Comments for Lifespan Doulas

Comment on Medical Aid in Dying, End-of-Life Doulas, and the Doula Scope of Practice by Patty Brennan

Patty Brennan — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:46:47 +0000

In reply to Amy. I understand your position, Amy, and it is certainly valid to not participate in a client's MAiD experience. Given your beliefs, it would seem to me that you would not be able to render non-judgmental care in this situation. The provision of non-judgmental support is a cornerstone of the doula model of care. So, in reference to MAiD, your beliefs must take precedence. All doulas set their own boundaries. Scope of practice defines some of those boundaries for you, but there are lots of professional boundaries that are more personal to the individual doula. My recommendation is to just make your boundaries clear in your messaging (e.g., on your website, client contract). If your religious beliefs are central to how you support families at the end of life, then making those transparent will help you to attract the folks who align with you while letting those who are not aligned to seek more appropriate support.

Comment on Medical Aid in Dying, End-of-Life Doulas, and the Doula Scope of Practice by Amy

Amy — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:36:40 +0000

As a Catholic – I would have the moral obligation of pointing to a natural death instead of using medications or MaiD. I might even not want to be present (depends on circumstances) – but this is something each doula should decide on their own. I am very against this all together as a Catholic and Christian. It’s sad that the family cannot seek other helpful care that could help ease pain but not lead to an immediate taking of life.

Comment on Naturopathic Comfort Care at the End of Life (webinar) by Peter M. Abraham, BSN, RN, EOLD

Peter M. Abraham, BSN, RN, EOLD — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:20:14 +0000

Thank you. This was an extremely informative session.

Comment on Death Doula Lawsuit vs. The State of Indiana (Webinar): by Noelia

Noelia — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:17:06 +0000

Just watched the webinar this morning and must send gratitude for Patty’s coordinating this and Lauren’s sharing of her experience, recommendations, resource ideas, and encouragement. I will be signing up for her lawsuit updates – this is such an important moment for this work!

Comment on Medical Aid in Dying, End-of-Life Doulas, and the Doula Scope of Practice by Jamie Stidger

Jamie Stidger — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:52:42 +0000

In reply to Joy Rodriguez. I am in the midst of becoming an EOLD. What you have said and experienced ring so true for me. My spouse opted for MAiD, and when he decided it was time (he was home), our hospice nurse said she could take no part except she could guide me through the mixing process and the rest, but could not be present. It was one of the most heart-wrenching things I have ever had to do: mixing the drugs while I talked with him, assuring him it would work, asking repeatedly if he was sure, handing it to him, and having to tell him to keep drinking, as there was a time limit. We were both as ready for this as anyone could be, but honestly I would have given ANYTHING if someone else could have done that so that I could have just held him and been present.

Comment on Medical Aid in Dying, End-of-Life Doulas, and the Doula Scope of Practice by Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:30:13 +0000

In reply to Patty Brennan.

Well Said.
As a Clinician in my prior career and now having my own company focused on Death education and care…. Liability is everything unfortunately. HIPAA, documentation, Innsurance, stepping on other physicians toes, hospital policy and guidelines….
There is no world as Death Doulas stand currently where I would mix and bring to a patient’s lips. I love the perspective of simply letting patient’s and their families be comfortable with the terms and conditions of their choices in and of their own lives. I am simply here to support the choice you have made and sit with you in comfort during those choices and experiences.

Comment on Role of the End-of-Life Doula in a Skilled Nursing Facility (Webinar) by Patty Brennan

Patty Brennan — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:06:47 +0000

Thanks for sharing Celia!

Comment on Role of the End-of-Life Doula in a Skilled Nursing Facility (Webinar) by Celia Foster

Celia Foster — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:54:43 +0000

I really enjoyed listening to Jane Whitlock and the back and forth questions. Thank you. I am a dementia care specialist and EOL Doula, I worked as a professional care aide for 30 years and am now self employed with my own company as I continue my passion for our frail elderly. I live in Vernon, BC, Canada. My experience during my career, college trained in palliative care, has been for the most part negative when it comes to end of life. I worked in a government run long term care home and they preferred that care aides do their job, respect the nurses and keep quiet. We were given little to no respect. The problem is I have a voice and wanted to be able to use it so I became active with my union, OH&S, was an active member of the workload committee and resident quality care committee.
I am now, since 2017, a private caregiver and EOL Doula in community and facility. I am strictly private pay as the government LTC facilities and most of the private care homes are not interested in what I can offer as a doula. I am happy with what i offer my community.
I was very interested in something that Jane very briefly touched on and is death/dying and our homeless community. Because of our experience with addiction and homelessness in our family, I have connected with our local Upper Room Mission and shelter and would like to speak to the director about how we can serve this lost population.

Comment on End-of-Life Doulas in Pediatric Palliative & Death Care ~ Webinar by Vera Mariner

Vera Mariner — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 01:23:04 +0000

In reply to Patty Brennan. Thank you, Patty.

Comment on End-of-Life Doulas in Pediatric Palliative & Death Care ~ Webinar by Patty Brennan

Patty Brennan — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:24:58 +0000

In reply to Vera Mariner. There may be, Vera, but I am not aware of any.