My Journey to Become a Soul Midwife

I am so excited to share my journey with you. But before we go any further, can we clarify one thing? This has nothing to do with delivering babies!

Quite the opposite, in fact. In its most basic terms, a Soul Midwife is an end-of-life companion. You can find out more by clicking here, on the Soul Midwife's website. You may have heard of similar roles such as a Death Doula or End of Life Practitioner. As a Soul Midwife, my role is to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to those approaching their final breath. We call those we are working with our Friends. The ways in which this can be done are innumerate, ranging from simply vigiling at the bedside of a dying Friend, to undertaking deep healing work so that they may die knowing they have addressed any soul wounds from lifetime traumas or released any haunting memories. A Friend may also wish to ensure that their Soul has returned peacefully to source or to be blessed, after death.  I also work alongside the family to ensure that their voices are heard, too. I am often called upon to help with funeral planning, as well, which I am experienced at, as a funeral celebrant. It is incredibly special work and an immense honour to be brought into a family at such a vulnerable time and trusted, so wholly. I may work with Friends only briefly or over several weeks or months. Every experience is different, and we work together to create a blueprint which is suited to the circumstances, beliefs and wishes of our Friend.  

But how did I end up becoming a Soul Midwife? Well, it was a number of years ago, when I first heard the description of the role, and it had such a tangible effect on me. It was as if time stood still, and everything just made sense. I’ve always been fascinated by death and the idea that I could accompany individuals on their personal final journey just resonated on so many levels. It is a unique experience, every time. We get to go deeper into exploring the mystery of this final unknown destination. It seemed a really tangible and useful way to use all my skills to help people at a time when we often feel useless. And, as a celebrant and spiritual practitioner, the opportunities to work in bespoke and heartfelt ways seemed endless.

My journey has taken many years. I didn’t want to start when my children were too small, as it wasn’t practical. Even when I did embark on the training programmed, devised by the amazing Felicity Warner, I didn’t rush. You can’t rush your soul’s calling. It needs to be done with the utmost care and contemplation. Working with a dying Friend is an absolute blessing and must be balanced with ample self-care. My training has been a huge adventure of wonderful learning, self-discovery and incredible experiences. And I will never forget the first time I was invited to be someone’s Soul Midwife, by the most beautiful, courageous and loving Friend. Her spirit will remain with me, a guiding light and inspiration, forever.  

If you are curious to learn about my work or would like to arrange a (free) chat, just pop me a message and we’ll organise a lovely, relaxed meet up!

With love and magenta blessings

Rachel xxx

Photo credit Rickford Lyndon