Laboring Out of Life With Death Doula Kacie

Listen to this episode to learn details about the work of a death doula with Kacie Gikonyo, better known as Death Doula Kacie. Kacie has built a large online community as a Registered Nurse death educator. She’s the founder of the Death Doula School and her book Laboring Out of Life: A Death Doula’s Approach to Intentional End of Life Care is a resource for death doulas, healthcare professionals, and family caregivers alike.  

Kacie is also the creator of the Labor Out Conference happening Oct. 28, 2026 at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference brings together healthcare providers and deathcare providers to educate on death, dying, and end of life conversations. It’s a great opportunity for anyone wanting to improve their practice and skills. Featured speakers include Kacie, Dr. Bob Uslander from Empowered Endings, and founder of Your Palliative PA Chelsea Ernest. CEUs are offered for some healthcare professionals. You can register for the Labor Out event here. 

Here are some highlights from today’s episode:

• Death should never be so scary we can’t talk about it.
• The role of the death doula can be vital in supporting people with life-limiting illness and their caregivers. 
• End of Life Doulas, or Death Doulas provide non-clinical support, working side by side with hospice teams.
• Kacie advocates for bringing in hospice care sooner, establishing a solid support system for both patient and caregivers.  
• Introducing the topic of hospice with their doctor should be easy for patients and decision-makers to do, creating open, honest conversation.
• A good starting point is discussion about quality of life, focusing on the patient spending their time doing things that matter to them. 
• It’s ok for patients to be direct and tell their healthcare team, “That’s not how I want to spend my time.” That’s another way to define quality of life.
• Kacie envisions the role of a death doula becoming commonplace in the next ten years, being integrated into hospitals, rehab units, and long-term care facilities.

Connect with hospice nurse and Death Doula Kacie Gikonyo:

Website: deathdoulakacie.com Social media: @deathdoulakacie on all platforms Website for The Labor Out Conference: Where Healthcare Meets Deathcare): deathdoulakacie.com/laborout Purchase your copy of Kacie’s new book Laboring Out of Life: A Death Doulas Approach to Intentional End of Life Care here

Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.

Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible. And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care. 

If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. It’s easy to connect by phone or video. You can book a 30-Minute Navigation Session for just $45 if you’re starting to talk about end of life care. A 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95 provides for an in-depth discussion, and allows for up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time.

Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. 

Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Email: helen@theheartofhospice.com

More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast