End-of-life Guidance

I am a non-medical professional trained to care for a terminally ill person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during the death process. My role is referred to as an “End-of-life doula,” or “Soul Midwife,” a relatively new concept in South Africa. 

As a Soul Midwife, my mission is to bring spirituality, through presence and ritual, back into the physical act of dying. I assist individuals as well as their families and friends to face death with a little less fear and a lot more love.

The purpose of my work is to empower individuals and their families to make informed decisions, ensure their wishes are respected, and provide a sense of comfort and support during this challenging time. I serve as a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of end-of-life care and can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that often accompany this stage of life.

My services vary from individual to individual and can include the following:

• Education and Advocacy: Guidance to make informed decisions about end-of-life care and treatment options. I can advocate for the individual's wishes within the healthcare system. I provide education on new and progressive options for home wakes and natural burials. I educate individuals and families about the dying process, including what to expect physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

• Legacy Projects: I can assist individuals in creating legacy projects, such as recording personal stories, letters, or video messages for loved ones.

• Emotional and Spiritual Support: Emotional support to individuals and their families as they navigate the emotional challenges associated with end-of-life planning and the grief that follows a loved one's passing. I can provide resources for counseling, therapy, or spiritual guidance.

• Rituals and Ceremony: Facilitating or supporting the creation of meaningful rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual practices to honor the individual's journey towards death and to provide closure for loved ones. These ceremonies are designed around each individual's specific faith and wishes.

• Vigil Support: Being present during the active dying process, offering a calming and compassionate presence to the individual and their family.

• After-Death Care: Assisting with post-death rituals and practical matters, such as creating a home funeral or guiding families through the early stages of grief and mourning.

• Family Support: Guidance and support to family members as they navigate the emotional challenges of end-of-life care and the grief that follows a loved one's passing.

I am here to help you comfortably navigate your options, so that you can rest, secure in the knowledge that you have taken steps to ensure your  wishes are carried out.

I have no agenda other than to be of service. It is a gift to be present for the dying and their family, to create and hold sacred space so that the one dying will feel safe to engage in the great labor of making the transition back into the afterlife.