What is a “death doula”? Wellmania offers a hilarious take on serious business
Netflix’s latest Australian comedy series hilariously chronicles the trials and tribulations of a woman who must face her “live fast, die young” attitude before it’s too late. Of course, Wellmania deals with death and the associated existential crisis, even with a death doula in one episode.
Based on the novel of the same name by author Brigid Delaney, Wellmania is a wacky comedic tale about a woman’s quest for well-being. Created by Benjamin Law, the Netflix adaptation stars Celeste Barber as the intense protagonist Liv.
The Australian comedy series hit the streaming site on Wednesday 29th March 2023. It consists of 8 episodes in total, each detailing the offbeat adventure Liv undertakes after confronting a major health crisis.
What is a death doula?
A death doula is a trained professional who seeks to provide comfort and support during and after death. They are often referred to as the end-of-life coach or doula and midwife for death.
While many professionals are familiar with what are known as birth doulas, a death doula is essentially the same concept but with a focus on the end of a person’s life rather than the beginning.
Death doulas are not licensed to provide medical care, but are there for the dying person and their family to provide spiritual and emotional support. These types of professionals are available around the world in many different cultures and countries.
Recently, the profession has garnered some media attention, with even celebrities like Riley Keough choosing to train as a death doula.
Researching the character of the Death Doula in Wellmania
In Episode 6 of Wellmania, the chaotic main character Liv hitchhikes to Canberra with a death doula. This is a major trigger for Liv’s past as she is forced to narrate the day her father died.
In the episode, appropriately titled Life and Death, Liv reluctantly agrees to help the death doula in exchange for a ride. The doula quickly reveals her name as Philomena. One thing leads to another and the two arrive at the home of Philomena’s next client, an elderly man named Mr. Sarkis, who is dying surrounded by his family.
Various moments throughout the episode bring back uncomfortable memories for Liv as she realizes all the heartache she was dealing with on her own as a child. Seeing Philomena comfort the grieving family proves more than influential on Liv’s journey.
At the end of the episode, the chaotic main character has processed a lot and thanks the death doula for her time.
All episodes of Wellmania are now available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
In other news: What is a “death doula”? Wellmania offers a hilarious take on serious business
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/03/31/what-is-adeath-doula-wellmania-offers-a-hilarious-take-on-grave-matters/ What is a “death doula”? Wellmania offers a hilarious take on serious business
