Andrea Bullock lost her husband Danny to a terminal illness six months ago.

Key points: End of life doulas offer support and comfort to people approaching death

End of life doulas offer support and comfort to people approaching death They help navigate all the important decisions around dying and are becoming increasingly popular

They help navigate all the important decisions around dying and are becoming increasingly popular There are also doulas who provide services for families who have lost an infant child

While she's still coming to terms with her loss, she's at peace with his death.

"It was painful, but it was also beautiful in that we had that time together — time to prepare," Ms Bullock said.

The couple researched their options but decided conventional funeral services weren't for them.

Instead they hired an end-of-life doula.

Just like birth doulas, end-of-life doulas offer support and comfort to people approaching death.

Andrea Bullock and her husband, Danny, decided a traditional funeral service wasn't for them. ( Supplied: Andrea Bullock )

They also help navigate all the important decisions around dying, facilitating eco-friendly and unique services tailored to family's wishes.

Former funeral celebrant Sandra Bamford has been doing it for four years, and said it was a privilege.

"In this work we get to engage earlier and we get to keep an ongoing relationship so it really is a companion of the dying," she said.

Ms Bamford said the main difference between funeral homes and doulas was continuity of care and around-the-clock support.

"It takes the fear away, so you meet me, I walk with you through planning," she said.

"I'm then also going to be the person that's going to help with your body care after you've died," she said.

End of life doula Sandra Bamford says they help take the fear out of dying by providing around-the-clock support. ( ABC News: Mitchell Woolnough )

'He had passed on'

The Bullocks wanted a low-fuss, simple goodbye.

Mr Bullock died at home with his family by his side.

His body remained there for an extra night, on a cool mat.

"I think it helped all of us, even though we knew his spirit was gone and it was just his shell that remained, it gave us time to get our heads around [the fact] he had passed on," Ms Bullock said.

For Ms Bullock, being able to sleep next to her husband for one final night helped to provide closure.

"It wasn't just a funeral home coming in, whacking him on a trolley and whipping him out of the house and then you'll see him again at the funeral it was a whole family involved process," she said.

"It was beautiful for me in particular to be able to spend that last night laying beside my husband and holding on to his arm for the whole night before that final goodbye."

Relief comes from talking about death

Ms Hayes says she's pragmatic about death. ( ABC News: Mitchell Woolnough )

Christine Hayes, 80, has also hired a doula for herself and her husband, Eric.

They are pragmatic about death and wanted to make all the decisions themselves.

"It's not a nice subject but I think if we're all honest about it, we all know that it's going to happen sooner or later," she said.

"I think if you've run your life, why not do it for your death too."

They've planned everything from legal arrangements to instructions about resuscitation and their cremations.

They have four children but didn't want to force the difficult decisions on to their family.

"When it actually happens and you lose someone that you care about you're not really in a position to make valid judgements, your emotions and your grief overcome everything and I just think it's more comfortable to make the decisions now, in the cold hard light of day," Ms Hayes said.

She said people were not aware of the different services on offer, and death should be more talked about.

"I think there is a relief talking about it, I think you're more comfortable if you can face it," she said.

Cuddle cribs assisting families with infant loss

The Hayes's doula, Lynn Redwig, said death or end of life doulas are growing in popularity.

"People are becoming more aware that we are out there and that we do provide a valuable service, we're so used to how the funeral industry works, so it does take time but it's certainly gaining more recognition," she said.

Lynn Redwig helps families deal with infant loss. ( ABC News: Mitchell Woolnough )

Ms Redwig also assists families with infant loss.

A trained neo-natal intensive care nurse, she recognised that grieving families often needed more time to say goodbye to their babies.

"I give parents the choice of bringing their baby home and to spend time with their baby in their home, I've got a cooling crib and I can keep the baby cool and they can take their time," she said.

The CuddleCot is used to keep babies cool for one night at home before parents say their final goodbyes. ( ABC News: Annah Fromberg )

She said it was healing in a way.

"There's no rush and it's such a different setting in your home environment," she said.

"Hospitals are such a busy environment, and what I find is you only get this time once with your baby, and it makes such a profound difference and its healing in a way to take your time and not to rush things.

"It's lovely to bring their baby out of the hospital, because it's devastating to walk out of the hospital without the baby."

The infants can stay at home for up to five days with the cooling cot.