Because of our inherent susceptibility due to the nature of our work, it's really important for end-of-life doulas and grief specialists to be able to recognize the signs of compassion fatigue and have some resourcing in place for how to recharge and process. It's also key that we have measures in place for when we may need to take extended periods off. Compassion fatigue is real. It's happened to me, caring for my husband Jonathan with Alzheimer's. It happens to people that I know who are working in the field. So what do we do about that?

You may think end-of-life doulas are only for the last days before death or at least when there has been a terminal diagnosis, but they can actually be engaged at various points long before death. Here's how and when they can help.

I’m looking for a doula. A doula for me.