Call the Soul Midwife!
Soul Midwives offer holistic comfort, care and support to anyone facing end-of-life.
We have deep knowledge of the stages of dying, and of the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of each of these. We use gentle but extremely powerful age-old skills and therapeutic techniques to help ease anxieties, supporting anyone to prepare for and experience the death they would like to have.
We visit, listen, talk about any fears surrounding death and dying, and give practical planning advice and support. We work holistically to help create and hold a loving, calm and peaceful space, wherever the dying person may be.
What do we use?
As a Soul Midwife, I use a variety of gentle tools and techniques. I am very drawn to working with Oils, using the different qualities and ‘energetic signatures’ they have, as well as the scent, as they work to help create a beautiful and peaceful space. For many people they are a key to help unlock emotions, beliefs and wishes.
I offer gentle soothing touch as a way of connecting physically and energetically with anyone with whom I’m working.
I also love to use sound, from Nature, or using chimes, and singing bowls, and bells, also gentle music, chants and the sound of my own voice.
Using colour can also be a wonderful support for the dying friend. I have a range of shawls and blankets, and have often been able to suggest ways of using these to help create a calm space.
Crystals resonate with many people, and I use them also in my work.
Making memories, celebrating life, planning a funeral, addressing deep ‘soul wounds’ or preparing loved ones for death are other aspects of my role as a Soul Midwife.
I am also able to care for the body after death, and can support families in washing and dressing their loved one if they wish to be part of this ritual. I also lead funerals and memorial ceremonies if this is wished for.
Above all, I have deep compassion, and ‘listen with my heart’, walking alongside to support anyone, without judgement. To me, this is the most important skill of all.
Working with children
The 12 Principles of Soul Midwifery
- To work as non-medical holistic companions who guide and support a dying person in order to facilitate a gentle and tranquil death.
- To support and recognise the individual needs of the dying person and ensure they feel loved and supported.
- To create and hold a sacred and healing space for the dying person (whether in a hospital, a hospice or at home).
- To respect and honour a dying person’s religious/spiritual or atheist/agnostic beliefs and practices.
- To work as non-denominational, multi-faith practitioners who honour the dying person’s beliefs about life, death or the afterlife.
- To listen, provide gentle therapeutic techniques, and ensure compassionate care at all times.
- To ‘serve’ our friend; not aim to ‘fix’ or ‘rescue’.
- To give healing, using sound, touch, colour, scented oils or other gentle techniques to alleviate pain and anxiety.
- To keep a loving vigil.
- To work holistically with the spirit and soul of our friends at all levels and stages of transition.
- To support families and their loved ones, giving loving care with a human touch.
- To provide comfort, continuous support and reassurance in helping a dying person to experience the death he or she wants.
Here I am talking about our role as Soul Midwives, as part of the Whistlestop Arts Shrouded In Silence project.
“My heartfelt love and thanks go to my mentor, teacher and friend, Felicity Warner, the founder of Soul Midwives. Thank you for your wisdom, grace and power. You have unlocked the secrets for many.”
