The role of a Certified Death Midwife

When a person is nearing death, a Death Midwife's role is to serve as a supportive companion; to meet the needs and wishes of the dying throughout the dying process.  We also serve to educate and empower the families to understand and participate in the death process of their loved one through the final transition.

Whether your loved one's final days are spent in a hospital, in a nursing home, or in your own home, with compassionate hearts, calming voices, and plenty of hand-holding, Death Midwives . . . 
  • create an environment in which families are able to participate in the final days of a loved one's life
  • facilitate dialog between the dying and their family regarding their wishes for end of life care
  • initiate and support conversations regarding choices involved with disposition of their body
  • often sit vigil with the dying and comfort them as they leave their physical body 
  • can assist with the end-of-life paperwork
  • support families in the gift of caring for their loved one's body after death
  • work in a non-medical role; we don’t duplicate the work of professional nurses, doctors or funeral directors but instead work alongside them
  • care for the family members and friends
  • can offer assistance in the beautiful tradition of home funerals, if requested, and help create a personalized and meaningful service for your loved one

In short, we facilitate your loved one's passing from this world with dignity, with grace, and as gently as possible.