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.