Death Doula
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Gentle guidance for life’s final chapter.
When most people hear the word doula, they think of someone who supports the arrival of new life. But since the 1970s, the role of the doula has expanded well beyond childbirth. Today, doulas support families not only before and after birth, but also during one of life’s most profound transitions: the end of life.
There are doulas for postpartum care, sibling support, and increasingly, death doulas — also known as end-of-life consultants, death walkers, death midwives, or death guides.
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A death doula offers compassionate, non-medical support to individuals who are approaching the end of their life. They act as a calm and knowledgeable presence, helping to reduce fear and anxiety around death, and offering emotional, spiritual, and practical guidance tailored to the person and their family.
Death doulas do not replace family or medical professionals. Instead, they hold space — gently listening, educating, and supporting conversations that many find difficult or confronting. Over time, many families come to see their doula as an honorary part of the family.
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Talking about death can feel uncomfortable — even taboo. Many people simply don’t have someone they feel safe discussing it with. You might contact a death doula if:
You or a loved one has received a terminal diagnosis
A family member is in hospice and additional support is needed
You're navigating voluntary assisted dying and want non-judgmental guidance
You want to better understand what happens after death, but aren’t ready to speak with a funeral director
You have questions or fears about dying, and just want someone to talk to
You don’t have to be in your final days. Some people reach out months or even years before end-of-life, simply to explore what matters most to them.
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A death doula will meet you wherever you feel most comfortable — your home, a café, a park bench, or hospital bedside. The conversation is always led by you. Whether you have one question or many, your doula will listen with a calm presence, without judgement or agenda.
At Lonergan & Raven, we are proud to offer the support of Barb Ferguson, our in-house death doula for individuals and families navigating end-of-life journeys.
Barb Fergusson
Since 2007 I have supported many families as both a birth and death doula.
Firstly it has been my privilege to support many families as a volunteer birth doula with Birth for humankind, in this role I was tasked with supporting families navigate the Australian hospital system as either asylum seekers, refugees, with mental health or delivering babies with poor health outcomes, miscarriage , still birth or neo-natal death.
Secondly I entered the world of being a death doula, end of life guide. In this role I work with families from diagnosis to death, initially I Studied with Denise Love but have also followed many other international doula trainers.
I happily work in any environment to ensure all dying persons end of life needs are being met and help provide after death acre for families either in their home, nursing home, hospital or funeral homes. With a keen interest in Eco friendly and natural burials I can educate families around funeral services and coffin choices.
Many of my client families have been able to access voluntary assisted dying and its been a true privilege to support them with education and continuity of care as well.
