Death Doula: A Guide For Transitioning Into The Afterlife

March 21, 2026 1

Death is never an easy topic to talk about. To help manage this difficult transition, many are turning to death doulas. They provide compassionate guidance for the dying, like how birth doulas support new mothers. Our experts this week discuss how to foster curiosity rather than fear, navigate the art of a peaceful end, and find meaning in the time that’s left.

Guest Information:

Darnell Lamont Walker, death doula, author, Never Can Say Goodbye
Barbara Hansen, mother
David Hansen, brother

Since there’s no instruction book on how to handle this transition, some people have begun to turn to death doulas. Just like how birth doulas help mothers navigate labor and delivery, a death doula provides that guidance for the dying.

Hansen is a ninety-six-year-old resident of Georgetown, Texas and mother of eight. Carol’s strong will to live meant any conversation that mentioned death would be shot down.

David Hansen remembers what it was like back then – how Carol’s health status was only to be whispered about behind closed doors. He says it began to shape how people approached her.