Welcome, Kia ora.
The End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa, Inc., is recognised as the trusted professional entity for trained, compassionate End of Life Doulas in Aotearoa.
ELDAA is a membership association and is the central point of contact for those seeking
End of Life Doula support here.
We set the standards for End of Life Doula practice, and will support and advocate for these professionals. We represent and promote Doulas to the public, healthcare professionals, and the media.
Our Professional Doulas meet our strict eligiblity criteria, adhere to our ethical and practice guidelines, and can be found here.
End of Life Doulas are also known as Death Doulas, Death/Soul Midwives, Amicus Mortis, Deathwalkers, and others, and throughout our website will be referred to as ‘Doula’.
What is an End of Life Doula?
An End of Life Doula, is a person of service, offering non-medical, holistic care, to people of all ages and stages of life, including those living with life limiting chronic or acute illness, and those supporting them.
We accompany, educate, empower, and advocate for them, as and when needed, in order for them to prepare well for their dying, death and beyond, so that they can live their best life, right up to the end.
How can Doulas Help You?
Well, that depends on where you’re at on your journey, who is supporting you, what your wishes are, and what you will need in order to live and die well. Everyone is different.
Reach out to a Doula today to start a ‘no obligation’ conversation.
Whether you are experiencing a sudden, or expected death, Doulas can help.
Our vision
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Support and grow the Doula community in NZ
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Provide professional choice to those looking for Doula services
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Set standards for EOL Doula practice in NZ
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Raise awareness of the role of Doulas to communities, health professionals, alternative health providers, and government agencies
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Educate our communities to know their choices for better end of life care
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Empower our communities to confidently care for their sick and dying at home
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Foster change in society where people have fear and lack of openness about dying and death, e.g. promote positive death culture, and open conversations
Our goal is to provide compassionate, accessible, and equitable end of life care for all.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The End of Life Doula Alliance of Aotearoa acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a founding document that is fundamental to social and health policy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our services align with the wellbeing model encompassed by the Te Whare Tapa Wha model of care.
Model of Te Whare Tapa Wha Model of health and wellbeing
(Sir Mason Durie 1984)
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International research shows doulas improve patient and whānau experiences while easing pressure on clinical teams.
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The NHS End of Life UK Doula Evaluation demonstrated
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Fewer late-stage hospital admissions
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Reduced GP and emergency service calls
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More advance care planning conversations
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And more people achieving their preferred place of deathwhile proving cost-effective for the health system.
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