Ask A Death Doula

Guiding Lights in the Passage from Life to Death with Judi Arasi Join us as we shine a spotlight on Judi Arasi, a remarkable graduate from the Dula Giver Practitioner program, whose journey into becoming a death doula is nothing short of inspiring. Judi shares the pivotal moment that propelled her towards this calling—the death of her mother-in-law—which revealed to her the pressing need for a more informed and compassionate approach to end-of-life care. Our conversation with Judi illuminates the critical role of death doulas in offering solace and support to families navigating this profound chapter of life, and underscores the burgeoning global recognition of death as an intrinsic human experience rather than a medical event. Listen in as Judi's personal narrative captures the transformative power of embracing one's true purpose in serving others during life's final moments.   In this heartfelt exchange, I reflect on the life-altering lessons learned from my vocation in end-of-life care. The profound privil

Conversations at Life's End with Tomorrow's Generation   Could our silence on the subject of death be shaping our children's fear of the inevitable? This time, we peel back the layers of this taboo topic and reveal why it's essential to introduce our youngest minds to the concept of mortality. As a hospice nurse, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of death on families and the profound intuitive understanding children can have when it's explained with care. In sharing stories from the bedside, we uncover the lasting effects of shielding children from death and argue for their inclusion in the dying process. We’re not just discussing the end of life; we're advocating for an early and healthy relationship with its reality. This episode isn't about the gloom of passing; it’s a call to live with authenticity and urgency. I share reflections from those in their twilight hours who wish they’d followed their hearts sooner. It's a poignant reminder that our time is finite and that we should seize the moment to pur

Reimagining End of Life Care with Kim Adams and Community-Based Care Imagine the impact of a world where the final stage of life is met with compassion, dignity, and a return to the caring embrace of community. That's the transformative vision Kim Adams, a passionate advocate in the death and dying movement, and I discuss during an enlightening conversation on end-of-life care. As we traverse the topics of home funerals, green burials, and the necessity for community homes for the dying, we uncover the profound differences these services make for those facing their twilight years without the support of family. Venturing into the realm of the Omega Home Network, we shed light on the inspiring endeavor to create non-medical, social model homes that serve as an alternative to traditional medical facilities. These havens prioritize the human experience over clinical treatment, offering around-the-clock caregiving as an extension of family. We examine the collaborative spirit that forges multiple homes into a coll

Mastering Life's Choices: Harmonizing the Ego and the Heart Have you ever felt torn between the whispers of your heart and the logic of your mind? Our latest conversation delves into the profound realization that we navigate life with not one, but two internal compasses: the ego and the heart. Together, we explore the subtle yet powerful cues these guides offer and introduce the 'Ray technique,' a transformative tool I've developed to help you harmonize these distinct voices. As we embark on this journey, you'll learn to choose love over fear, reshaping not just your personal narrative but also contributing to our collective human tapestry with every heart-led step you take. Embarking on a voyage through varying states of consciousness can be as disorienting as it is enlightening. In this conversation, we traverse from the fog of unconscious living, where the ego often leads us astray, to the clarity of a superconscious state, where our true purpose aligns with service to others. The empowering concept of co

Navigating the Tender Journey of Caregiving in Life's Final Chapter Can we truly bear the weight of end-of-life care alone, or do we need a village to carry us through? Join me, Suszanne O'Brien, as I tackle the often-overlooked yet essential questions that underpin the daily life of those offering care in the final chapters of a loved one's life. In the heartfelt journey of caregiving, I shed light on the acute and safety issues that cannot be ignored, and underscore the importance of a support system scheduler – a cornerstone in preventing caregiver burnout and ensuring the comfort of our dear ones as they near the end. By weaving in the moving tale of a daughter accompanying her father through his last days, I paint a vivid picture of the profound impact caregiving has on families and the undeniable necessity of a well-structured support network. As we navigate through the complexities of end-of-life care, this conversation extends beyond the immediate caregiver to the broader community. I discuss how a c

