What is a death midwife?

What is a Death Midwife? 

The Death Midwife cares for the spiritual, emotional, and some physical aspects of the dying through all stages of the process and beyond. She teaches the family and loved ones how to care for their dead and how to be present with the individual through this stage of life. A Death Midwife may help the family plan and hold vigil and a funeral service. She may help make plans for the body's remains and legalities involved. 

Death Midwives also help empower their communities to care for their sick and dying as well as working with those who are grieving. There are many overlaps between Death Midwives, Death Doulas, and Home Funeral Guides, so doing a little research can be helpful in determining what person and role may best fit your needs.

What does a Death Midwife do?

A Death Midwife may do some or all of the following: 

• Support the physical, spiritual, emotional, care of the dying and family
• Stay with the dying throughout the process
• Help plan the vigil
• Fill in the space between hospice/palliative care
• Educate family on rights, legalities, and being with their loved one
• Planning a home funeral
• Filling out the necessary paperwork such as death certificate or transportation permit
• Help with planning transportation and disposition of the body
• Post death care and grieving

Read more about our featured Death Midwives here.