Midwife for Souls: Spiritual Care for the Dying

I loved this book and the loving, caring spirit it was written in. The author shares deep understanding and care for the dying and their loved ones. She is a religious person with strong faith. That faith does not seem to get in the way of her caring for a person, regardless of their religious beliefs. This holds true for most medical professionals. However, I found myself comforted by her expressions of deep faith throughout the book. In my opinion, her sense of faith only added to her ability to care for others. It’s a part of who she is and what she does. She shares her gifts with an open heart. She provides care to other humans. Thats her gift. She doesn’t force her faith on others, she shows respect for religious differences and does her work in a way that resonates with her soul. I would say many, many people have benefited from that.... and religion is the least of what she offers.

Midwife for Souls touched my three brothers and I deeply during the final days of our father's life. We were introduced to this book by a Hospice Chaplain who gave us permission to ask any questions that we wanted to about what to expect in the days ahead from moving dad from hospital to hospice care. Her references to this book of what to expect were just what I needed to hear. Kathy's sensitivity, practical compassion and obvious calling to work with the dying was a source of deep strength and comfort to us all as we had not walked this way before. God used this book in helping us to address questions as a family that we do not normally talk about and to provide us with an environment of love and care to share our hearts. Her practical insights from more than 20 years of experience helped us move from the unknown to the known in how to prepare ourselves for the uncertain days ahead of us not only with Dad but four other deaths of parents within a period of two years.Midwife for Souls has been a constant resource for me as a Minister in walking with families who face the loss of a loved one both for those who profess faith and for those who do not. The sensitivity, prayer and comfort that Kathy offers in this book will help you and be a source of God's care to you. God promises to walk with us through every situation and challenge that we face and He will be with you as well.G. Stephen Goode

Book begins helpful and strong and by chapter 6 the author becomes very clear with her judgement about assisted death, suicide and the midwives who assist or “allow” it to happen... imho how a soul chooses to depart is no one else’s business and opinions have zero place in a final months/weeks/hours space... i am trying to continue to the end and honestly the hate and judgement of the author has turned my stomach

A friend bought this and sent this to us as we began the Hospice journey with our mother. I loved it so much I bought copies for other family members. I wish all hospice nurses were like this author, but unfortunately they aren't. However, having this book helps fill in the gaps that certainly can be overlooked in this journey. This book allows the family to know what to expect and how to prepare themselves and the loved one physically, spiritually and emotionally. The priest who came to visit our mother bought one from Amazon before he left the house he loved it so much. It is beautiful, helpful, supportive, I highly recommend this for loved ones, caregivers and a must for anyone working in the hospice field.

A woman from church gave me this book in 1998 when my mother entered hospice care. She told me I would know when the time was right to read it. I shared it with my sister; it helped us both more than words can express. It explained the dying process from a spiritual perspective, and gave us both comfort in our darkest days. After my mother passed away, I tried to return the book. My church friend told me "pass it on". She herself had gotten it from another parishioner, and was told the same thing. I purchase 4-5 copies of the book each year. When I find someone in a situation similar to the one that I experienced, I give them a copy. My sister does this too. Every single person has told me that they have derived great comfort from this book, and they, too, have "passed it on". This is a MUST read for anyone that has a loved one with a life-limiting illness.

This book about dying has the pertinent info to know about the stages of losing a loved one. I have bought several over time to give to others.

Wife's review: this book came highly suggested when my family and I found out my mom was dying. This author/book is amazing and I recommend it to anyone with a loved one who is dying, especially ones going into hospice. The author talks about what happens physically and probably spiritually when a person is trying to pass on and how it's our job to help "pray them over." It was so helpful to my family I understand what my mom was probably going through and helped us comfort her in her last days/minutes. So beautiful, really helped me personally understand the beautiful process of dying and detachment of the world.

Easy read and straightforward. I volunteer for hospice and do homecare- found this very useful and have offered the book to family members of loved ones who are receiving hospice services. Even though I am Catholic, I do think this book is a bit too over the top religious. The author is upfront saying she is catholic an unapologetic of her views and beliefs, I found it not to be inclusive of other beliefs or worldviews.

The description provided for the paperback makes no mention of the fact that this is a book about Catholic soul midwifery and it is not, contrary to the description, a book for "all" working with terminally ill. A large part of the book is suggested prayers and use of the rosary. I notice that the Kindle page describes it as Catholic but not the paperback page.

I ordered this book after watching an interview with the author on EWTN's The Abundant Life and was so inspired I had to buy the book.Reading Midwife for Souls has been a very moving experience. I have smiled, laughed and cried. It has given me hope and renewed faith and I hope to have the opportunities of putting the practical and prayerful guidance into practice in my work and personal life.This book is truly worth reading and recommending to others.

this book I think is a must, it empowers those about to embark upon their final journey. it explains things that we may experience during this dying process reducing our fears and concerns. this book is very well and delicately written. plain and simple for all to understand

Extremely useful, a very good read on many levels. A difficult topic handled with grace and dignity.

Pleased with item, thanks