A Deep Discussion With an INELDA End-Of-Life Doula

Death is something that plagues all walks of life. It is something we will all face at some point and yet it's not something that gets a lot of "air" time. I guess is because we all have our own ideas about it and we don't want to make anyone uncomfortable so we stay silent on the subject. However, what if we did start sharing our thoughts and views more often? Would we reduce some fear around it?

I came across the nonprofit organization INELDA International End-Of-Life Doula Association from the back of a book I was reading. I became very interested in this organization and wanted to know what exactly an end-of-life doula was. After some email exchanges, I was put in touch with Nicole Heidbreder.

In this podcast, Nicole explained a life pattern that seemed to be following her into her calling of becoming an end-of-life doula. Her personal story is very insightful and interesting. Not only is Nicole an end-of-life doula but she is also a birth doula. She gets to witness life in both of its extremes, life, and death. She goes deep into explaining exactly what an end-of-life doula is and how it differs from hospice care, who can benefit from their care, how to become a doula through INELDA, and then how to start networking. I strongly urge you to listen to this podcast to gain a little more perspective on the end-of-life topic.

Nicole was able to eloquently explain her thoughts on the end of life and the closeness she gains with the families she works with. By presenting her career path she truly is "changing the face of dying."

To find a doula near you or if you would like to take part in their training program to become a doula you can visit them on the web at inelda.org.
You can find Nicole on the INELDA website or follow her on Instagram

@gracefulfusionofbirthanddeath.

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