A job for me?

Call me naive or uneducated, but I had never heard of a Death Dula until today, when it became the subject of the day on NPR. Also called death midwife, the death doula is someone who assists in the dying process, much like a midwife helps deliver babies. 

An idea that in my view makes a lot of sense. This role can supplement and go beyond hospice care, as doulas can perform a wide variety of functions, like planning one’s death while providing spiritual and psychological support and can also include logistical assistance with funeral services.

Currently, unlike for midwives, there is no national organization that regulate this occupation, so it’s a bit of a free for all. Only a few measure have been taken here and there to bring some order into that practice, like one brought by Oregon State Senator Vicki Walker who came up with some legislation aimed at regulating death doulas back in 2009. 

Her law requires that death doulas be licensed by the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery board. It seems that most doulas are volunteers and offer their service out of kindness of their heart, but this isn’t quite clear and the source of funding of that activity is largely unknown. 

Should I seriously consider that job? Maybe during the summer months, but a year-round involvement might definitely ruin my skiing!