Q&A

What is a death doula?

Death is something we'll all get to experience, but it's something we're rarely taught how to talk about, or sit with.

A death doula is someone who walks alongside you through your journey. Think of me as part guide, part support person, part calm presence—here to help you navigate the practical stuff, the emotional stuff, and everything in between.

Whether it's making plans, recording stories, creating keepsakes, sitting comfortably in silence, having the conversations everyone has been avoiding, or simply making sure no one feels alone, I'm here to help make death a little less scary and a lot more human and shared.

Just like a birth doula supports people as they welcome life into the world, a death doula supports people as they prepare to say goodbye—with honesty, kindness, and without judgement. I sit somewhere in between, comfortable at both doors.

At DillyDally Death, I believe we don't need to rush death, avoid death, or whisper about death. We can chill with it for a while. We can make space for fear, learning, laughter, tears, memories, good conversations, terrible jokes, and beautiful goodbyes.

We don't replace doctors, nurses, palliative care teams, or funeral directors—We simply bolster you, your people and mob. We walk beside you, helping you and the people you love feel supported every step of the way.

There are lots of amazing end of life Doulas in Tasmania, we are all as different as we are human.

I feel at home holding space for families of infant and child loss or during times of impossible decision making as this is where my lived experience has travelled me. Photography is my passion. Understanding what each family needs from a Doula is more important than providing a list of “Pick me’s”. You and each family will find a doula that fits like a puzzle piece.

I am a passionate and eclectic human full of love and curiosity, with lots of out of the ordinary life experience and a sense of humour to match.

I am professional, calm, supportive and hardworking, you can expect me to be collaborative, honest, and straightforward. I am trauma informed with lots of mental health training. I will always be consent forward, respectful and take time to hold space for you and meet you where you are in your journey.

If we connect, wonderful! But, if we don’t then I am more than happy to connect you with another Doula I think will be amazing for you, there are lots of us, someone for everyone. Your comfort is the most important thing for me.

PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY + MEDIA

• Birth & baby photography

• Submersion & water photography

• Bereavement + family

• Post Mortem + funeral

• Audio letter recording + delivery

• Deathbed confessionals

• Story and memoir recording

• Tattoo cataloguing

• Pet photography

DEATH + BEYOND

• Funeral planning

• Vigil planning + wake holding

• Deathbed planning

• Advanced care directive support

HOME SUPPORTS + VIGILS

• Body care + cooling

• Body washing & dressing

• Menu planning

• Event coordination

• Venue liaison

• Decor Install

EDUCATION + CONVERSATION

• Education on death and dying

• Support through processes

• Abortion + termination advocacy supports

• Group information sessions

BUT WAIT THAT’S NOT ALL

My career and lived experience has been eclectic and broad including skills gained in event management, venue management, photography, support work, hospitality, crisis cleaning, sound and lighting for film, set building and install, catering and of course my doula work. Contact me to discuss your needs and what we can achieve together.

Start with a cup of tea.

Breathe and invite conversations in.

Getting started with me is simple.

Either, reach out through our contact form or schedule a call.

If urgent please text and call—we can talk through the options and your next steps and I’ll answer any questions along the way.

After losing your little one you will likely be frozen in time. I understand this and I know your one-on-one time is limited. Your time with bub is precious and the most important thing you can do is stay present and love your little one, let me do the running around if this is required.

We are making memories for you to have and hold dear, anything you feel will add to this experience is welcome, nothing is too weird or awkward.

Some examples of this are:

• Music - playing your favourite songs or lullabies, family singing.

• Your favourite flowers or special flora.

• Nursery items, soft toys, mobils, jewellery or gifts from family members.

• Knitted hand-me-downs or treasured family items and heirlooms are wonderful additions.

• Sibling hand-me-downs, clothing, toys, drawings or letters.

• Photos of any loved ones unable to meet them, people who have passed and people who are unable to be there.

• Ashes or legacy items of siblings or family that have also died.

• Pet items & photos.

Absolutely anything you can think of is suitable to be with or near your little one while we create beautiful photos for you.

If you already have outfits or blankets you want to see your little one in, I can help you do outfit changes and swaddle your bub. I will bring some fresh natural muslin wraps, in neutral colours and textures.

Alternatively, if you don’t have capacity or are unable to get things you really want to see your little one in I can collect orders and supplies for you pre photoshoot.

Your photoshoot will be directed by you and tailored to your family.

As a standard selection of images I always try to get (where possible) a range of:

Family portraits - group posed photos and one on one images.

Detail images, all the beautiful things you made - features you won’t want to forget, little wrinkles, birthmarks, dimples, hands & fingers, feet & tiny toes, eyes, ears, nose, little lips & chins, all the arm, neck, leg and bum rolls.

Wide shots - your environment, hospital details, crib photos, nursery layouts, mobiles and decor, toys and blankets.

Close-ups - all the cuddles, kisses and intimate bonding moments with you and your baby.

Environmental shots- the weather, the sunshine in your room, or storm clouds, rain through the window, all the shots that will remind you of your precious time together.

Immersion shots (by request) - photos of your little one under water to create a peaceful in utero aesthetic, this can sometimes assist with skin structure and skin tone, these photos can also be done during bathing, and can be timed to coincide with tape removals prior to detail shots. I can provide a clear perspex bath bowl for this.

My kit usually comprises of fresh muslin cloths and swaddles in neutral tones, textures and colours. I will also bring little blankets and towels.

My photography kit will be unobtrusive. I’ll bring my cameras, lenses, tripod, small soft lights, a ring light, No flash and minimal noise. I often bring a disposable camera too.

I try to be as inconsequential as possible, understanding that this is your time with your family, and I am just witnessing a fraction of your moments.

You will receive at a minimum as many photos as you arranged.

Due to the sensitive nature of my work, it can sometimes be too confronting for the public eye. I prefer to let families control how their loved ones images and features are shared. My aim is to have a gallery of nondescript and unidentifiable photos to showcase my photos and detail work as soon as possible.

I offer flexible pricing based on your specific budget, project type and complexity.

After an initial conversation, I’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs. I have a vague pricing guide, but every need is different. Its best to discuss your budget and expectations.

Please DON’T allow your financial restrictions stop you from reaching out.

I fundraise and collect donations to offer some pay it forward & free emergency sessions for families and people in need or crisis.

Let’s have a chat.

Yes, I will always travel for my clients, this may include a travel fee, but we can discuss what and where you need me.

I am also available for overnight stays and late night photoshoots. Death isn’t restricted to normal 9-5 weekday hours, so neither am I.

You can reach out anytime via our contact page or email. I aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

Email directly:

stella@dillydallydeath.com

For urgent photography and time sensitive support please text to arrange a callback.

Call and Text: 0488169924

This page is for Friends of a Doula - my way of loving and giving back to my mob, my people, my community.

For my beautiful friends, I have made a Google forms to collect your final wishes for your funerals, body disposition & wakes.

Its lighthearted and not a legal document, but I’d be happy to hold your basic wishes, “must nots” and crappy song choices. I can also give to your family when you “kick the bucket”.

See in the F.O.A.D page.