Resources
From blogs, videos, podcasts, and interviews--find resources that answer your questions about being an end-of-life doula.
PODCAST EPISODES HERE
PODCAST EPISODES HERE
Some people’s interest in topics related to death and dying is purely for their own understanding. This is powerful in and of itself, as we can powerfully change the world one person at a time within our own personal circles of friends and family.
You are not alone in your desire to serve others at the end of life. Look at all the articles listed below; it used to be that volunteering at hospice or the hospital was the only option if you had this calling.
Below are just some of the mainstream press reporting on the phenomenon of the Death Doula: At our CareDoula School of Accompanying the Dying, our program is a comprehensive and innovative way to learn, integrate, and develop what you have been called to do. Our End-of-Life Doula Certificate Program is the first one created and has been the model since the beginning. We continue to lead this grassroots movement by example with our in-depth lifetime coaching and training.
What do you call yourself? At CareDoula School of Accompanying the Dying we have adopted the suggestion of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) regarding how we refer to this role of the Independent
End-of-Life Practitioner. You can review it on their website at nedaalliance.org. As it may warm my heart to call myself a Death Midwife or Transition Guide for example, the medical profession and the general public are accepting the title of The “go-to” person is that special person within a circle that people know they can turn to during serious situations.
In response to "what is it that you do?", let me clarify with some scenarios. I work with people and families at two different times usually: 1) at some crisis point where we develop a plan that will get them through the time period, or 2) I am with a family as the person they love is dying, providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support.
I love this: "Who is your client? – Your client is a unique reflection of you who is sent to help you under the guise of receiving help. You receive their highest help by providing them with your greatest gift." - Marc David.
No matter what field you are working in, if you are working closely with someone who really needs you, do you feel this way? I know I do. I was sitting with a family early this morning waiting for the funeral home to arrive. The hospital was quiet and it was just the wife, daughter and I at the bedside of a man who was dearly loved and who had just died.
In providing emotional support, we are helping to create a peaceful environment.
Emotional support is the essence of our presence. During our entire journey with the dying and their family our presence is one of the most stabilizing gifts we can offer. This article is for those people called to be a doula for the dying.
After someone has died, I encourage the family to take as long as they need to be with their loved one. I encourage them to wait before they call hospice and have as much private time as they can now because once you call hospice, action begins to remove the body. |
Are you interested in serving at the end of life in your own unique way?
"It's 100% possible!"
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