DES MOINES, IOWA (September 13, 2023) — Kerri Hays, Death Doula, is here to help you die better. INELDA [International End of Life Doula Association] defines a Death Doula as “a non-medical holistic support person providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support to caregivers and those facing death.”
Hays started her Death Doulaship study shortly after losing her mother, Mae, to cancer. In the thick of her grief journey, Hays realized there were many gaps in planning for and navigating a death. “The medical system has its place, as does hospice. But approaching death with proactive planning, intimate family care, and sacred ritual is what our society has lost touch with. We have death phobia and need to relearn how our ancestors approached death and dying.”
Enter Hays, the Death Doula.
“My goal is to create a safe, sacred, and supported space to embrace death and grief.” Hays developed and teaches a Death Education course called “Crafting Your Death Plan,” encouraging individuals to think openly and honestly about what their wishes would be at their death. “It's an invitation to not only accept, but plan for our mortality. Each participant receives a working document that covers everything from sensory details and final disposition options to financial accounts and possession allocations,” says Hays.
Hays offers hands-on and heart centered Death Doula work in and around Iowa, encouraging people to embrace and plan for their own mortality. As a part of The Death Positive Movement, Hays teaches her course monthly in addition to offering one on one sessions focused on death education, companionship, and post-mortem support.
