Navigating Death: The Role of a Death Doula

In this conversation, Melissa and Kacie Gikonyo discuss the role of a death doula, the impact of COVID-19 on death care, and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing grief and end-of-life care. Kacie shares her journey from nursing to becoming a death doula, highlighting the need for better education and support in the healthcare system regarding death. They also explore the relationship between death doulas and funeral professionals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in providing compassionate care.

Takeaways

Kacie transitioned from nursing to death doula work after witnessing many deaths go wrong in healthcare.

COVID-19 highlighted the need for compassionate end-of-life care as many died alone.

Healthcare providers often lack training in end-of-life discussions and grief management.

There is a significant need for better support for healthcare workers dealing with grief and trauma.

Misleading practices in healthcare can lead to unnecessary suffering for patients and families.

Death doulas can play a crucial role in supporting families during the dying process.

Collaboration between death doulas and funeral professionals is essential for holistic care.

The culture of healthcare often prioritizes efficiency over compassion in end-of-life care.

Kacie emphasizes the importance of fitting work into life rather than the other way around.

@deathdoulakacie www.deathdoulakacie.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Death Doula Work

07:18 The Impact of COVID on Death Care

12:45 Challenges in Healthcare and Grief Management

15:22 Misleading Practices in End-of-Life Care

16:32 The Relationship Between Death Doulas and Funeral Professionals

20:27 Inspiring Stories from a Death Doula

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Music Credits

Music for Exposing Deathcare podcast is Exit Strategy by Enlia.

Disclaimer

The stories shared in this podcast are based on personal experiences and are shared anonymously to protect the identities of those involved. Listener discretion is advised.

Hosted by Melissa Meadow, the Modern Mortician