Melissa Ferrante

Death Doula

Hopatcong, NJ Newark, NJ Jersey City, NJ

Guided Imagery, Legacy Work, Meditation, Reiki, Rituals

Offers free consultation

Verified by Autumn

Over the last two decades, I have worked in many areas of healthcare including Emergency Services and as a Registered Nurse in acute care and hospice. Throughout my career, I have supported patients and families through their toughest times. No matter how compassionate a healthcare provider is they cannot be all things to all patients and end of life doula's can fill this need. As an end of life doula I provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support. Being diagnosed with a life limiting illness can leave you feeling untethered. Allow me to help you feel more supported so you may better acclimate to this new reality. In addition to traditional doula offerings, I offer reiki and other relaxation techniques, healthcare advocacy and translation, and I am available to work with those seeking aid in dying.


Certifications

  • INELDA

Education

Registered Nurse, INELDA trained end of life doula, Reiki Master/Teacher


What types of services do you provide?

I want to meet you where you are and provide you with what you need. You run the show and can opt in or out of any services. I am here to execute your plans. I provide active listening for emotional support. We can develop legacy projects, ritual (ceremonial) planning, vigil planning ( so loved ones know what you want when you can no longer advocate for yourself). I can sit vigil if requested. I can provide evidence based, non-pharmacological relaxation and pain relieving modalities. I can enhance your healthcare literacy and help you advocate for yourself, and offer early grief support and reprocessing for your loved ones.

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

Prices vary. Please reach out to discuss your needs. I offer full service, per visit, or visit package plans. Some services can be added on or purchased "a la cart". I do offer sliding scale.

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

To determine if I am a good fit for you, I am available for free zoom or phone consult. These typically lasts 15-30 minutes. Visits are typically 75-90 minutes. Our relationship will develop organically based on your unique needs.

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

I have connected with many people as they did the difficult work of processing what it means to have lived and now face death. Deep, active listening is a cornerstone of my work. I am here to sit with you and help you explore these difficult realities. When folks are in their last hours, it's the basics that matter. Being a supportive presence, providing light repositioning, using swabs to keep the mouth moist, and creating a calm and safe space can go a long way. I have been able to guide clients and families through what to expect in disease progression and end of life symptoms. I have translated healthcare jargon, helped families access resources and learn "what questions to ask", I assist with ritual planning, I have sat vigil during the last hours of client's lives, and I have given my client's loved ones the support they need during this time as well.

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

Ask the doula questions!! Ask about our trainings, previous experience, and why we want to do this kind of work. Ask what the doula does or does not offer. Ask if they work alone or are part of a collective.

What questions should clients think through before talking to doulas?

If possible, think about your needs, values, and what a good death may look like to you. Do you have any concerns, worries, or questions about what happens after a terminal diagnosis?

What populations are you best suited to serve?

I work with dying people 18+ and with their families.

Do you offer any physical modalities or specialty training?

Reiki. I have also taken ACAMAID's Doula/Beside Attendant Training and am on the waiting list for their mentoring program.

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

I can assist with advanced care planning, reinforce hospice teaching, and navigating the healthcare system.

Do you work as part of a collaborative or independently?

Independently at this time.

Are you willing to work remotely?

Yes.


Serving those with a life limiting illness and their families (chosen or blood).


Years In Business

  • 2023

Number Of Employees

  • 1

Service Areas

  • Hopatcong, NJ
  • Newark, NJ
  • Jersey City, NJ

Languages

  • English

Payment Method

  • Paypal
  • Venmo
  • Check

Address

Hopatcong, NJ

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.