Ms Lori Doula, LLC

Death Doula

Bozeman, MT Billings, MT Great Falls, MT

Guided Imagery, Legacy Work, Meditation, Rituals, Grief Specialist

Offers free consultation

Verified by Autumn

I have served as a Hospice and Hospital Volunteer and hosted online Option B Grief Gatherings since 2020. I am a member of: the Bozeman Health Foundation Hospitality Committee; the volunteer spiritual support team at a local hospital; Love Inc. respite care; and a variety of committees for the benefit of all who are aging and desire agency in after-death options. I am NEDA proficient and lead a team of trained volunteers who assist me with anyone who requires: non-medical companionship; a life review activity; a legacy project; emotional support when moving from one home to another; caregiver respite or support; assistance planning and implementing bedside vigils; presence in processing early grief; or help clearing space and offering comfort after a death.


I am an experienced End-of-Life Doula, understanding the sacred space of transitions and serving in the Gallatin Valley of Montana. My journey as an End-of-Life Doula began when I cared for my grandmother as she lived with dementia and when I was bedside with my mother as she died from pancreatic cancer. I help alleviate fears, provide comfort, and honor the wishes of those I serve.


Certifications

  • Conscious Dying Institute Going with Grace International Doula Life Movement

Education

  • INELDA Trained 2020
  • Option B trained online grief host 2020
  • Lifespan Doulas Certification 2021
  • Threshold Choir International Bedside Trained 2021
  • ACAMAiD EOL Doula Trained 2022
  • NEDA proficient 2022
  • Compassion & Choices Volunteer 2022

Connie W.

Lori is extremely capable and caring as she carries out her duties and obligations as a Doula for end-of-life matters. I thoroughly enjoy her visits and consider her to be a good friend. I truly believe she would be comforting to all who have the opportunity to work with her at the end of life.

Robert W.

Lori has a quick ability to perceive dynamics surrounding death, both of the patient and family. She has relevant certifications and the right gentle and caring personality. You can trust Lori Shanahan.

Grateful Family of M P.

We cannot thank you and your volunteers enough for all of the comfort and love and care you gave to Mom in her last, most difficult days. You are truly angels.


What types of services do you provide?

Please visit my website for more complete details about services I provide: https://www.msloridoula.com/ I can help “stack” schedules and open up timeframes for caregiver support and respite; My team and I can provide non-medical companionship and presence at bedside vigils; Space-clearing or help during moves is a service that people have found very helpful; Education and discussion of “what to expect when you’re expecting to die “ is another service that clients have found especially helpful.

What should clients know about your pricing(e.g., discounts, fees, packages)?

Plan to pay $75.00 for initial consultation and a self-guided resource; if I am hired, that is credited to any package. If client chooses not to hire me, the self-guided resource is theirs to keep. A $30.00 monthly Zoom is offered to discuss end-of-life topics and connect with others open to these conversations. This Zoom is offered as free bonus with the purchase of any service or package. Please visit my website for further details on packages and pricing: https://www.msloridoula.com/

What is your typical process for working with a new client?

An initial in-person meeting is scheduled. This includes sharing stories of why the client is reaching out, what areas of non-medical support would be helpful, and seeing if we “click”. If I am hired, an intake form is filled out; a contract is signed; a payment is made, and a “meet and greet” is scheduled.

What are some of the ways you have supported someone at end-of-life?

Providing emotional support when moving from one home to another; Singing songs with people living with dementia; Singing songs at bedside vigils; Reading books out loud; Listening to stories and then having the honor of re-telling those same stories during the bedside vigils; Guided meditations or imagery gleaned from stories of specific events or locations; Giving hand and foot massages; Interviewing and choosing a spiritual minister for someone not on hospice; Praying with clients; researching and compiling meaningful spiritual readings; Setting up various hospice interviews for caregivers; Holding the phone to client's ears while faraway loved ones said their goodbyes; Offering comfort and presence

What advice would you give someone looking to hire an end-of-life doula?

Check the NEDA directory to see who is listed in your state and to be familiar with the NEDA Code of Ethics; Think of “I wish” statements so that when you meet prospective doulas, you can communicate what you hope they can provide-- if the one you’re interviewing doesn’t specialize in those areas, they may refer you to someone who does! It’s worth the money to hire someone with skills and knowledge; even if our neighbor or sister could paint our nails, it’s nice to get a professional mani/pedi!

What questions should clients think through before talking to doulas?

How do I want to feel when interacting with a doula-- comforted, directed, heard, entertained, etc.? What is the main focus I want a doula to have: Helping me put affairs in order? How to have conversations with loved ones? Letter writing or gift preparation for a legacy? Respite for the main caregiver? Vigil planning? Companionship and emotional or spiritual support? Or after death care and early grief? The more clarity you have, the better idea of which doula you’re interviewing is a good “fit”.

What populations are you best suited to serve?

Elderly, whose support circles are away or live at a distance, who want companionship, vigil planning and bedside vigils; Caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed. I can help with scheduling and accessing other support, as well as offer specialized non-medical companionship to the person they are caring for; People who are moving from one home to another; Anyone space-clearing and sorting after someone has died.

Do you offer any other services beyond end-of-life doula support (e.g. advanced care planning, paralegal, legacy services, chaplaincy services)?

I am very familiar with the end-of-life support community in Gallatin County, and I can readily offer resources for any services I do not provide. I am comfortable accompanying the client or caregiver as they explore these additional services.

Do you work as part of a collaborative or independently?

Independently, though I am happy to share and connect with my network and resources.

Are you willing to work remotely?

Yes Also, with any package purchase, a free support group Zoom link will be included for education, sharing stories, and connecting.


  • I serve in the Gallatin Valley of Montana.
  • If you are a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, or someone wondering how to begin getting affairs in order, or someone curious about what to expect at the end-of-life, I can offer non-medical support and guidance.

Years In Business

  • 2023

Number Of Employees

  • 1

Service Areas

  • Bozeman, MT
  • Billings, MT
  • Great Falls, MT

Languages

  • English

Payment Method

  • Venmo

Address

Bozeman, MT 59718

Travel Preferences

I travel to clients

I support clients virtually (phone/internet)


Not the right fit?

We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.

Not the right fit?

We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.