Embracing Life's Final Transition: The Role and Impact of Death Doulas My journey as a hospice nurse revealed gaps and limitations in end-of-life care, inspiring me to advocate for a more compassionate approach. Stepping away from the sterile hospital corridors, we enter the realm of Death Doulas—unsung heroes who offer support, comfort, and dignity to those on their final journey. Today's conversation unwraps the intricate layers of becoming a Death Doula, highlighting the significance of proper training, early planning for end-of-life wishes, and the transformative effect of personalized care. The parallels between birth and death doulas are undeniable; both shepherd us through life's most profound transitions with grace and empathy. In this episode, we dissect the shortcomings of the hospice system, the fear surrounding death, and the necessity for a reliable presence during our last moments. The global death doula movement, born from a desire to educate and support, exemplifies the power of community-dri

Volunteer Chronicles: A Night of Compassion and Connection Have you ever been awakened by a profound sense of community and connection? Prepare to journey through an extraordinary night where Maple, my trusty canine companion, and I found ourselves amidst the sanctity of a Fifth Avenue church turned women's shelter. This sacred encounter wasn't just another New York City anecdote; it was a transformative experience, fueled by compassion and the unwavering spirit of an elderly woman's dedication to those in need. Embark with me as we traverse a heartfelt story from opening the shelter doors to the emotional realizations of how a simple act of kindness can echo through the lives of many. Our passage doesn't end at dawn. We take a deep exploration into the tapestry of human consciousness, traversing the realms from a state of disconnection to the pinnacle of a superconscious unity. No guest is needed when the protagonists are the very stages of our collective human experience. From the echo of footsteps in a si

Embracing Life's Final Chapter: The Rise of Death Cafes and Starting a Death Doula Business Ever wondered how the contemplation of mortality could enrich your life? Join me, Suzanne O'Brien, as I lead you through the enlightening world of Death Cafes and reveal the secret to starting a Death Doula business. We embark on a journey from the inception of Death Cafes by Bernard Crettaz to their global spread, thanks to John Underwood's vision. I'll share my personal experience of launching a Death Cafe in Millerton, New York, a place where profound community dialogues about death led to an unexpected deepening of life's appreciation. Discover how these unique gatherings create a nurturing environment where the taboo of death is explored and embraced, paving the way for meaningful conversations and community bonds. In the second act of our meaningful conversation, I take you behind the scenes of building a Death Doula practice, offering practical advice and heartfelt insights from my own transition from hospice nu

Embracing Universal Life Mastery with the RIPA Technique: Insights for a Purposeful Existence Have you ever considered the profound lessons that life's final moments can teach us about living? Embark on a transformative journey with me, Suzanne O'Brien, as I introduce the RIPA technique, inspired by the wisdom of those in the twilight of their lives. This isn't just a regular self-help talk; it's a gateway to universal life mastery, encouraging you to live with intention, love, and higher wisdom. Through Remembering, Interpreting, Practicing, and Aligning, we'll navigate the waters of heart-centered living and view life's hurdles as stepping stones for spiritual growth. Discover the art of interpreting life's lessons with a renewed perspective, and let's together make a meaningful impact on the collective soul of humanity. In this heartwarming episode, you'll hear the stories that have shaped my approach to life and death, and how the clarity that often comes at the end can illuminate our entire existence. W

Journey Beyond the Ego to Spiritual Fulfillment Ever wondered how the wisdom gleaned from the brink of life's final chapter could illuminate your day-to-day existence? That's exactly what we uncover in our latest episode, where I, Suzanne O'Brien, delve into the unexpected life lessons from my path as a Death Doula. It's an exploration that takes us from the heart-wrenching moments of end-of-life care to the heart-led decisions that guide us towards a life of joy, flow, and yes, even miracles.  As we share stories of personal transformation, I open up about the profound impact listening to my heart over my ego has had on my life choices, including the inspired leap to write a book. This episode is an invitation to step away from the scarcity mindset and lean into the abundance of love and strength that comes from aligning with the universe's higher purpose. Prepare to challenge your perceptions of what's possible and embrace the power of living a life that's true to your heart's deepest guidance. To cap off

