Firstly, do your research. Join some Q&A sessions with educators, and come along to an ELDAA Q&A to find out more. https://events.humanitix.com/eldaa-q-and-a From there, we invite you to undertake EOLD training, and ELDAA has partnered with international educators who we believe provide comprehensive training which includes the core competencies of the EOLD role. You can find out more from our website. There are also many other requirements for Professional Membership of ELDAA, and again, all are listed on our website. https://www.eldaa.org.nz/become-a-doula We welcome you to join us as an Associate Member in the meantime, so that you can enjoy educational benefits, and connect with others who are on the same journey as well as receiving mentorship and support. https://www.eldaa.org.nz/membership

While there are people offering some EOL Doula training in NZ, no-one at this stage is providing a fully comprehensive course covering what we deem to be the core competencies of EOL Doula practice. Many Doulas bring other modalities to the table, which is great. But Doulas who are not trained in a specific alternative field that a Client wants, will know how to put you in touch with a professional who can help.

We acknowledge that people bring many qualifications and experience to the table. However, the Doula role approaches things from a different perspective than those trained as healthcare professionals, and also includes other supports which are not typically provided by them. Doula training not only covers all aspects of care, from wellness through to death and after-death care, but it delves into our own life experiences/thoughts/understanding of death and all things related.ELDAA also acknowledges that there are many people out there supporting their loved ones and their communities in this way without a title or training, and we admire their selfless mahi.

The short answer is it is difficult to make a sustainable income at this stage. The Doula profession is in it’s infancy here. The number of trained Doulas is growing steadily, but we still have a long way to go for people who need extra support to even hear about us, or know we are here and can offer specialised services to support them. Most of our Doulas also hold down part-time jobs, in order to create the space to provide Doula services, but also meet their financial needs.We hope this will change in the future as Kiwis learn and understand the value of this incredible support.

There is no set fee, and Doulas create their own fee structure, according to what is required for that particular client, and what their budget allows. Usually on a sliding scale, hourly or daily rate, depending on the situation. Typically, this would range from around $45-120/hour.Sometimes Doulas work for a Koha or donation. And in some cases, a Doula can work for free, depending on other commitments.ELDAA hopes to have a compassionate fund in the future for those who are not able to pay for services. And for those who say we shouldn’t charge for services to the dying, it is unrealistic to expect Doulas to train, and work when there is no other way for financial compensation. It is early days yet and we hope this will change in the future.

Doulas are complementary to, but do not seek to replace a person’s current health team. Doulas provide non-medical support, so do not administer nor advise re medications or physical treatments. Many hospice/pall care teams/GP’s support people on their end of life journey, but Doulas fall into 95% of time outside of clinical visits. Offering non-judgemental practical, cultural, spiritual, social, emotional and educational support – whatever is needed.

Often Doulas are there to support the whanau and the person when death occurs. But sometimes they are not required when the advance planning has been done and the family are confident.Doulas can also guide the family with after-death care of the body, natural solutions other than embalming, keeping the person at home for a few days, introduction to funeral directors, and help with memorial/funeral planning – whatever is needed in that instance.

Yes. The awareness of EOLDs is growing. Many Doulas make themselves known to their local hospice, and Doulas sometimes even refer their clients to hospice for further palliative support. The best outcome is when Doulas work alongside those providing medical and other support as a team.

EOLDs are compensated for their services in varying ways. Some are paid by the hour, some offer a sliding scale, and some make other arrangements depending on the types of services provided, whether they are on-call, staying overnight and travelling. Some work for Koha or donation.In most cases, the individual or family contracts directly with the EOLD and the fee is agreed in advance. ELDAA Doulas offer a free introductory session, to assess the needs of the person and their whanau, and to determine what can be provided according to the person’s needs and budget.

ELDAA Doulas obtain their training through a comprehensive EOLD education program, typically one of our partner educators. Currently, there are no comprehensive training institutions in NZ. We encourage people to do their research into the provider who best suits their needs and learning style. If they find someone who’s not affiliated with ELDAA we are open to looking into that together.Doula training is not the only requirement to be a Professional member of ELDAA. Go to https://www.eldaa.org.nz/become-a-doula for more detailed information.