Facing Death Head-On: A Doula's Guide to End-of-Life Care

Ever wondered what really happens in those final moments before someone dies, or how a death doula can turn a family's grief into something meaningful? In this episode, I chat with Barb Ferguson, a seasoned end-of-life doula, about her hands-on work with dying, death, and everything after. It's raw, real, and full of insights that might just change how you think about the end of life.Barb shares her journey from accountant to death doula, sparked by helping a family through a tragic accident. We dive into the nitty-gritty of after-death care at home, like using cooling methods to give families time to process without rushing to a funeral. She talks about the shifts she sees in families – how anxiety melts away, allowing space for connection and rituals, even simple things like tucking a hanky into a loved one's pyjamas. It's all about embracing the energy of death, from ancestors cheering on the dying to birds singing at the moment of passing.We also explore voluntary assisted dying, where Barb's support has helped people live more fully, not just end sooner. She reflects on witnessing deaths, the common theme of people slipping away when no one's watching, and how doulas fill gaps in a stretched healthcare system. Barb's passion shines through, reminding us that by facing death head-on, we can live more authentically.What you’ll hear in this episode:Barb's origin story: From a tragic accident to becoming a death doula.Hands-on after-death care: Cooling bodies at home and creating space for grief.The energy of dying: Ancestors, birds, and the quiet moments of transition.Family dynamics during end-of-life: How anxiety fades and connections deepen.Voluntary assisted dying: Real stories of choice and living fully.Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/