A growing number of individuals are turning to death doulas for support during the final moments of life, providing compassionate assistance to both the dying and their families. In Fargo, Gail Christopher has dedicated her career to this role, inspired by her experiences as a nurse and her interactions with patients at the end of their lives. Christopher, who graduated from the Conscious Dying Institute in Boulder, Colorado, in 2019, believes that death should be approached with openness and dignity.
Understanding the Role of Death Doulas
Unlike hospice workers who provide medical care, death doulas focus on the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of individuals facing death. They assist families in areas such as creating advance care directives, planning funerals, and facilitating discussions around end-of-life wishes. Christopher reflects on a poignant moment with a dying priest who expressed his fears about death, leading to a heartfelt conversation that underscored the sacredness of the final moments in life. “It’s so sacred it’s almost like a birth,” she recalls.
The interest in death doulas has surged in recent years, largely influenced by the “Death Positive Movement” initiated by millennial mortician Caitlin Doughty. This movement encourages open discussions about mortality and aims to demystify the experience of dying. Christopher highlights the need for education, especially for families struggling to let go of loved ones who are ready to depart. “I’ve seen countless people in nursing homes and their kids cannot let them go even though they’re so ready,” she says.
Fargo’s Sacred Passage Death Doula Services
In Fargo, a group of death doulas, including Mantha Josophia, Angie Schulz, and Audrey Heilman, have formed Sacred Passage Death Doula Services. This collective aims to address the unique needs of families during the dying process. Josophia, who facilitates monthly Death Cafes, was inspired to explore the topic of death after her own experience with childbirth. “It made me question many of my long-held beliefs, including those around death, loss, and grief,” she explains.
Schulz, a funeral assistant, joined the group after a personal loss. Her grandmother’s passing at age 99 solidified her commitment to becoming a death doula. “I felt really grateful for that, like it was a gift,” she recalls. The doulas aim to help clients create legacy projects and advance care directives, ensuring their wishes are respected.
Heilman, a licensed massage therapist, specializes in providing comfort through non-invasive techniques. She emphasizes the importance of human touch during this challenging time. “It’s such a scary, confusing time for not just the person dying, but their family as well,” she states.
To foster community dialogue about death and grief, the Sacred Passage doulas are organizing events, including a Death Cafe scheduled for October 19, 2023, from 16:00 to 17:00 at Ecce Yoga in downtown Fargo. These gatherings provide a safe space for participants to discuss their feelings about death and loss in a supportive environment.
The rise of death doulas signifies a cultural shift towards embracing mortality as a natural part of life. By offering guidance and compassion during one of life’s most profound transitions, they aim to help families navigate the complexities of loss with grace and understanding.
For more information about Sacred Passage Death Doula Services, interested individuals can reach out to Audrey Heilman at [email protected], or contact Gail Christopher at [email protected].
