Did you know that bereavement doulas and death doulas actually hold different professions?
The support these different types of doulas provide is very similar: emotional, spiritual, and physical care, along with advocacy and communication support. The social support they offer may differ a bit (death doulas may focus on family of the loved one, while bereavement doulas may focus more on community members), but even this general type of support is shared.
The main difference is in whom they serve.
A bereavement doula typically focuses on working with families who have experienced a perinatal loss (a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss).
Whereas, a death doula or end-of-life doula typically works with individuals who are dying, while also supporting their families. These individuals are typically older (that is, not embryos, fetuses, or infants).
A second difference is timing of services.
While death doulas typically work with a client leading up to and through their death and perhaps will continue working with their family for some time after their death, bereavement doulas may work with clients even decades after the loss of their little one.
Both of these roles are incredibly important.
Here at Haven Bereavement Doulas, we specialize in helping folks better support families experiencing perinatal loss. If you are considering becoming a death doula, we cheer you on and thank you for your work! If you’re considering becoming a bereavement doula, check out our resources at this link.