Just like a midwife can be there at a birth, a death doula is a person to assist in the transition at the end of a life.
And the Blue Mountains will be the site for an interesting two-day workshop about dying led by a 'death doula’ at the end of the month.
Death and dying are topics we often avoid, but the workshop in Woodford is offering the chance to explore them in depth with an experienced end of life consultant, or ‘death doula’.
Called “When We Speak of Death and Dying,” it will be presented by Lola Rus Hartland, who is also a counsellor, and will provide a supportive environment to raise difficult questions about death and dealing with grief.
Ms Hartland said the conversation will “re-imagine death and dying” and give some insight "into why it is so hard to die in the 21st century”.
“It will cover many issues related to death and dying such as conversations with the terminally ill, home vigils, making meaning of the dying process and rituals at the end of life and beyond.
“But also the practical side of things: paperwork, legalities, how to look after a body after death, how to organise a DIY funeral.”
Ms Hartland’s first experience as a “death doula” came at 21 when she supported a young mother through the loss of her stillborn child. Her unique approach to end-of-life care has been developed over decades of combined professional and personal experiences gained through living and working in Europe and Australia.
The workshop is on Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1 at Blue Labyrinth Bush Retreat, Woodford. Cost is $275 for the workshop, or $305 which includes accommodation on Saturday night. For bookings call 0408 412094 or email rushartland@yahoo.com.
