Our Mourning Joy Doula Service
Death Doula
Durham, NC Raleigh, NC Greensboro, NC
Aromatherapy, Breathwork, Dementia Care, Funeral Celebrant, Grief Specialist, Guided Imagery, Legacy Work, LGBTQ Allied, Meditation, Reiki, Rituals, Home Funerals
Offers free consultation
Verified by Autumn
I believe we need help going out of this world. I believe people need to feel fully supported through the dying process. Death is not the end, rather a beginning to the other side. I have found that when we contemplate instead of avoid death, it becomes a teacher and friend. I am a firm believer in education and advocacy. I believe when we choose to normalize conversations around death and dying, the world is remarkably changed and cultural stigmas can shift. I offer a background rich in the study of death and dying and have experience at the bedside of hundreds of dying people. I understand the physiological changes that occur and recognize the comfort needs of each dying patient. I offer guided imagery, healing touch, relaxation breathing, reiki, and recommendations for medical interventions throughout the dying process. My presence and support are available in a holistic manner to the client and family both during the dying process and when grieving loss after death.
I believe that care for the dying is a sacred calling and should be cherished. I specialize in end-of-life care by practicing an integrated approach. I believe in honoring the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life. I believe the transition to death should be revered and that often the last months of an individual’s life can be the best months of their life. I believe that each person should feel fully supported throughout the end-of-life process.
Certifications
- Going with Grace
- Doula Givers
- Conscious Dying Institute
- Doorway Into Light
Education
- Masters of Science in Nursing 2010
- Certified End-of-life-Specialist 2022
- Certified Death Doula 2022
- Certified Grief Doula 2022
Maggie C
We're living in a time where companies and people value profit and power over our loved ones. My biggest regret was not being able to find Our Mourning Joy Doula Service sooner, where my mom would have gotten and been taken care of for a longer and better time until her end. Mckenzie showed me that there are still people out there who care and will give them their all to provide the best care, not only to their loved ones but to their family members as well. I lost my mother, my only family, February 26th. This was not only a major shock, but also not having any other family members, I felt alone, and lost. I felt that I have let down my mother as well. That is where I saw I really wasn't alone, where I can really say Mckenzie became a surrogate family to me in my darkest time. Even after the passing of my mother, Our Mourning Joy Doula Service continued helping and supporting me. There are no words, no action I feel I can ever show or repay for all they have done, not only for my mother but for their continuing support. I know I sound so melodramatic, but for a person who has lost so much and after got back hope and so much more, it is hard not to show how grateful and lucky I am.
Jackson A
I want to thank the Our Mourning Joy Doula Service for providing great, loving care to my mother. Mckenzie was excellent. She was courteous, professional and very helpful to my mom and I. I appreciate all of your assistance and for making my mother’s transition very peaceful, humane and with care. Mom died peacefully in her sleep, and it was not a sad affair but something beautiful! Again kudos to Mckenzie and your organization!
What types of services do you provide?
I can assist the dying in defining their wishes and offer care before, during and after death. Services may include practical planning, vigil planning, care for the body after death and bereavement care. I can co-create rituals, ceremonies, and altars for individuals and families who find value, comfort and meaning in these practices. I can provide this service for pets as well. I believe that people can be empowered when they become comfortable talking about and embracing death. I offer grief support and advanced care planning services. I also offer animal reiki.
What should clients know about your pricing(e.g., discounts, fees, packages)?
Pricing is based on services selected and based on the needs of the client and caregiver. Packages are available. Advanced Care Planning and memorial service planning is always offered in the form of a package.
What is your typical process for working with a new client?