The Sacred Work of a Death Doula Explored Discover the profound lessons and transformative experiences that arise from the unique and deeply meaningful work of a Death Doula.  Embrace insights that will not only change how you view the end of life but also how you live each day to its fullest. Embark on an exploration of what it truly means to generate a sustainable income as a Death Doula. Learn about the Doulagivers Specialist Practitioner certification and the diverse range of services it encompasses, from elder care to grief support—all vital for creating a holistic practice that truly serves the needs of the dying and their families. This episode uncovers the identity of the true client in end-of-life care, often the adult children of aging parents, while addressing common pitfalls new Death Doulas may encounter. Reflections on the changing landscape post-COVID-19 illuminates the critical role of Death Doulas in facilitating meaningful end-of-life experiences. Tune in for a candid discussion about the in

Compassionate Pain Relief in End-of-Life Care: Understanding Management and Medication When the shadows of life grow long and the light at the end of the tunnel becomes clear, pain management becomes a paramount concern for both patients and caregivers. In our latest heartfelt episode, we venture into the delicate realm of ensuring comfort for those on their sacred final journey. Addressing the elephant in the room, we dispel common myths surrounding pain medication at the end of life, reassuring you that these treatments are there to soothe, not to hasten the inevitable. We take a closer look at the different types of pain, and how a meticulous approach to pain management can transform a patient's end-of-life experience into one of peace and dignity. Imagine witnessing a loved one's serene transition, free from the clutches of discomfort and pain. Our discussion brings to light a case where a patient's shingles-induced nerve pain was managed effectively through precise medication logs and timely interventio

Exploring the Empowering Facets of Death and Dying Can we truly embrace life without acknowledging its end? This poignant question is at the heart of today's transformative discussion as we delve into the empowering and healing aspects of end-of-life planning. Sharing insights from my years as a hospice nurse and my training in Level 1 Doulagiver's family caregiver training, we explore the importance of creating an after-death plan and voicing our wishes for after we pass, and how this can shift our perspective on our everyday life. Our journey begins with a deep dive into end-of-life care and its many facets. We focus on the need to slow down, be present, and embrace the idea of home funerals - a topic that is often met with hesitance. Through open and candid discussions, we highlight how crucial conversations with family about after-death plans can profoundly impact the grieving process. We also touch on the legal considerations, planning, and the potential healing quality of a home wake. We then move on to

Understanding and Conquering: A Guide to Dealing with Cancer What if you found out that you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer? Would you know what questions to ask, how to navigate the complex landscape of treatments, or even how to cope with this life-altering news? In this episode, Suzanne shares her experience as a hospice and oncology nurse, equipping you with the top 10 questions to ask your doctor following a cancer diagnosis. She underscores the importance of having a support system, recording medical visits, and taking detailed notes to ensure you have all the information you need. She further delves into the emotional aspects of end-of-life care and decision-making for cancer patients, a subject that hits close to home for many of us. Through two contrasting stories of men with different treatment approaches, we unearth the significance of considering quality of life and personal preferences. Remember, it's your life, and your well-being should always be the priority. She also tackles the proc

Lessons of Love and Letting Go from Hospice Care What if embracing death could enrich your daily life? Join us as we navigate this profound exploration with our cherished guest, Dr. Karen Wyatt. A transformative journey awaits, as Dr. Wyatt shares her personal story of finding meaning and purpose in the wake of her father's suicide, eventually leading her to a rewarding career as a hospice physician.  Discussion takes a turn towards the deep end as we delve into the world of hospice care, unfolding the transformative power it holds over death and its spiritual growth. Dr. Wyatt enlightens us on how these experiences have shown her the importance of love while dealing with pain and forgiveness. We also touch upon the cultural shift needed in our perception of death and the support we extend to our healthcare professionals. The conversation graduates to the insights from Dr. Wyatt's inspiring book, "The Tao of Death". Drawing from this, we discuss how death can be a mindful part of our lives, and how embracing

