URGENT UPDATE: A new wave of support for families facing end-of-life decisions is emerging in Fargo, as local residents embrace the role of death doulas. These professionals, like Gail Christopher and Mantha Josophia, are dedicated to providing comfort and guidance during the most challenging times of life.
Christopher, a former nursing home director, became a death doula after years of witnessing the profound need for compassionate end-of-life care. She graduated from the Conscious Dying Institute in 2019 and has since committed herself to helping families navigate the complex emotional landscape surrounding death.
“It’s so sacred, it’s almost like a birth,” Christopher said, emphasizing the beauty that can accompany the dying process. “We need to talk about it openly and educate families on how to honor the wishes of their loved ones.”
As interest in death doulas surges—thanks in part to movements like the Death Positive Movement led by millennial mortician Caitlin Doughty—the role of these professionals is becoming increasingly recognized. Unlike hospice workers, death doulas focus on the emotional and spiritual needs of the dying and their families, offering support in areas such as medical directives and legacy projects.
Christopher’s mission is to provide one-on-one guidance for families, advocating for open conversations about preferences for end-of-life care. “When you know something is coming, talk about it,” she advises, encouraging families to facilitate discussions around final wishes.
In Fargo, the movement is gaining traction with the formation of Sacred Passage Death Doula Services, a collaborative effort by Christopher, Josophia, and other trained doulas. This group aims to address gaps in existing end-of-life services and provide personalized support to families.
Josophia, who facilitates Fargo’s monthly Death Cafes, believes these gatherings are vital for demystifying death. “It’s a safe space for people to talk about loss and grief,” she stated. The next Death Cafe is scheduled for October 19, 2023, at 4 p.m. at Ecce Yoga in downtown Fargo.
In her journey to becoming a doula, Josophia was inspired by her own experiences of motherhood, which led her to reevaluate her beliefs about death. “I realized how much support I needed during childbirth, and that sparked my interest in providing the same for others at the end of life,” she explained.
Another member of the Sacred Passage team, Angie Schulz, is a funeral assistant who felt compelled to expand her skill set to include doula services after experiencing her grandmother’s passing. “Being there for someone during their final moments is a gift,” Schulz remarked, highlighting the importance of presence and support during this pivotal time.
As the doulas work to build awareness and educate the community, they aim to foster an environment where discussing death is normalized and supported. “Grief can arise from many life experiences, not just literal deaths,” Josophia added, encouraging participants to bring their stories to the table.
For families grappling with the complexities of end-of-life care, the emergence of death doulas offers a compassionate option. As the movement grows, these professionals are poised to change how we approach the final chapter of life.
For more information about Sacred Passage Death Doula Services or to learn about upcoming events, contact [email protected] or reach out to Gail Christopher at [email protected].
