Frequently Asked Questions
Because you asked...
Q: Why do you use Death Midwife instead of Death Doula? Is there a difference?
A: There is no difference in the function of the two. The word 'doula' first came to recognition by the Greeks. It originally referred to a slave that served females. (Doulos being a the male version of that.) It has recently been softened to simply mean 'a woman who serves another woman.' While that may apply to the birth context of a doula being 'the one who assists the midwife, or the birthing mother,' we do not believe the term accurately reflects what we do.
Q: What is the difference between a Death Midwife and a Hospice Worker?
A: The Death Midwife is not medically trained. We fill the gap between the medical profession, and the funeral industry.
Q: How old do you have to be to be a Death Midwife?
A: Anyone can hold compassionate space for the dying however, you must be at least 21 years of age to take this class.
Q: Are all death midwives female?
A: No. Just as there are male birth midwives, we have many men who have taken this class and who elect to use the title Death Midwife.
Q: How long is the class?
A: The class is 30 hours long and takes place over a 3-day weekend. You must be present for the full 30 hours in order to receive the certificate.
Q: Who would benefit from taking this class?
A: We have had a variety of people from many walks of life who have discovered this training to be beneficial.
Patients facing a terminal illness
Friends and family caring for someone who is dying
Those who want to accompany a loved one through this process
Professionals working in hospice, hospitals or nursing homes who are seeking to expand their skills and effectiveness in assisting with death and dying care
Healers and therapists who want to learn more
Ministers, Clergy
Celebrants, Chaplains and Community Activists or Educators
Hospice volunteers or those wishing to become volunteers
Anyone who wishes to learn more about cultivating presence and personal awareness in death, dying and living well
Those who want to prepare gracefully for their own journey through dying into death
Those wanting to embrace the mystery of death and educate others as well as participate in what can be the most sacred and and deeply moving experience of their life.