'I was always worried that approaching someone like Katie early in our journey would mean we'd given up on the idea that Rich would live past the cancer. But actually what it does is make your time together more life-affirming'
- E.H
What is a Soul Midwife?
Soul Midwives are non-medical, holistic companions who guide and support the dying in order to facilitate a gentle and peaceful death.
Soul Midwives draw on ancient skills and traditions, apply and adapt them to modern day life, and death, and treat dying as a rite of passage and a precious and sacred journey.
A soul midwife provides emotional, spiritual, and holistic support for those who are dying, as well as the people around them. We can help ease the journey at the end of life by creating a calm, comforting, and sacred space, ensuring an individual feels seen, heard, safe and loved.
We can sit in the uncomfortable so you can feel comfort.
Testimonial
"None of us want to face the prospect of dying however my wife, who passed away a couple of months ago, decided to take control and sought help to prepare for dying and plan for what happens afterwards. We decided a few years ago that we didn’t want typical funerals and all of the sadness and grief that goes with that. So, we came up with a plan to have private funerals with no one present, private internment of ash’s and then a full celebration of life event. We decided on the location, the style, the food, the guests, the speakers and even the music all before she left us. She even asked specific people to help with organising the event including asking Katie to host the day. All I had to do was execute the plan. This helped me and other members of the family enormously as we knew we were putting all of our efforts into something that was truly a genuine reflection of my wife. She connected with Katie 2 years prior to her dying who supported her through some of her darkest periods. And then towards the end she arranged for Katie to visit us in the hospital so we could agree on some of the finer details of her life story and how she wanted the celebration to run. Over a 6-week period Katie spoke to many of the family and friends and built a picture of my wife’s life which she used to orchestrate a very special afternoon of memory sharing. Katie has an excellent way of helping people be calm and think though what they want and then deliver a very warm and comforting celebration. I can’t thank Katie enough for how she helped my wife approach dying and then how she supported us and enabled all the family and friends to share their memories in a loving and beautiful way" Mr J - December 2022
Why would you want a Soul Midwife?
-
You or your person are approaching the end of their life and need compassionate, non-medical support.
-
You value a holistic approach, focusing on emotional, spiritual, and practical well-being, ALONGSIDE medical and clinical care.
-
You feel unprepared or unsure about how to navigate this transition and want someone experienced to guide you.
-
You want information and education from a heartfelt, human perspective.
-
You want to honour this time as meaningful, rather than something to fear or avoid. You might want to fulfil rituals or practices with someone by your side.
-
You don’t want to do any of this alone and know you have someone to talk too and lean on, for the carer and for the dying.
-
You want someone to just be present with you, whether it be for a few questions, a few hours, or through the whole process.
-
A soul midwife can also support families/tribes/villages in helping them find some level of peace and connection during what can be an overwhelming and emotional time. We offer a deeply personal and human approach to death.
-
It can be as religious and spiritual and as human and practical as you need and want. We are here to help in whatever way YOU need. We support all faiths and none, and simply meet people where they are at
How can a Soul Midwife help?
Our support is non-medical and non-denominational, we support all faiths and none. We simply offer EXTRA love and support at the end of life, human to human.
End of Life Companion
The heart of soul midwifery is companionship. I offer emotional, practical and compassionate support to individuals and families throughout their end-of-life journey, providing a calm, non-judgemental presence when it is needed most.
Advance Care Planning & Funeral Preparation
Thinking ahead can bring reassurance, clarity and peace of mind. I can support you in exploring your wishes for future care, treatment and funeral arrangements, helping ensure your voice is heard and your choices are understood.
Compassionate Communication
Talking about death, dying and our wishes isn’t always easy, but these conversations can be incredibly valuable. I help create a safe space for honest discussions that can bring comfort, understanding and connection.
Creating Legacy &
Memory Projects
Memory boxes, scrapbooks, letters, recordings and keepsakes can become treasured gifts for those we leave behind. I can help individuals and families create meaningful ways to preserve memories and celebrate a life lived.
Holistic & Therapeutic Support
Where appropriate, I may incorporate gentle holistic approaches such as relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, sound, meditation and other supportive practices to help create comfort, calm and connection.
Bedside Vigils & Holding Space
I can help create a peaceful, supportive environment at the bedside, offering calm companionship and helping families honour the wishes of their loved one. Together we can create a space that feels personal, meaningful and comforting.
© 2023 by Katie Costello - Soul Midwife and Funeral Celebrant. All right reserved.
