Soul Midwifery
FAQs
WHAT IS A SOUL MIDWIFE?
Soul Midwives are non-medical, holistic companions who guide and support the dying to facilitate a gentle and tranquil death.
WHAT ARE THE SESSIONS LIKE?
Our first session involves sitting down and getting to know each other. I find out where you are now and which direction you are headed. I give you a safe space to talk about your hopes and fears about death. After this, further sessions can include helping you talk to your family and friends about your wishes. I can guide you through end-of-life decisions like, getting your affairs in order and considering funeral options. Each session is led by where 'you are' on the journey and what you need during that time. I have a 'tool kit' which includes various holistic therapies, oils and other items which I choose to help you through your journey where appropriate.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU COVER?
The majority of my work is within the West Midlands in the UK. I'm based in Stourbridge and can work anywhere within a 5-10 mile radius. If you live further afield then please do get in touch as I can travel - we just need to arrange travel expenses.
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I have access to a wonderful network of Soul Midwives across the UK and beyond. If I can't be there for you, then I can put you in touch with a Soul Midwife who can.
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I also cover areas in Spain - please contact me for more info.
WILL OUR CONVERSATIONS BE KEPT PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL?
YES! One of my main gifts is to enable people to open up to me and release their 'soul wounds'. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space for the dying to release what's on their mind and in their heart and soul. This work enables a peaceful transition when the time comes.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOUL MIDWIFE AND A PALLIATIVE CARE NURSE?
Palliative care nurses are wonderful humans. They are trained to support the dying on a medical and practical level. A Soul Midwife complements the work of a medical team by supporting the dying in a non-medical way. We help the dying find their way through their journey by understanding their wants and needs, leaving legacies and creating death plans. We also emotionally, holistically and spiritually support the dying through their final journey, along with holding sacred spaces and vigiling during final hours. We also work with the families to support them in their grief during a time that can feel traumatic. As fabulous as nurses are, most aren't trained in this way and they certainly do not have the time to do this work whilst practically and medically caring for their patients.
HOW MUCH IS YOUR SERVICE?
Any work outside of Mary Stevens Hospice and my agreed voluntary hours are charged at a reduced rate of £50 per session (usually lasts around an hour).
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I'm currently taking on 'donations' based work! If you're interested, please email me. Or call me 07950 813393. I cannot do this without the support of my community who sponsor this work to cover my time and expenses
WILL YOU SUPPORT MY FAMILY TOO?
I certainly can. We can involve your family in as many sessions as you feel comfortable with. I can work with families by listening to their fears and thoughts on death, supporting their anxiety at losing a loved one and I can visit them after you're gone. This visit could include any messages you'd like to pass on, or general love and support during a difficult time for them.
why is it not a free service?
Soul Midwifery is a professional qualification costing £’000’s to train and qualify (approx. £4k and 1,500hrs for me to be exact). On top of that I have an expensive tool kit, regular CPD, insurance, admin and website costs etc..
I donate my time for free to my local hospice and other causes related to death & dying. Anything outside of these hours are chargeable, but at a reduced rate of £50 per session (My normal session rate for general wellbeing is £75 – and end of life work is much deeper and requires more energy and skills!)
We are very lucky here in the UK to have the NHS and Hospice care providing free services to those in need. Churches also provide pastoral care for free for anyone at end of life too. Unfortunately, I have no funding or support to offer my services for free. We all have bills to pay – I just so happen to offer a service to people who are dying. I’d love to have the finances to offer my work for free, but it is simply not possible. However, I do have a small pot of money available from kind sponsors from around the world. This sponsorship pot allows me to cover my expenses whilst working with someone who cannot afford to pay for my services.
If you’d like to work with me, but have difficulties paying, please reach out for a chat.
HOW CAN I SPONSOR YOUR WORK?
Please email or phone me to discuss options further – your sponsorship means I can offer my services free of charge to people who cannot afford my services. I am so grateful to my sponsors who include:
Shelley Celebrant
DO I NEED TO BE RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL?
A Soul Midwife is non-denominational. This means I can work with any belief. Even if you don't know what you believe or believe there is 'nothing' after death - that's absolutely fine. It's your journey and my role is to support you through it - not push my own views.
I’ve supported people with deep religious faiths, those exploring their faith, spiritual leaders and people with no spiritual beliefs at all. I work with you and your beliefs and values. Not my own, or push an agenda. I am here to serve you.
ARE YOU INSURED?
Yes. I was trained by the wonderful Felicity Warner at the Soul Midwives School in Dorset. Felicity insists all practicing Soul Midwives are fully insured.
WHERE ARE YOUR SESSIONS HELD?
Wherever you would like them to be! If you are able to get about, we can meet somewhere convenient to you close to home (or not close to home - depending on how you feel). If you are unable to leave your bed, I can visit you at home, in hospital or in a Hospice. The location is quite flexible depending on your needs.
HOW CAN I BOOK?
Please feel free to email me info@evaandalma.com. I aim to respond to your query within 24 hours. I can send you booking details based on your requirements.
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In emergencies, please call me on my mobile on 07950 813393.
MY LOVED ONE IS ALREADY IN THEIR FINAL STAGES OF DEATH AND CANNOT COMMUNICATE. WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO WORK WITH THEM. IS THIS A PROBLEM?
Absolutely not. It's hard to explain, but we are able to communicate and send love and peace to someone during their final days or hours without having to speak. Soul Midwives can do a lot without having to say a word and I feel very blessed to have been given this gift.
If you feel you'd like to work with me, or your loved one is at end-of-life and you feel they would benefit from my support, simply get in touch for an informal chat. ​
