Death midwifery is as old as time. I believe it is one of the deepest of callings.
It was not all that long ago when human beings were born and died at home. Support and care for both transitions was provided by family and friends. Over the past century, both birth and death have transitioned to more medicalized events, often taking place in a hospital. However, movements have taken place to bring both events back into the comfort of one's home.
The work of a death midwife is not medically oriented, instead it is work that comes from, and is given to, the heart. Death midwives work alongside other professionals such as nurses or funeral directors, they do not replace them or duplicate their work. Death midwives work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home environments.
Careers in death and dying have expanded greatly as more and more people become interested in the idea of handling death the way they choose. Because of this developing industry, many different terminologies have been used to describe similar, although sometimes uniquely different, roles. The National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA) has done a wonderful job of defining these different roles. Click HERE to go to the NHFA website to read up on the Definition of our Roles.
I hold a certification in death midwifery, however, depending on the roles I am taking on for each particular family, I also find myself as an End of Life Guide, a Home Funeral Guide and a Celebrant (I am ordained through the Universal Life Church).
My services are tailored to each person/family's needs, and can include:
Pre-death support and counseling.
Assistance with death planning and paperwork.
Providing information and resources in regards to standard funerals and burials/cremation, as well as green and home funerals.
Loving support and assistance during the process of death and afterwards.
Assisting with whatever choices the family has made in regards to preparing the body for viewing and then burial or cremation.
Performing non-denominational funeral/memorial services.
Bereavement support for grieving family and friends.
I have a strong passion for death and dying and am a vocal supporter for each person having the choice (if possible) to die how they choose, and to plan their own memorial services/funerals, as well as what will be done with their body once it is no longer needed on this earth. I am an advocate for people whether they desire a traditional funeral, a much more eclectic celebration of life, or anything in between. I also feel strongly about planning for the end of one's life, completing necessary paperwork, and answering the important questions so loved ones don't find themselves in the unenviable position of having to make decisions for a loved one who has died, or can no longer speak for themselves.
Death is inevitable for all of us. I aspire to bring death back into the conversation of life. It doesn't have to be sad and uncomfortable. In fact, truly facing death, preparing for it, and understanding its presence in our lives, can make it significantly less scary. Whether you, or a family member, is facing a terminal illness or you are simply looking to start a conversation about planning for your death (no matter how old you are!), I'd love to have the conversation with you!