Examples of Doula Work
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD)
I am educated on protocols for MAiD as well as VSED (Voluntary Stopping Eating & Drinking) through the INELDA training program & have completed the ACA MAiD training module. I have been present for MAiD administration and can help you understand what to expect. I will stay with you & yours throughout ingestion and transition. Laws covering end-of-life care are part of a new and changing landscape, so please let me know if you have questions about the process. I am not a medical professional, but am happy to help you navigate your choices and will help you find resources if either of these options are of interest, including referral to medical assistance.
I work with Karen Morin at L.A. Patient Advocates, a mentor to me, whose expertise & compassion as a patient advocate and MAiD facilitator is unmatched. Karen can also be hired for informational presentations - she is a wealth of knowledge. I am a guest blogger on her website as well, and her website is hugely informative on all things Medical Aid in Dying - to visit, click the logo above/below. If you are my client & you'd like to meet with Karen, I am happy to make introductions. ~m
My Other Doula Services
In addition to the services above I try to bring a broad scope of support to clients and their families.
Photography & Media
It would be my honor to provide you with end-of-life photography. This may be up-to-date photos of loved ones for the bedside. Alternatively, you may want photography for memorial services or booklets. Finally, if you'd like help putting together a video or a presentation, or other media, I'd be happy to help you.
Music & Media
I am a folk artist & musician and it would be a privilege to create a one-of-a-kind recording of a favorite song for you to enjoy at your leisure or for memorial services, a video or presentation, or whatever purpose it can serve. I don't sing live at services for clients because - in truth - I will get to know you so well that it would be too difficult to sing/play through that kind of emotion and there's a good chance I would ruin the moment. Luckily, recordings have no such human foibles, and can play through tears.
Hear me sing! Above is a sample of me singing & playing an ancient folk song on a little album I did under the stage name Moira Cannon. Aside from folk music, I have a very versatile repertoire - please don't hesitate to ask if you'd like something completely different. ~m
Legacy & Craft
I've been a maker for over 40 years - I'd be happy to help you with that special legacy project - from recipe keepsakes, memorial quilts & sewing, memorial art, writing & journaling, to... well... It's hard to put parameters on this topic, since I've put my hands to work on just about every kind of craft! Rest assured, if I can't do it for some reason, I will help point you in the right direction.
Last but not least!
Finally, one of the most important aspects of end-of-life support is vigil planning & implementation. Whether you already have a vigil plan or you need help creating one, that is what I'm there for. Maybe you want exactly 6 vanilla candles lit at all times or maybe you want the Golden State Warriors games on & no interruptions! Maybe it's most important to you that anyone who enters is quiet and respectful or maybe you want everyone to tell stories and laugh as loud as they want. Every person has different needs! Doulas endeavor to maintain your vigil space and create an environment where your wishes and intents are respected and fulfilled. I will work with you & yours to navigate the trying moments, provide guidance whenever I can be helpful, and bring a steady calming presence to your days. After death, I will help to situate your body lovingly & with care, so that friends and family can spend time with you. There are so many aspects of this work & they don't all fit neatly on a page - but if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. ~m