Traditionally, a doula is the name for someone who provides guidance and support to a pregnant woman during labour. The word comes from the Greek 'doulē' meaning 'female servant/slave'.

In more recent times, the meaning of 'doula' has also been used to describe someone who supports people at the end of their life. Also known as a soul midwife, or end of life companion, doulas focus on the emotional, psychological and spiritual side of dying. While the role of a doula is not a medical one, a death doula will usually work alongside someone's medical team and their family, to help make their death as comfortable as possible, and to advocate for their wishes.

The International End of Life Doula Association says death doulas 'help restore sacredness to dying, provide respite to exhausted caregivers, bring deep meaning to the dying experience, and prepare people for the last breaths of their loved one.'

Death doula duties can vary according to the needs of whoever they're supporting at the time. A death doula might focus on doing the practical tasks, so that the people close to the person who is dying can focus on spending quality time with them.

They might help with the rites and rituals around the person's death, such as making sure the correct cultural or religious observances are followed as they're dying, and that their body is treated is the right way after their death.

A big part of the death doula's role can be to listen to the person who is dying, and those close to them, offering non-judgemental, emotional and spiritual support. This might include helping with decision-making and supporting meaningful conversations around death, wishes and plans, as well as being someone to talk to, both for the person who is dying, and for those closest to them.