I start with an initial consultation. It’s important for the client to know that the consultation is essentially a 2-way interview. You want to make sure that this person is a good fit for you just as much as they want to see if you’re the right doula for them! Consultations are NOT education sessions or coaching calls. It’s more like a meet ‘n greet to see if you like each other, and an information session about your services. We examine the services I provide ans assess how I can best help the client. If you decide that I’m the right fit for you, let me know, and I’ll put together a contract and an invoice so we can get started. Do you have any more questions? It is at this time I will do my best to answer all of them. I will give you time to think about your needs and whether you feel I will be able to help you. I will follow up with a phone call or email a few days after our initial consultation. I will send one follow-up email a week later. Full disclosure: I don’t send any follow-up emails after that first immediate one. Would I get more clients if I did? You bet…. Why don’t I send another follow-up? I don't want anyone to feel pressured into hiring me. However, if a client decides weeks later they want to work with me, I welcome their call anytime!
What are some of the ways you have supported someone at end-of-life?
I have helped people who are in the end-of-life by recognizing that they are dying; communicating sensitively with them and their family; involving them in decisions; supporting them and their family; and creating an individual plan of care that includes adequate nutrition and hydration. I provide physical comfort by helping with daily tasks and offering physical contact. I support mental and emotional needs by talking and listening, creating a comfortable environment, and seeking help for the dying if needed. Ways that I may help include providing physical contact such as trying to hold hands or a gentle massage. I set a comforting mood. Often people prefer quiet moments with less people. I may play music at a low volume. This can help with relaxation and lessen pain. I involve the dying person in care decisions. I allow myself to be present at all times.
What advice would you give someone looking to hire an end-of-life doula?
End of Life Douglas enrich the dying experience for patients, family members and friends, while strengthening the relationship between medical (the doctors, nurses, social workers) and non-medical support (the family or caretakers). We are trained professionals who provide assistance and guidance with holistic services to individuals and their families during transformative life changes. Doula-client relationships engage the difficult and complex emotions while navigating the signs and symptoms of the dying process. An end of life care team is made up of multiple different professionals ranging from doctors, nurses, social workers, and End of Life Doulas to foster a culture of equity in order to facilitate a good death. We strive to be a support system for those who are terminally ill, elderly, or healthy and their families as they plan for their transition. A death doula's work ranges from logistical planning for the time before, during and after of death; conducting rituals or comforting practices; helping the dying person reflect on their life and values; and explaining the bodily functions of dying to caregivers.
What questions should clients think through before talking to doulas?
What is your philosophy on death? Why did you become an end of life doula? What exactly is it I am looking for in a doula? What are the services you offer? What are the services you do not offer? Will you attend doctor's appointments with me? What are your fees? How and when do I pay? Do you provide in-person and virtual support? What hours are you and are you not available? Am I scared to die? If so, how can I overcome my fear of death? If not, how do I want to die? Are there things I need help resolving before I die such as unresolved anger or guilt? Do I need help preparing my Advanced Directives? Do my family and I need grief support? What types of things does my caregiver need help with? Do I want to prepare a vigil? Do I want to create a legacy for my loved ones? What is it like to be with someone when they are dying? What is your belief about what happens after death?
Do you offer any physical modalities or specialty training?
I was a Hospice nurse for 10 years. I have advanced training in grief support, dementia care, animal reiki, and advanced care planning.
Do you offer any other services beyond end-of-life doula support (e.g. advanced care planning, paralegal, legacy services, chaplaincy services)?
Advanced Care Planning Legacy Services Animal Reiki Bedside Vigils
Do you work as part of a collaborative or independently?
My practice is independently owned and operated. I am also an employee of International Doula Life Movement as an internet support person.
Are you willing to work remotely?
Yes
As an end-of-life doula, I provide holistic support to the dying person and their family. My focus is on the heart and is practical. I provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support at the end of the life cycle. I also provide education, planning, and preparation for end-of-life. Doulas are companions and guides through the unknown, often chaotic territory of death and dying. I operate in a non-medical manner, in that I do not participate in the healthcare plan. I am a compliment to physicians, nurses and other members of the healthcare team.
Years In Business
- 2022
Number Of Employees
- 1
Service Areas
- Durham, NC
- Raleigh, NC
- Greensboro, NC
Languages
- English
Payment Method
- Check
- Paypal
- Venmo
- Payment Plan
Address
undefined, NC
Travel Preferences
I travel to clients
I support clients virtually (phone/internet)
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