A Foundation for the Future
What distinguishes IDLM from many other programs is its integrative and forward-thinking approach. IDLM prepares doulas to work with hospice systems, not outside of them. The curriculum includes education on early hospice enrollment advocacy, regulatory awareness, ethical boundaries, and professional communication within healthcare environments.
Moving Through Transition
When a death doula becomes involved in the transition process, their job is to step back and look at the whole picture. The medical workers will do their work and the funeral workers will do theirs—the doula’s job is to see what isn’t being handled, and to figure out the best way to fill in the gaps.
Bringing Yourself to the Work
It may seem at first that doula work is completely unrelated to whatever you were doing before, and that you’re starting again from scratch with no idea what you’re supposed to do. But the truth is, whatever you are bringing forward with you is something that you will be able to use as a doula.
The Value of Community Spirit
We talk a great deal about the ways we serve; the things we do for the people we assist. But it is important to take time to also consider whom we serve. We serve our clients: end-of-life patients and their families. In addition to that, as doulas, we also work to serve the communities we are a part of, whether we are currently working with individual clients or not.
When the Wind Blows
It is always wise to be prepared for an emergency, especially when there is so much happening in the world and it seems like there are emergencies all around us, all the time. As doulas, we have chosen a special calling to be of service, and now is no time to be caught off guard.
Honoring Our Furry Friends
One of the most personal forms of grief can come from the loss of a pet. Our relationships with our pets are special: yes, we love them because they are cute and funny, but we also love them because they are ours.
The Modern Good Death
One of the most beautiful aspects of being a doula is helping people to take ownership of their own death, and helping them realize that it doesn’t need to look the way they think it’s supposed to look. It can look however they want. And as doulas, we have the privilege of helping them put it all together.
Finding Gratitude in the Hard Times
Studies have shown that taking even just a few minutes out of the day for mindfulness focused on gratitude has measurable positive effects on a person’s mental health. Whether you spend that time meditating, writing in a gratitude journal, or with someone else, sharing thoughts about what you are each grateful for, there is a very high statistical likelihood that your gratitude moments will help you to have a more positive outlook, a calmer general demeanor, and an easier time handling challenges that come your way.
Caring for the Caretakers
We all know the importance of self care. Part of client care is making sure that the people who are caring for their loved ones have the time and the opportunity to care for themselves as well, whether that means getting away for an afternoon to do some shopping or just a couple of hours to get a decent meal and a nap.
Telling Your Own Story
An obituary can be an opportunity to really tell your own or someone else’s story one last time, to put one last stamp on people’s memories and connect for a final time.
