Death Doula Services
PLEASE NOTE: While I am not taking new clients at this time, you may find end of life doula support in the Bay Area by visiting https://www.endoflifedoulaalliance.com/
Mindfulness for End of Life
Guided mindfulness practices such as yoga nidra and death meditations can help ease physical discomfort and feelings of anxiety and fear. Yoga nidra is a special meditative state that is achieved by rotating awareness on the different parts of the body and working with a unique “sankalpa”, or intention, for healing and peace. In doing so, we are able to quiet the commotion of the mind, learn to let go, and move toward a state of readiness and acceptance. Death meditations are gentle and guided, and visualizations will vary based on the needs of the individual. May be performed in-person or via zoom. Sessions are 45-60 minutes long.
Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) Ingestion Planning & Support
Passed in 2016, the California End of Life Option Act allows terminally ill clients to obtain a prescription for life-ending medication from a physician.
This law allows people with terminal illness to decide when and how to die. It can be more complex than many realize, as there is much to consider in the weeks and days leading up to ingestion. Having a death doula for additional support can offer clients and loved ones a greater sense of safety and ease throughout the process.
Vigil Planning & Support
Vigil begins when someone enters into the “active dying” phase. This is the 1-5 days prior to death when we start to see signs of transition. Vigil is an incredibly sacred time; consider it a type of “labor,” like birth. Planning ahead for vigil prepares the caregivers and loved ones for what to expect, and how to provide care for their dying person. Vigil planning is also an opportunity for the dying one to voice any desired rituals or ceremony to be held before, during, and after death. Enacting their loved one’s final wishes can be a very grounding and affirming experience for those providing care in an otherwise groundless time.
Practical Planning & Preparation
Having practical details sorted is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones at the end of life. From advanced care planning to financial affairs to making sure your passwords are documented and stored safely, doing these tasks ahead of time with the support from a doula will help ensure you don’t miss anything. This will allow you and your loved ones to focus on what really matters in the end – love, presence, and quality time together.
All services are based on a fee of $175 per hour. Sliding scale available, no one turned away for lack of funds. Pricing packages also available.
