing the right death doula training program is the first step to becoming a compassionate and effective death doula. Remember to look for programs with medical expertise, business training, and community support. And if you want to join a program that ticks all these boxes, consider Death Doula School. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Opening a Business as a Death Doula: A Comprehensive Guide

The role of the death doula is growing at a rapid pace, but an important aspect for aspiring death doulas to realize is that providing services often means opening your own business. While opening a business has its benefits, it also comes with challenges. Let's discuss what it means to open a business as a death doula and some of the hurdles you might encounter along the way.

Starting Your Business

Many death doulas struggle right out of the gate because the death doula training program they took didn't include any business training. When I started, the program I took offered no business training whatsoever. When I inquired about it, they wanted me to invest in another expensive business training course. It's my belief that becoming a successful death doula and running a successful death doula company starts with your training program. You want to be sure to choose a training program like Death Doula School, which equips you with all the tools and support needed to open a successful business.

Challenges in Running a Death Doula Business

1. Marketing: Marketing is a significant challenge for death doulas. It's difficult to market death successfully and get people to listen or want to learn more. You have to be very artful and crafty in your vibe and delivery to draw people in. Social media marketing is a great way to advertise and get your word out there for free. If you're reading this blog right now, there's a big chance you got the link from one of my social media accounts. Social media is an incredible way to market yourself for free, but many struggle with it for various reasons. Some are worried about how others will react to the discussion of death. But as a death doula, a big part of your role is changing the narrative and not playing into the fear culture surrounding death and dying.

2. Pricing: Many death doulas struggle to determine their pricing or communicate that pricing to potential clients. Each death doula is able to set their own pricing, and there are no guidelines for what that should look like. I advise choosing a price that reflects your worth and something you feel confident charging. For me, I am an expert in the field. There is no one better to help you through an end-of-life experience, and my prices reflect that.

Benefits of Owning Your Own Business

1. Setting Your Own Hours and Schedule: Prior to being a death doula, I worked as an RN, which meant terrible hours. I missed many events with my kids. When I opened my business, I promised myself a better work-life balance for them and myself. Owning my own business allows me to determine when I do and don't work, ensuring that I am always present for my family and my clients.

2. Avoiding Burnout: Another significant advantage is that I am never burnt out, overworked, undervalued, or underpaid. These are things I could not say when I was working in healthcare.

Conclusion

Opening a business as a death doula comes with its own set of challenges, but the rewards are immense. You get to set your own schedule, avoid burnout, and provide invaluable support to those navigating the end-of-life process. If you feel called to guide souls through their final chapter, starting your own death doula business might be the perfect path for you. Remember, choosing the right death doula training program, like Death Doula School, can provide you with the essential skills and support needed to succeed.

By focusing on comprehensive training, effective marketing, and fair pricing, you can overcome the challenges and reap the rewards of this deeply fulfilling career.

A Day in the Life of a Death Doula: The Real Story

Everyone always wonders what a Death Doula really does. Sure, we say that we help people to labor out of this world, but what does that actually mean? Well, here is a day in the life of Death Doula Kacie; I hope you enjoy.

Early Morning: Rise and Shine

My day starts off early—6:15 a.m., thanks to my youngest who never misses the opportunity to get up with the sun. Like most people, the first thing I do is check my phone. I have a client who is in the hospital and another who is laboring out at home. Thankfully, no emergent texts about either of them this morning. What I do have is seven new emails, five of which are from people who have submitted inquiries on my website. Three are from folks interested in becoming a Death Doula, and two are from people who need a Death Doula.

Morning Hustle: Breakfast and Social Media

I get up and start making breakfast for the kids, getting them ready for camp, while also updating my social media and trying my hardest to answer the thousands of comments and DMs I get each day.

First Client Visit: Annie

By 8 a.m., I drop the kids at camp and head over to visit client number one.

9:30 a.m. Client Number 1: Annie

Annie is in the active dying phase. She is not able to communicate anymore, and she likely only has a day or two left on this earth. When I arrive, she is resting comfortably, which makes my heart happy. I touch her arm and tell her that I am here with her. She turns her head towards me and opens her eyes. Even though she says no words, we communicate in that moment—her with a glance and me with a smirk. I can see in her eyes that she is happy to see me, and she can tell by my smirk that I am happy to see her as well.

The weather is nice outside, so I move her bed near the window and open it as far as I can. The breeze blows in and through her hair while I describe the beautiful sights outside that I know she would love to see, if she could muster up the strength. I play her favorite music, Elvis (of course), and I can see it bring her body peace. We sit together for a little over an hour before it's time for me to leave. When I say goodbye, I touch her shoulder again, and again our eyes meet. This time we both have a different look, and I tell her it's okay for her to go when she's ready. She closes her eyes, and in that moment, I know it's the last time I will see them open again.

