End of Life Doulas and Soul Midwives
Contents
What is an End of Life Doula/Soul Midwife?
With medical services and professionals stretched to the limit, it is not always possible for them to give patients the extra care, support and information they need when they are facing the end of their life. An End of Life Doula or Soul Midwife can fill this void.
Living Well Dying Well, a West Sussex based organisation that trains Doulas, explains the concept and role of an End of Life Doula:
“Doulas are trained in supporting people at the beginning (birth doulas) and end of life. ‘End of Life Doulas’ walk alongside the individual, their family and their community as an informed companion. They are sensitive to practical, emotional and spiritual needs and are a consistent and compassionate presence, with knowledge, experience and understanding. Their role is to preserve the quality of wellbeing, sense of identity and self-worth from the moment of diagnosis. They do not replace medical care, but facilitate access to resources that are available and also recognise the frequently intangible elements of life that can have a major impact on the family as they strive to maintain the best quality of life possible.”
Even if you have supportive family and friends, having someone with knowledge and expertise who can help you navigate the medical, psychological and practical aspects in the last weeks or months, can help make a very difficult time a little easier for you and those around you.
Finding an End of Life Doula or Soul Midwife
There are a number of organisations which train and supply End of Life Doulas and Soul Midwives.
This person with be coming into the home and caring for the you, or your loved one, at their most vulnerable, so it is really important to find someone that they, or you, get on well with and that you trust completely.
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