What is a death doula or midwife?

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What is a death doula or midwife? A: “Doula” is a Greek word that means non-medical person that gives physical, emotional and spiritual support to someone else. An End-of-life Doula is a non-medical professional that provides holistic support for the dying and their loved ones before, during, and after death.  Trained in the various end of life st

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What is the number one thing your patients desire from you in your line of work? A: My greatest gift that I give to my patients is for them to be heard, accepted, and supported.  

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: Tell us about one startling/profound/unforgettable time in your journey. A: I don’t think I will ever be able to fully articulate the beauty, magic and the miracles I encounter in this work.  I hold these moments sacred and in my heart.  I choose not to taint them by sharing them.  

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: For those of us who aren’t familiar, could you describe the phases one goes through at the end of life? How do you assist in each phase? A: The Shock Phase: This is when a person gets a terminal diagnosis. Both the patient and his/her family can experience an overwhelming feeling of shock.  I always begin by asking what can I do for you. I allow

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What’s the difference between a “good” passing and a “bad” passing? A: I have never personally witnessed a bad passing.  I believe the universe gives attention to each passing and what is supposed to happen happens.  I spend time supporting individuals in articulating what they would like for the passing to be.  Whether they articulate it in thei

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: Why should someone hire a death doula? A: In this day, we are a service oriented society.  Death doulas provide the education, support and care through a difficult and perhaps unfamiliar time.  I believe each death happens just the way it is supposed to and all are equally beautiful.  

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What is one of your favorite resources to learn more? A: I was originally trained by Suzanne O’Brien, former hospice and oncology nurse and current world-renowned doula, founder and creator of the Doulagivers training program, and founding member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) End of Life Doula Council. I continue

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What is your favorite part about the work you do? A: I am most grateful for being a part of miracles daily.  I won’t say that I am a miracle worker.  I don’t have that type of power, but I can say that my formula allow for miracles to happen around me everyday.  My formula is to take care of myself, open my heart space, tap into my intuition and

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: Is being a death doula as scary as it sounds? A: I have felt many emotions when serving the world as a death doula, but feeling scared has never been one of those emotions.  I am constantly developing and preparing myself to serve the world in this capacity. Continued professional learning and experiences allow me to be prepared for the people, f

When asked the following question, Adrian Allotey, Owner of You Are Not Alone Elder Care LLC and Certified End of Life Doula, responded as such. Q: What is the key to getting families to be more open to talking about death/end of life? A: I meet people on their terms, see them as whole beings, and build relationships with them and their loved ones.  I enter into their lives with no expectations.  Trust, honesty and relationships are important factors that allow people to open up and share.