Death Midwifery
Death Midwifery combines the roles of death doula, spiritual counselor, home funeral guide and funeral celebrant. A Sacred Crossings Death Midwife provides information, guidance and support to both the death journeyer and their family from terminal diagnosis through final disposition.
)WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DEATH MIDWIFE AND A DEATH DOULA?
A Death Doula is most often recognized as someone who guides and supports individuals and their families throughout the dying journey. This role may or may not include after-death care depending on the training of the doula.
A Death Midwife, (as defined by Sacred Crossings), is a death doula who has also studied after-death care, the funeral industry and is a funeral celebrant. He or she offers support and guidance for the 3-day vigil, home funeral, after-death sacred rituals and burial or cremation services.
To learn about our Death Doula and Death Midwife Certificate Training Programs, or to register for a class, please go to: Courses and Trainings
To learn more about our founder, Death Midwife, Olivia Bareham and the Death Midwifery services offered by Sacred Crossings, please visit The Death Midwife page.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN HIRING A SACRED CROSSINGS DEATH MIDWIFE
During the initial in-home consultation, the midwife will help create a plan to address the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of the individual as they navigate the undulating path of the dying process. Subsequent visits may be monthly, weekly or daily depending on the needs of the family.
We work closely with doctors, hospice, caregivers, clergy and out-of-town family members to provide comfort, guidance and support for a peaceful transition experience.
DEATH MIDWIFERY SERVICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- In-home, hospital, or nursing home visits with you and your loved-one
- Detailed reporting to next-of-kin unable to visit
- Emergency room support after unexpected death
- Holding space while life-support is discontinued (includes sacred singing, spiritual guidance, after-death rituals and body preparation if required)
- Support with stillborn and infant death and bringing baby home for a home funeral
- Finding a local, reputable hospice to meet your loved-ones needs
- Assistance with completing advance directives for health care and death care
- Assistance with fulfilling final wishes / healing relationships / putting things in order
- Spiritual support including guided imagery, meditations and exercises to help alleviate anxiety and suffering
- Guidance with completing the life-review and legacy project
- Support with writing an autobiography or creating a video-biography as a legacy to loved one
- Education and guidance for after death care of the body and dry-ice preservation for a home vigil and funeral (see FAQs for details)
- Coordinating with Sacred Crossings Funeral Home for transportation and cremation or burial
- Assistance with funeral service planning
- Celebrant to officiate funerals, memorials and graveside services
WHY HIRE A DEATH DOULA or DEATH MIDWIFE IN LA COUNTY?
“Dying is not something that happens to you, dying is something you do.”
– Stephen Jenkinson
Dying is a journey, one that invites us into the depths of our human-ness.
This journey can be frightening and lonely, but with support and guidance the death journey can be one of awe and gratitude, of expansive loving awareness never before imagined. It can be a journey filled with kindness and tenderness and peace.
Our final days can be the best days of our lives, if we can surrender our resistance, welcome the unknown and fall open to receive love that is beyond our imaginings.
Hiring a death doula can help both you and your loved-ones experience the dying journey in this way.
“Who we think we are can’t do it, but who we really are can, so who we think we are must die in the process.” – Ram Dass
SPEAK WITH A DEATH MIDWIFE AT SACRED CROSSINGS TODAY
Sacred Crossings death midwives provide conscious, compassionate support every step of the way. Whether you are looking for death doula, spiritual counseling, or home funeral services in Los Angeles County, our certified death midwives can help.
Contact us today for an appointment. 800-805-5561
View our General Price List for all services HERE
We are proud to serve Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, Pasadena, Ventura, Santa Monica, and the surrounding areas.
Our Administrative Office Location:
28310 Roadside Drive, Suite 211, Agoura Hills, CA 91301