Category: End-of-life
Life Transitions in Nature: A Doula’s Just-for-Fun Reflection
I’ve always loved macro nature photography—especially the kind with dark backgrounds and sharp, striking detail. There’s something so still and reverent about those images. You can almost hear the quiet. Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to photos that show life transitions in nature: a seed breaking open, a fern slowly unfurling, or the exact moment…
Ending the Silence on the Denial of Death and End-of-Life Doulas
How the Denial of Death and End-of-Life Doulas Reflect Our Fear of Mortality In modern Western society, the denial of death and end-of-life doulas rarely enter the same conversation. Death is often pushed to the margins—sterilized, hidden, and whispered about, if acknowledged at all. We live in a culture that reveres youth, productivity, and the illusion of…
When Baby and Elder Care Collide:
Doula Support for the Unsung Baby and Elder Caregiver “My mom needs me. My baby needs me. I don’t know who I am right now—except tired.” Caring for a newborn while also supporting an aging parent or family member. The reality of managing baby and elder care simultaneously is becoming increasingly common. What’s more, it…
Avoiding caregiver burnout
The Silent Struggle of Caregiving A friend recently shared with me the challenges of caring for a parent in decline. She was exhausted. The daily drama, the constant needs of a father in decline. She was close to caregiver burnout. Avoiding caregiver burnout is hard when the spiritual and emotional battles are draining you physically.…
Know the signs death is near
In a recent article for Upworthy palliative care nurse Julie MacFadden explained the symptoms she sees in those who will die a natural death in the next six months. McFadden cares for those who enter hospice care and every patient exhibits the same three symptoms. I’ve written in the past about the signs death may…
Planning for Death: The End is not the Beginning
A much neglected task Of all things in life, only one is certain: we are going to die. Planning for this time can make a profound difference to the experience and dignity of our final days. For our loved ones, planning for death can make the experience calm and meaningful rather than stressful and confusing.…
Want a doula but think you can’t afford it? Tips to make doula support work with any budget
We know that having high-quality doula support can make all the difference to your birth, postpartum, or end-of-life experience, but people sometimes may experience some sticker shock when quoted a price for this care. When you engage a doula, you get a commitment to round-the clock on-call availability, and access to the doula’s investment in…
The Little Things Count
I was recently reading a very helpful book titled Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love by Lisa Carlson. It was written in 1998 so its a bit dated but most of the information the author shares is still relevant. The bulk of the pages details your rights and options caring for the…
Actively Dying
Caring for a loved one when death seems imminent can be challenging. You’ve been told it could happen at anytime but none can predict the minute or hour or even day. Exhaustion precludes being perpetually vigilant. We all must rest. We all must receive occasional respite or burn out. Thankfully there are signs that can…
Sharing the Grief
Younger men have a duty to their older brothers to stand ready when barriers grow thin and resolution weakens. To be near when tears grow easier and pain feels keener. On several occasions in my life I have sat with older men while they shared a loss that would be difficult for any of us.…
