FAQs - Doula Services — Detailed

Packages / Pricing / Process / Legacy Activities

These questions go deeper into the specifics of our doula service packages — pricing, process, legacy
activities, vigil planning, and what the experience actually looks and feels like.

How do your package names work — what does Eirene, Sophia, Olympus mean?

Our service packages are named after ancient Greek concepts that reflect the nature of the support provided:
• Eirene™ (Peace) — A gentle, light-touch introduction to doula support
• Sophia™ (Wisdom) — A short series for planning and conversation
• Thalassa™ (The Sea) — Ongoing support through waves of change
• Aether™ (Pure Light) — Comprehensive regular contact and guidance
• Eos™ (Dawn) — A structured beginning for families new to this journey
• Harmonia™ (Harmony) — Expanded support during early hospice involvement
• Odyssey™ — Full-journey support over several months
• Olympus™ — Our highest-touch package from early changes through the final phase
The names are intentional — this is sacred work, and language matters to us.

I'm not sure which package is right for us. How do we choose?

You don't have to figure that out alone. We offer a free 15-minute discovery call where we listen to your situation and help you identify which level of support makes the most sense.
In general:
• If you are in early stages and exploring options → Eirene™ or Sophia™
• If there is an active prognosis of months → Thalassa™, Aether™, or Eos™
• If hospice is involved or approaching → Harmonia™ or Odyssey™
• If you want intensive, comprehensive support → Olympus™
We can always adjust as circumstances change.

What are Legacy Activities and why do they matter?

Legacy Activities are structured, meaningful projects completed during companionship visits that help a person leave something of themselves behind for the people they love. These may include:
• Recorded voice or video messages to family members
• Life story interviews and written memory narratives
• Letters to children, grandchildren, or loved ones
• A personal ethical will (a document of values, not assets)
• Memory boxes and meaningful object collections
• Family recipe or tradition documentation
• Photo organization and captioning projects
Legacy work is often the most profound gift a family receives. It transforms grief into treasure.

What is the Thanatos Activation plan and do I really need it?

The Thanatos Activation™ ($125) is a planning and placement service. You pay once, we conduct a brief planning call, and your family is placed on our priority vigil list.

This means that when the moment comes — when your loved one's hospice nurse says it may be hours or days — you call us and we prioritize your family for vigil coverage.

Without this, you are calling us in crisis and competing with other urgent needs. With it, we already know your family and are ready to respond quickly.

We strongly recommend it for any family who may need vigil support in the future.

What is the difference between the Helios Vigil and the Nyx Vigil?

Both are flexible, hourly vigil options — the difference is timing:
• Helios Vigil™ (Daytime Watch) — Daytime blocks, typically 3–4 hours, at $75–$125 per hour. Ideal for family
respite during daylight hours.
• Nyx Vigil™ (Night Watch) — Overnight blocks, typically 4–6 hours, at $75–$125 per hour. For the long, quiet
nights when family members need to sleep.
Both can be used alongside the full Hypnos™ or Nyx™ vigil packages, or as standalone support.

Can we start with a small package and upgrade if we need more?

Yes, absolutely. Many families begin with Eirene™ or Sophia™ to get a sense of how doula support works, and then move to a more comprehensive package as needs evolve. We are flexible and responsive. We will always discuss your options honestly and never pressure you toward a larger commitment than your situation requires.

What is the On-Call Retainer and who is it for?

The On-Call Retainer ($300–$500 per month) is for families who are in a watching-and-waiting phase — things
have not reached crisis level, but the situation is unpredictable. The retainer provides:
• Regular brief check-in calls (phone or video)
• Priority scheduling access if an urgent need arises
• Ongoing guidance and caregiver coaching
It is ideal for families who want a relationship already in place before intensity increases.

Do you provide support in hospitals, or only at home?

We provide support wherever our clients are — at home, in a hospice facility, in an assisted living or skilled nursing community, or in a hospital room (where hospital visitation policies allow). Please note that hospital policies on visitors vary. We recommend confirming with your care team that a doula companion is permitted in the room.

Can the doula be present at the moment of death?

Yes, if that is the wish of the family and the individual. Sacred Passage doulas are trained to hold space at the time of death with calmness, reverence, and presence. We do not panic; we do not rush. We honor the sacredness of the transition. If family members want to be present, we support and guide them. If they choose to step out, we remain.