This is one of the biggest questions I get, "how are death doulas and hospice different?" Or, "why would someone need an end of life doula when there is hospice?" Or, "are death doulas competing with hospice?" These are variations of the same question. Listen in as I give you a foundation of what role each plays.

End of Life Doulas are in a new time, incorporating all that is occurring due to the pandemic.  New discussions evolve daily, weekly, and will continue to do so. We are out of the shock of it all. We are into expansion again. We are trying on how we will move with the times now. In this podcast Deanna shares how the pandemic has affected a death doula's practice. 

5 Important things a Death Doula must know to help their professional practice  are: 1) Get the word out about your service before every little thing is in place; 2) Know, inside and out, what the #1 tool of the trade is and take great care of it; 3) ... go to our blog post to read the rest, better yet, listen in or even better, watch the video! blessings. :) Deanna www.qualityoflifecare.com

As you study the 3 keys to starting your end of life doula practice, you may feel awkward right now, but over time, as you learn more about these principles and practice them, you will feel better. I promise!

It's not rocket science to accompany the dying, it is a human endeavor, natural to us--it is something we have always done. However, if you want to do this in a professional capacity, it has been my experience that you need to have more intentional development.

Blessings on your journey. love, Deanna

Vigil days (pre-death vigil) is what most people think of when they think of serving the dying and their families. Here are some tips that may be helpful if you are considering doing this service professionally.  

What you have learned as a death doula is the same set of skills and awarenesses that you need now, during COVID-19. Its not that we need new skills, its that we need to dive deeper within for a newer deeper level of self care to be that guiding light that we already are, whether we are aware of it or not. 

QualityOfLifeCare.com

You can heal from your illness and NOT have to suffer. That is the message in this video. Unconventional ways to use the medicine most think only hospice uses. (all death doulas and healthcare advocates should know backwards and forwards whats in this video.)

love, Deanna

QLC Resources

As a society we have been turned upside by the covid-19 pandemic. What death doulas in training can do now to support.

Kimberly King Wise is a Certified End of Life Doula, Home Funeral Guide, Certified Business Manager and Virtual Assistant with 21 years of experience supporting coaches, trainers and authors. She is a passionate death positive movement advocate and is uniquely skilled in helping death positive business owners kickstart their businesses into high gear. Listen in as she gives us several pearls from her years of experience.

The doula's role can be powerfully strengthened and supported with a clear understanding of the basic tenets of five of our world's religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

For over a decade, author, hospital chaplain, and birth/death doula Amy Wright Glenn taught in the Religion and Philosophy Department at The Lawrence School in New Jersey. 

Now, for the first time, Amy will combine her studies as a scholar of comparative religion with her work as a birth and death doula. Understanding World Religions for Birth and Death Doulas is open to all interested in the study of our world’s great wisdom traditions but it is particularly crafted with great love for, and dedication to, the transformative role birth and death doulas play in our society.

Learn more: https://birthbreathanddeath.com/ 

Meet Elizabeth, a massage therapist and end-of-life doula in private practice. She shares her story with us here of how she was a hospice volunteer and naturally came to develop her end of life private practice. She also shares about a new technique she developed for practitioners who serve people at the end of life, "Nurturing Touch for the Dying." Listen in and visit her website: www.elizabethernrecht.com 

Email her at: [email protected]

Another amazing interview brought to you by Deanna Cochran RN, Founder of Quality of Life Care and creator of the School of Accompanying the Dying.