Death Doula To My Mother-In-Law

In this episode, Cate discusses a deeply personal experience as a death doula for her mother-in-law. She shares insights on reclaiming agency in the dying process and the importance of having open, honest conversations about end-of-life choices.

 

What You’ll Get Out of Tuning In

  • Understanding the role of a death doula and how they can support individuals and families during end-of-life (00:00:08)
  • Insights into the importance of agency and dignity in the dying process (00:02:49)
  • How to initiate and navigate difficult conversations about death and end-of-life wishes (00:05:43)
  • Exploring the option of voluntary assisted death and the resources available (00:03:18)
  • Recognizing the cultural separation from the dying process and how to reclaim it (00:00:21)

Highlights

  • Reclaiming the Dying Cycle: Cate discusses how modern society has become removed from the natural process of death due to the rise of hospitals and care facilities. She emphasizes the importance of bringing death back into our awareness and conversations.
  • The Power of Agency: The conversation highlights the significance of empowering individuals to make choices about their own death. Giving her mother-in-law the agency to choose brought her peace.
  • Navigating Difficult Conversations: Cate shares her experience of initiating and guiding conversations about death with her mother-in-law, emphasizing the need for honesty, presence, and a willingness to explore uncomfortable topics.
  • Voluntary Assisted Death: Cate shares her research into voluntary assisted death, including resources like the Pegasus facility in Switzerland, and the importance of understanding all available options.

Quotes

  • “She had agency to choose, and she just let her body just go. So beautiful. The power that we have as humans.” – Cate Stillman (00:00:00)
  • “This idea of dying, indignity, dying with agency, dying, being, being your own agent, being able to choose how and when you die.” – Cate Stillman (00:02:27)
  • “How agency is agency and dignity and death is really the bottom line.” – Cate Stillman (00:13:58)

 

Links

Cate Stillman

Cate’s story offers a powerful reminder of the importance of open conversations about death and the need to restore agency and dignity to the dying process. We hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own beliefs about death and to begin having these crucial conversations with your loved ones. If you found this episode valuable, please share it with others and leave us a review. Your support helps us bring more important conversations to light.