Doulas in Hospice

[Debra Heinzelman]

I live in Michigan and looking for specific training as a doula, vigil volunteer, or death midwife.  I have an extensive background in hospice, but wish more training in this profession.  Any suggestions?  Am open to training outside of Michigan as well.  Thank you.

[Frances Shani Parker]

There is some confusion out there about how "doula" is pronounced. This site gives the actual voice pronunciation recorded by the "American Heritage Dictionary." Click play arrow under Pronunciations (1).

http://www.wordnik.com/words/doula/pronunciations

[Janice Cleary]

Hello Deb, did you see this website? http://volunteer.truist.com/uwnyc/org/19123133.html
I too live in Michigan, Southwest Michigan and Coordinator Hospice Volunteers in our small town of Hastings. That's great that you are getting the extra training in Detroit to earn a Certificate in Hospice & Palliative Care. I started in the hospice field back in the 1980's in Southern California and had the priviledge of being sent to England where the modern hospice movement began. I too have a heart to be with those during the end of their life and with the family. It is such an intimate and sacred, yet often difficult time. Sometimes just letting others know what is Ok is monumental. I did this through a church I was involved in S. California, and the church would contact me when they had a member who was sick and dying, then I came in to support them beyond what the hospice or home care was offering. It was a truly blessed time in my life.

[Sarah Hamel]

Hi Debra. I am so fascinated to read your post. I too have been looking for information on becoming a Death Doula. I'm thinking that there are many more of us out there.

[Debra Heinzelman]

Sarah, I just returned from a conference and checking this inbox. Thanks for the reply. It's nice to meet you.

[Frances Shani Parker]

Jeff, you are all over the Internet. I just responded to comments you left on my latest blog post titled “Curative Medical Care vs. Non-Curative Hospice Care: Two Men in Lo... Blushing indeed! Thanks for your support. Success to you, too!

[Jeff Hoffman]

Debra - just a thought - it seems you already have a bunch of expereince and certification to do this - maybe you should consider offering training yourself if the need exists in your area.

As a volunteer (and non-medical person) I always jump at any opportunity (which is not very often in our area) to get any kind of training to use as both a vigil volunteer, companion volunteer and breavement support volunteer.

Don't underestimate the value of the experinces you have already attained (both personally and academically). To share that with others would be an incredibly profound contribution to our community.

Jeff Hoffman
Hospice Volunteer

[Jeff Hoffman]

Let's see if I can make Frances blush - I too find her words inspiring and while I find it hard to get the time to read and respond to her posts here (and on her blog), when I do, it leaves me recharged. Her subjects show both a great understanding of what we do with those who are dying and a desire to look at subjects others might not consider (I loved your recent blog entry on the elderly and HIV/AIDS).

And to think she is humble enough to admit she was ironing clothes on a Saturday evening (I'll admit I was doing dishes about the same time). I hope you both great success as you continue to do this important work.

Jeff Hoffman
Hospice Volunteer

[Debra Heinzelman]

Jeff, nice to meet you. I have read about you, too, and you sound like an incredible human being. We have much to learn from each other.

I, too, was surprised that Frances was ironing. Isn't she great?

Looking forward to learning more from both of you. You give me good direction and we all need that. Take care

[Frances Shani Parker]

I just took a break from ironing clothes to check the Internet. I was surely not expecting your wonderful bouquet of words. I am honored and grateful. I commend you on your outstanding volunteer spirit.

[Debra Heinzelman]

Frances, I spent a good amount of time this morning learning more about how amazing you are. I am looking for your book to purchase in this area, if not I will go online. I am so touched by your book and the work you have done to give us this gift of understanding and insight from a place where many people never go. I have always asked my hospice volunteer coordinators to give me the patients/families that no one else wants to take or go to the places they wish not to travel. It never ceases to amaze me what lessons have been in store for me. You are truly gifted and you have touched my life. Thank you.