Soul Midwifery
As a Soul Midwife I regard every person living or dying as if they are the most important person in the world. I offer a range of gentle therapies to soothe and reassure and am a skilled advocate and advisor. I am non-denominational in my support, and will encourage meaningful conversations, however difficult, with love and dignity. My connection and role with a person or family may begin from point of diagnosis and continue until the final day of life, with encouragement and support for living life fully, until the end - in whatever way the person wishes.
Soul Midwives , alongside other professionals aim to assist in transforming the personal and collective experiences of those dying and living within the community, by helping anyone facing the end of life to experience a tender, peaceful and conscious death. I can offer the following in any combination.
End of Life Companion
The primary role as a soul midwife is to be with someone as much or as little as they need or want throughout their journey. We are there without judgement, are non denominational, and always come from the heart in everything we do. We treat everyone we work with as our own family. We see death as precious and sacred and believe people should have as much love and support as possible. It will happen to us all and we only have one chance to get it right, for that person and those left behind.
Assist with ‘Advance Care Planning’ and funeral preparations
Thinking about the care or treatment that you want early on in your journey takes any worries away from yourself and your loved ones if, and when it happens. Planning your funeral can be empowering and can also be an uplifting experience. This is also emotional but cathartic and reassuring. As a Celebrant, I can support this emotional journey alongside you, and help with introducing your wishes to your family. I would also be honoured to conduct your funeral for you when the time comes within the knowledge that you have someone that knows you and can speak from their heart.
Facilitate open conversations
Talking about death and dying may not be easy even when we are fit and well. Discussing your wishes and deepest feeling with those you love can be one of the hardest conversations you will ever have when you are facing the end of your life. As a soul midwife I would be able to support you in your conversations.
Deep Listening and Advanced Communication Skills
Deep listening is something most of us take for granted, but not something that we do on a day to day basis. Soul Midwives connect with the person on a different level and really 'hear' what someone is saying, and it is not always about the words. Listening is probably the biggest part of our role for our 'friends' and their families. It may prove to be the case of not saying anything but simply being present and holding the space for the individual to ‘be’.
Creating Memory Boxes
Memory boxes, scrap books, recipe collections and audio recordings are just a few of the wonderful ways of leaving a lasting and meaningful legacy. Creating any or all of these as a family, with children, or with those you love can prove to be healing and an avenue for supporting others and self through the early grief that sets in. The memories developed during the creation of these memories will be precious. Soul Midwives can help everyone involved, even if only for ideas.
Help signpost and attend appointments
Part of my role maybe to attend appointments as an impartial, yet loving support. We can just 'be present' so you feel less alone. I can also help research, investigate options, look for help and seek advice. There is a huge amount of support out there for those who maybe poorly, it's just a case of knowing where to look.
Use therapeutic techniques
Sounds from instruments such as gongs, chimes and singing bowls, Oils, Aromas, Crystals and Gentle Touch/Reiki and other complementary therapies are some of the things I have on offer in my Soul Midwives ‘toolkit’ and I can offer to those we work with. All of these ancient therapies can bring a sense of calm, reduce heart rates, ease fear and anxiety, and holistically support the journey through death. All senses can become heightened when we die and all of these ways have been proved to work for centuries by our ancestors.
Hold Bedside Vigils
I can ‘hold’ the sacred space at the bedside of those who are dying. We can create a calm, loving and safe space for the souls journey ahead. Families may want to do to this themselves and we can support loved ones to do this to help fulfil a persons wishes. Some people want music, pictures, a favourite blanket or trinket near them, all of these personal touches can help create a loving vigil. This is an example of one of the benefits of having conversation about what wishes are held - early on.
FEES
Fees are negotiated and dependent on what is requested. They are agreed beforehand, and can be adjusted over time as needs change.