What is an End-of-Life Doula?
An End-of-Life Doula (also known as a Death Doula or Death Midwife) provides non-medical support to individuals facing the end of life and their loved ones. This support encompasses emotional, logistical, and physical assistance during this profound life stage. An End-of-Life Doula offers comfort, guidance, and advocacy to ensure a dignified end-of-life experience.
My Journey
My path to becoming an End-of-Life Doula began with the loss of my friend, Andy. However, my relationship with life and mortality began much earlier.
Surviving bacterial meningitis and managing life-threatening food allergies as a child made mortality a constant reality. These experiences taught me to engage with life deeply and fully.
Close relationships with my grandparents and a cherished friendship with an elderly neighbor revealed the beauty of intergenerational connections. At 13, I became a candy striper, later teaching movement and art at a senior center during college. As an adult, I volunteered with Dorot, visiting homebound seniors. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the wisdom, perspective, and joy offered by older generations.
Why I Do This Work
My friend Andy’s illness and passing cemented my calling. As his healthcare proxy, I navigated his medical care and advocated for his wishes. As his friend, I provided support and companionship. He passed away just five weeks after his diagnosis, unaware of his dying process until the end.
I believe that death, dying, and grief shouldn’t be taboo topics, and I’m committed to making these conversations more open. I guide families and their loved ones through informed, compassionate end-of-life decisions, providing a supportive space to navigate planning and care. Together, we transform difficult discussions into opportunities for understanding, connection, and peace.
End-of-Life Planning
Comprehensive care and planning services, including advance care directives, vigil preparation, respite care, and holistic emotional support for the dying and their families.
Individualized Support
Receive practical, personalized guidance through every step – from completing paperwork and advance care directives to understanding the dying process.
Creating Lasting Legacy
Connect with your loved ones and create something that will endure for generations. Through legacy exploration and meaningful projects, build lasting memories to honor your story.
Gillian Fein
Trained by INELDA, VNS Hospice, and Calvary Hospital Hospice, Gillian provides compassionate end-of-life support to clients throughout Manhattan – including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, and Downtown. She also serves clients beyond the city and collaborates with synagogues, churches, and NYC organizations to lead workshops and provide guidance to their members.
Testimonials
“Gillian, you are a real bright spot in my life.”
“Gillian’s approach brought comfort and connection to our family”
“The aging presentation helped me to build a six month strategy to achieve goals with my mom.”
Life and Aging Workshops
Gillian offers engaging workshops for families, peer groups, and organizations – including churches, synagogues, and community centers. These sessions provide practical insights and emotional support for navigating life, aging, and end-of-life topics.
YPO Forum Workshop
Explore your relationship with death, aging, and life’s autumn season through expert guidance, peer discussions, and self-reflection exercises. Learn practical tools to prepare for your loved ones’ caregiving needs and end-of-life planning.
Begin the Conversation
Please get in touch to schedule your complimentary consultation.