Ask a Death Doula Suzanne B. O’Brien RN

In this podcast episode, hospice nurse Julie McFadden discusses her transition from working in the ICU to hospice care and her efforts to demystify death through education. Her upcoming book ”Nothing to Fear” reflects her mission to alleviate fears surrounding death. The episode delves into the nature of hospice care, the misconceptions about dying, and the sacred moments at the end of life. Personal stories and insights are shared to highlight the beauty and inevitability of death as part of the human experience. Julie and the host discuss reframing perspectives on death, the spiritual growth during physical decline, and the profound love present in the final moments of life. The conversation also explores the connection between healthcare providers, patients, and families, as well as the mysterious aspects of dying that transcend scientific understanding. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude for the opportunity to support and educate others about the end-of-life process.

In this episode, titled ”Securing Your Pet’s Future: The Essentials of Pet Trusts with Ingrid Harrison,” listeners are introduced to the world of pet trusts. Ingrid Harrison, an advocate for animal welfare, shares her insights on the emotional bonds between humans and their pets, and the importance of securing their future through legal arrangements. The conversation delves into the details of setting up a pet trust, the selection of caregivers, and the necessity of having emergency contacts and detailed care plans for pets. Suzanne, the host, expresses her gratitude for Ingrid’s work and reflects on her own need to establish a trust for her pet. The episode is a call to action for pet owners to take responsible steps to ensure their pets’ well-being, even after they can no longer care for them themselves.

In this podcast episode, Suzanne O’Brien discusses the role of death doulas, who provide non-medical, holistic support at the end of life, and the emergence of Tele Doulas, who operate remotely using technology. She talks about the rise of Tele Doulas during the COVID-19 pandemic, their importance in providing accessible care, and the potential of tele health. O’Brien also outlines the steps to become a Tele Doula, the importance of education and training, and how to set up a professional and compassionate business model. The episode includes advice on conducting initial consultations, structuring services, and the impact of death doulas on end-of-life care.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the story of Justin Lucci, the founder of the Global Love Project, who left his corporate career to spread messages of love and connection through chalk art. Justin shares his transformative journey, including the personal loss that led him to reevaluate his life and how the act of chalking became a therapeutic practice for him. The episode highlights the importance of authenticity, community, and personal growth, and discusses the power of creativity and intention in healing and connecting with others. The host also shares her experience of fostering community through a weekly chalk art event. Justin’s mission to elevate love and consciousness globally is showcased, inviting listeners to participate in the movement and contribute to a more connected and compassionate world.

In this podcast episode, Suzanne O’Brien discusses the role of death doulas in providing compassionate end-of-life care. She explains the importance of building a network resource list to support families through various services such as estate planning, eco-friendly burial options, and how to run a successful death doula business. Suzanne emphasizes the significance of planning for a stress-free end-of-life experience, hosting monthly death cafes for community engagement, and the need for better end-of-life training for medical professionals. She provides practical advice for death doulas to integrate into their communities and make a positive impact on the end-of-life journey for individuals and their loved ones.

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 privilege of being invited into the intimate space of people's homes during times of crisis has reshaped my outlook, instilling in me an appreciation for gratitude, forgiveness, and the art of cherishing human connections. I recount poignant interactions with patients and their families, emphasizing the deep bonds and the sense of extended family that emerges from this unique form of caregiving. This conversation culminates with the emotional recounting of being honored with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023, a testament to the significant impact that compassion and companionship have in the lives of those we serve. Tune in as we explore these touching moments and celebrate the indelible impact of end-of-life care on both the giver and receiver.
 
 
We dive into:
(04:47 - 06:03) Discovery of Doula Calling(19:45 - 21:02) Supporting End-of-Life Choices With Doulas(23:16 - 23:51) Becoming a Doula
 
 
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Links mentioned in this episode:
Doulagivers Institute
The NEXT Free Level 1 End of Life Doula Training Registration LINK 
The NEXT Free Doulagivers Discovery Webinar 
 
80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:
Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!
Access them Below!
Making your wishes known is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your loved ones. Download The Doulagivers 9 Choice Advance Directive now! It's FREE!
 
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
Learn more about Judi - Click here!