A broad introduction
What Is a Death Doula?
What end-of-life doulas do, where the word comes from, and how non-medical support can help the dying and the people who love them.
Read the guide ↗Wild & Precious · Marin County
Resources
A place for questions, practical guidance, and reflection.
Start here
Two ways into the subject.
These guides offer a clear introduction to death doula care, then a closer look at how support can work for families in Marin.
A practical guide
How Death Doulas Support Families in Marin
Communication, planning, preparation, caregiver support, and the steady presence a family may need when someone is dying.
Read the guide ↗From my notebook
Choosing support
How to Choose an End-of-Life Doula in Marin County
End-of-life care
End-of-Life Doula Support for MAiD in Marin County
End-of-life care
End-of-Life Doula Support for Voluntary Stop Eating and Drinking (VSED) in Marin County
Understanding the role
What Does a Death Doula Do?
Local resources
The Living/Dying Project in Fairfax, CA
Finding support
Do You Need a Death Doula?
A practical guide
What to Expect in the Final Weeks vs. Days of Life
These articles are now part of the Headless site and preserve the substantive writing from the published journal.
Support close
to home.
End-of-life doula support in Marin County, with virtual and travel support available.
Death Doula Support in Marin ↗A few personal recommendations
Books to turn to
Books I love for thinking about later life, making space for grief, and accompanying the people we care about.
The Wild Edge of Sorrow
A reflective exploration of grief, drawing on story, community, and ritual. For readers who want room to consider loss in its many forms.
About the book ↗Entering the Healing Ground
A companion for those who want a more active way to reflect, with writing prompts, exercises, and rituals that can be explored at your own pace.
About the workbook ↗Badger’s Parting Gifts
I recommend this picture book for children 12 and under who are facing the loss of an adult. Through the memories Badger’s friends share after his death, it offers a gentle starting point for conversations about loss and the things we carry with us.
About the book ↗Walking Each Other Home
I recommend this for caregivers and those accompanying a loved one through the end of life. Through personal conversations and spiritual reflections, the authors explore love, presence, and being alongside someone who is dying.
About the book ↗Being Mortal
I recommend this for people considering where and how they want to live as they grow older. It explores aging, care, independence, and quality of life, offering a starting point for conversations about what matters most.
About the book ↗Common questions
How is a death doula different from hospice?
My role is non-medical. I offer practical and emotional support, planning, companionship, and guidance for loved ones. I work alongside hospice teams and other care providers.
When should I reach out?
You can reach out while planning ahead, after a diagnosis, when caregiving becomes difficult, or when death is near. You do not need to know exactly what kind of help you need before we talk.
Can you help if I’m healthy and planning ahead?
Yes. We can clarify your wishes, organize end-of-life preferences, and prepare for conversations with the people who may help make decisions with you.
Can you support my family or chosen family?
Yes. My work includes support for partners, relatives, chosen family, and caregivers. We can make space for questions, communication, and preparation together.
Do you work virtually or outside Marin?
Yes. Virtual support and travel outside Marin are available. I can also help you connect with a local doula. We can discuss what would be most useful during a consultation.
