Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Death Midwife different from Hospice?
Hospice provides medical support at the end of life—nurses, aides, and doctors who manage pain, medication, and comfort measures during the dying process. A Death Midwife offers non-medical support that complements hospice care. I work alongside hospice teams as part of your circle of care, tending to the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs that extend beyond medicine. While hospice tends to the body, I tend to the heart—helping families navigate paperwork, create rituals, communicate more openly, and stay connected through the process. Together, we ensure that the dying person and their loved ones feel seen, supported, and cared for in every way.
What is the difference between a Death Doula and a Death Midwife?
These roles share a common intention—to bring compassion, presence, and dignity to the dying process—but they each focus on slightly different aspects of care:
● Death Midwife – Offers holistic, non-medical guidance before, during, and after death. This includes emotional and spiritual support, planning, family mediation, ritual creation, and vigil or home funeral care.
● Death Doula – Often used interchangeably with Death Midwife, though some doulas focus more specifically on emotional companionship and presence rather than logistical guidance.
The thought of dying terrifies me. Can you help me with these feelings?
Yes. Fear of death is deeply human. My role is to help you explore these feelings safely and gently. Together, we can talk about your beliefs, your fears, your questions, and your hopes. Sometimes that looks like simple conversation. Other times, it’s meditation, writing letters, guided reflection, or practical planning that brings a sense of peace and control back into your hands.
The goal is never to erase fear, but to meet it with compassion and understanding—so that death becomes less of a shadow and more of a passage you can walk with intention.
Do you only work with people who are actively dying?
No. Some clients come to me long before they are nearing death. They may simply want to explore their relationship with mortality, prepare documents, or create peace of mind for their families.
Working with a death midwife before a crisis allows you to make clear, grounded choices and to live more fully in the time you have. The entire point of planning for your death is so that you may truly LIVE in the life you have.
Can you work with my family even if we have different beliefs?
Absolutely. I honor all spiritual, religious, and cultural traditions—or none at all. My role is to create space for what feels authentic and sacred to you. Each family brings their own language, beliefs, and rituals to this work, and I meet you there.
Can you help after my loved one has already passed?
Yes. I can assist with home vigils, body care, funeral coordination, and emotional support for family and friends in the first days after death. These moments are often raw and disorienting; having guidance allows you to focus on connection, grief, and remembrance rather than logistics.
Where do you offer services?
I’m based in Upstate New York and serve surrounding areas in-person, including Cooperstown and nearby communities. I also offer remote services for planning, emotional support, and education for those outside the area.
How do I begin working with you?
It starts with a free 30-minute phone consultation. During that time, we can talk about your needs, what kind of support feels right, and what next steps might look like. There’s no obligation—just an open conversation.
Every person’s experience with death is unique, and it’s normal to have questions that don’t fit neatly into a list. If you’d like to talk through your specific situation or just need a safe place to begin, I invite you to reach out.