Mid-Morning: New Client Consultation

11 a.m.

After that, I have to pull it together and have a consultation with a new client. I take it from the car while I'm on the way to client number two.

Lunchtime Client Visit: Joe

12 p.m. Client Number 2: Joe

Joe has had cancer for years and has continued living his life working hard, never letting it get him down. He has shocked doctors at every turn with how he is able to be so strong. However, Joe is now starting to realize that while he beat the cancer for a while, the cancer might now be winning. So Joe and I sit for an hour and talk about what that could look like for him—what types of things he is afraid of. His biggest worry? What will happen to his wife. Who will take care of her?

It brings him comfort to know that I will be there to help her through this hard transition. He is also worried about being in pain at the end. It helps him to know what medications will be available through hospice to help relieve any pain he may experience. When our appointment started, Joe was anxious and nervous, but by the end, he was laughing and cracking jokes (I have an added special ability to make people laugh).

Afternoon: Family Time

3 p.m.

Time to let go of all the heaviness from the day and go pick up the kiddos! Then the real madness begins! 😂

This is just a glimpse into a day in the life of a Death Doula. If you're considering this as a career, know that it's filled with profound moments, deep connections, and yes, a fair share of early mornings and emotional afternoons. If you’re interested in learning more about how to become a Death Doula, check out our Death Doula training program at Death Doula School.

Everyone Wants To Know… What is a Death Doula and How Does Someone Become One?

What is a Death Doula?

A Death Doula is like a birthing doula but on the other end of life. We help individuals safely and comfortably labor out of this world. But let's be real—Death Doulas do so much more than that. We work with the dying individual and their loved ones for months prior to death, removing stress and chaos, and organizing critical next steps in the end-of-life process. This allows for more memorable and meaningful experiences rather than anxious and scary ones.

Who Hires a Death Doula?

People with a terminal diagnosis often hire Death Doulas to help them organize end-of-life planning and remove stress and chaos. This enables them to live out their final months, weeks, days, and moments without fear, stress, and anxiety. Death Doulas support not only the dying individual but also their loved ones throughout the entire end-of-life situation and even beyond the death of the individual.

How Do Death Doulas and Hospice Differ?

Death Doulas work alongside hospice to provide a higher level of care than hospice alone. While hospice provides medical support, Death Doulas offer non-medical support. Hospice will care for your body and the physical aspects of dying, whereas a Death Doula will care for your soul and all the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying. Think of working with hospice as driving a base model Honda—reliable but not luxurious. Now, imagine working with hospice and a Death Doula; it's like driving a decked-out Rolls Royce—an exceptional experience you'll rave about. Remember, YODO (You Only Die Once), so why not get the best care to close out your final chapter?

When Should Someone Hire a Death Doula?

As soon as a terminal diagnosis is received, a person should contact a Death Doula. This helps the individual understand their diagnosis and what the future may hold, ensuring that proper planning is in place.

How to Become a Death Doula?

To become a Death Doula, one needs to take a death doula certification program like Death Doula School. At Death Doula School, we teach aspiring Death Doulas how to open their own businesses and successfully guide souls through their final chapters.

The Journey to Becoming a Death Doula

Are you hearing the calling to become a Death Doula? Now is the time to answer! Death Doula School is now enrolling, and we’ve had our first three graduates this week, with two more scheduled for next week. Exciting, right? These graduates have shared that they feel confidently prepared to face the world as Death Doulas, thanks to the immense support they received throughout the program.

Why Choose Death Doula School?

Death Doula School is a comprehensive Death Doula training program geared towards creating successful Death Doulas who want to run their own practices. Our curriculum includes education from myself, a seasoned RN, as well as other experts in the end-of-life realm. The program is designed to fit seamlessly into your life, with a learn-at-your-own-pace format. Modules are released daily, allowing you to complete them as quickly or slowly as you wish.

What Sets Us Apart?

We are proud to provide not just education but also community, support, and guidance to ensure our students thrive in this heartfelt role. Our goal is to help each Death Doula who attends Death Doula School succeed in running a successful business and providing the utmost care at the end of life.

Join Us Today!

If you’re considering becoming a Death Doula, don’t hesitate, enroll today! If you have any questions, please reach out. I am here to support and guide you on this journey.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the role of a Death Doula is profoundly impactful. We change the narrative around death, making it a topic we can freely talk about. If you feel the calling, it's time to embrace it. Death Doula School is here to equip you with everything you need to become a successful Death Doula and make a significant difference in the world.