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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Is death midwifery/doula services the same as hospice care?

A: Death midwifery, sometimes called death doula work, fills the gaps in care often left by our modern medical system. In the United States, hospice nurses typically visit patients for only 2–3 hours per week to address medical needs. The rest of the time, individuals and families are often left to navigate the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of dying on their own. Often loved ones feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and uncomfortable dealing with all that this time demands.​ ​ As a death midwife, I support the whole journey from the moment of a difficult diagnosis or in advanced age—helping individuals and their loved ones prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the transition ahead. My role is to hold the death space as sacred, peaceful, and meaningful as possible in line with one's personal beliefs and wishes. ​ This may include: Guiding emotional and spiritual healing and helping clients find clarity and truth amid difficult choices. Providing education and hands-on support to loved ones as care needs evolve. Providing personalized hypnosis and energy work within a co-created plan with the possibility of having customized recordings to listen to as needeed. Offering respite and practical help with daily needs, rituals, or end-of-life planning. Helping clients make the most of the time remaining in their body, with presence and intention through coaching and educating.​ ​ A death midwife can support families before hospice begins, alongside hospice care, through the active dying process and immediately afterwards—ensuring that no one walks this path alone.

Q: When is the best time to seek the services of an end of life midwife or doula?

A: Whenever one starts considering, processing, and planning for their own mortality. A midwife can help a person plan to have as meaningful an end of life period as possible when they are still well. They can also begin working with someone when they receive a difficult diagnosis or when death is immanent. Sometimes loved ones may call on this service when a loved one is actively in transition or after a traumatic death, however it is a good idea to begin a relationship with a doula or midwife beforehand. ​ There is no wrong time to begin, however I recommend seeking out this service as soon as one begins facing their own mortality whether or not they expect to transition in the near future. While not a substitute for a trained psychotherapist when needed, death midwives are comfortable and specialized in holding space for all of the emotions and questions that arise at this time. Hypnosis and energy work are added mental/emotional supports that I personally offer towards these ends also.

Q: Is this service mainly for people planning to have a home funeral?

A: While a midwife or doula can help families and funeral directors working together on after-death care and home funerals (depending on local regulations) this service is for anyone regardless of their after-death body care plans.

Q: Is this service covered by insurance?

A: While this is becoming an increasingly popular service, most health insurance providers do not cover it in NY. However, some may reimburse so it does not hurt to ask.

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©2025 by Anam Chara Death Midwifery & EOL Support

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