Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Death Doula?
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A death doula, also know as an end of life doula, is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, practical, and informational support to individuals and families facing an end of life diagnosis or prognosis. We help bridge the gaps in care, offering presence, guidance, planning and practical support & resources during a profoundly personal transition. An end of life doula allows you to have more quality time with family and loved ones
How is a death doula different from hospice or a social worker?
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Death doulas do not replace medical, spiritual, or social work professionals—instead, we complement them. We offer additional support focused on the emotional and practical needs of both the person who is dying and their circle of care. This may include help with celebration of life planning, legacy projects, navigating difficult conversations and ensuring that the last days of a loved one are as peaceful and fulfilling as they can be.
Who started Death Doula Miami, and why?
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The creator of Death Doula Miami, Jeff Lehman, contracted a severe brain infection in 2024 that brought him to the brink of death, and left him unable to manage his life as he had done before he became ill. As part of his physical, mental & spiritual recovery, he felt the need to improve many of the processes and support structures that he himself experienced - and that he felt were inadequate, or that relied so heavily on loved ones who were not experienced in what was needed. After volunteering in a hospital hospice setting and devoting time to patients in home hospice care, Jeff trained to become a death doula, also known as an end of life doula, or patient advocate. His previous career, spanning almost 50 years in the hospitality industry all over the world, instilled in him a passion for advocating, improving, and helping those in need of guidance.
Who can benefit from working with a death doula?
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In our country, death is not a subject that is commonly discussed. This is unfortunate, since it is the one life event that each of us will deal with in our lives, often multiple times with various people. Anyone facing a terminal diagnosis, their family members, friends, or caregivers can benefit from having a death doula working with them. We also support those who want to plan ahead for their own end-of-life wishes, or who need help navigating grief and closure.
What services do you provide?
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We offer presence and accompaniment, end-of-life planning, full-self listening, life review, organizing wishes, respite care for primary caretakers, community resource connections, basic grief and physiological death education, nonmedical comfort care, and support during imminent death. More services, and service specific to a particular community or culture, are also available.
Do you assist with medical assistance in dying (MAID)?
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No. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is legal in 12 U.S. jurisdictions as of late 2025, including California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C., allowing terminally ill, mentally competent adults to request prescriptions for life-ending medication. In contrast, our focus at Death Doula Miami is on emotional, practical, and spiritual support. While we do not provide this service, we can guide you in the qualifications and process need if the person dying is looking for this service.
How do I get started?
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Contact Death Doula Miami by phone (305-290-3776) or email (Jeff@deathdoulamiami.com) to schedule a free, no-obligation conversation. We’ll discuss your needs and how we can help. We are a small, personal company, so any messages or requests for further information will be answered within 24 hours.
Is my information confidential?
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Absolutely. All conversations and services are strictly confidential and provided with the utmost respect and sensitivity.
Can you help if I’m not in Miami?
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Absolutely. We are affiliated with INELDA, the International End of Life Doula Association, who have partners all over the country. Please reach out to discuss your location and needs. We may be able to offer virtual support or refer you to trusted colleagues in your area.
Still have questions?
Contact us at 305-290-3776 or Jeff@deathdoulamiami.com.