Securing a Positive End-of-Life Experience through Planning Imagine having the power to dictate the quality and course of your end-of-life care, being able to define what 'quality of life' means for you. This episode explores just that, with expert insight from Suzanne O'Brien, a former hospice and oncology nurse with years of experience in guiding individuals through this deeply personal journey. Dive into the world of advanced directives and the surprisingly non-binding nature of these documents. Discover the power of the POLST form, a tool that can help ensure your wishes are respected when it matters most.  The conversation doesn't stop there. We navigate the significant role your healthcare proxy plays, shedding light on the importance of defining your personal benchmarks for quality of life and establishing clear communication lines with your loved ones. We'll delve into the nine choices advanced directive document, a comprehensive guide that covers everything from who should voice your desires, to th

The importance of Advance Directives: A discussion with Sylvia Cohen Can you imagine the emotional turmoil and familial discord that arises when end-of-life wishes are not clearly defined? Get ready to walk in the shoes of Sylvia Cohen as she courageously recounts her personal journey surrounding end-of-life care and the profound impact it had on her family. An enlightening chat about the cultural complexities within a multicultural family in a medical setting awaits you, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting different beliefs and customs. Sylvia also shares her mother's experience with hospice care, highlighting the significance of maintaining a certain quality of life.   As the conversation progresses, Sylvia's journey towards becoming a death doula unfolds. Discover how a death doula can provide invaluable guidance and support during the end-of-life journey, and the critical role of having an advanced directive and 'five wishes' in place. Sylvia's insights on legacy planning and advan

Exploring the Complexities and Transformational Power of End-of-Life Care, Tackling the Challenges of End-of-Life Planning and The "Hospice Gap" with Cathy Yuhas.   How do you envision the end of your life? What if you could transform that vision from a fear-filled one to a peaceful and sacred experience? Join us for a heart-to-heart conversation with our guest, Cathy Yuhas, a seasoned nurse specializing in ICU, ER, and hospice care. Cathy shares a powerful, deeply personal story about how a woman's decision to embrace hospice care completely redefined her perception of death, and illuminated the profound importance of planning for the end, free of judgment. We also explore the glaring gaps that exist in our healthcare system, with a specific focus on the realm of hospice care. Cathy recounts her difficulties navigating the system when her father was dying, emphasizing the desperate need for more education and resources in this area. She provides a detailed overview of the history of hospice care in the Uni

In this episode of Ask a Doulagiver, I have the great pleasure of interviewing Christianne Wolff about her new book THE HEALED STATE! The book shares beautiful stories, techniques and the science of how to heal. This episode is an impactful conversation between two holistic healers who are able to share their stories and importance of understanding we are energetic beings having a human experience. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Topic #1 How Christianne learned she was a healer. Topic #2 How you can heal your body through breaking bad habits ( and instilling good ones) nutrition, gut health, nature, sound healing and more. Topic #3 How nourishing and restoring your 4 bodies of energy will allow you to create the future to be anything you want it to be.- YES!!!!   Links Mentioned in This Episode: Get The Book: The Healed State Learn More About Christianne Wolff here: https://thebodyrescueplan.com Learn More: Free Universal Life Mastery Webinar here! https://my.demio.com/ref/CQloDUCmQgEoIr3H  Learn More: Do

The Truth About Becoming a Certified Death Doula There is a worldwide global movement going on and it is known as the Death Doula. Just like birthing doulas that care for and guide a baby into this world, there are now Death Doulas that are guiding people out of the world! In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I will share with you the truth about becoming a Death Doula and what you need to know when deciding if this profession is the right path for you. Death is having a rebirth! We have been dying for thousands of years. However, it is only in the last century that we have completely removed the natural life experience of death from our awareness. Death is not a medical experience - it is a human one. Hospice is a beautiful model of care, but unfortunately the present model of hospice has many “gaps” and is not working well for most patients and families. There is a need for additional support from trained and knowledgeable professionals in this space of end of life care.   In This Episode, You Will Learn: