What is an end-of-life midwife?
An end-of-life midwife provides non-medical, holistic support to dying individuals and their families. Just as a birth midwife supports new life, an end-of-life midwife guides and supports families through the dying process — offering presence, education, legacy work, and emotional support.
How is an end-of-life midwife different from a death doula?
An end-of-life midwife and a death doula provide very similar services. The term "end-of-life midwife" emphasizes the caregiving, nurturing role — similar to how a midwife guides someone through birth — while honoring the sacred nature of the dying process.
How is an end-of-life midwife different from hospice?
Hospice provides medical and clinical care near the end of life. An end-of-life midwife offers non-medical support — emotional presence, family education, legacy projects, and advance care planning conversations — and works beautifully alongside a hospice team. The two complement each other.
When should I contact an end-of-life midwife?
The earlier the better — but there is no wrong time. Pat can be involved months before a death, helping with advance care planning and legacy projects, or she can be called in during the final days or hours. Reaching out is always the right move.
What does INELDA training mean?
INELDA stands for the International End-of-Life Doula Association. It is one of the leading training organizations for end-of-life doulas and midwives, providing rigorous education in compassionate, whole-person care. Pat's INELDA training reflects her deep commitment to this work.
Does Pat Dodge serve the Columbus, Ohio area?
Yes. Pat serves all of Franklin County — including Columbus, Westerville, Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Grandview Heights, Bexley, Upper Arlington, Worthington, New Albany, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, and more — as well as all of Licking County, including Granville, Newark, Heath, Pataskala, Hebron, Johnstown, and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether your location is covered, just call or text.
Is there a death doula or end-of-life midwife near Granville, Ohio?
Yes — Pat Dodge is based in Granville, Ohio and serves all of Licking County and Franklin County. She is one of the few INELDA-trained end-of-life midwives serving the Granville, Newark, and central Ohio area.
Is there a death doula in Licking County, Ohio?
Yes. Pat Dodge serves all of Licking County, including Granville, Newark, Heath, Pataskala, Hebron, Johnstown, Buckeye Lake, and surrounding communities. She is INELDA-trained and available for bedside vigil, legacy work, advance care planning, and family support.
Can an end-of-life midwife help if my loved one is in a nursing home or care facility?
Yes. Pat can provide support wherever your loved one is — at home, in a hospital, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or a hospice house. The location doesn't change the need for human presence and family support.
Do you work alongside hospice?
Absolutely. Pat's role complements hospice beautifully. Hospice manages medical care and pain management. Pat focuses on the emotional, spiritual, and relational needs of the family — the things hospice teams often don't have time for. Most hospice teams welcome the support.
What if my loved one's death was unexpected or sudden?
Pat can also support families after a sudden or unexpected death — helping process grief, create meaning, and navigate the immediate aftermath. End-of-life support is not limited to terminal illness.
How much does an end-of-life midwife cost?
Pat offers flexible pricing to fit different family situations. She believes cost should never be the reason a family goes without support. Contact her directly for a free, no-pressure conversation about what makes sense for your family.
What is the difference between an end-of-life midwife and a death midwife?
The terms are used interchangeably. Both describe a non-medical guide and companion for the dying process — someone who brings the same nurturing, informed presence to death that a birth midwife brings to birth.
My family member just received a terminal diagnosis. Where do I start?
Start by reaching out to Pat. A diagnosis is overwhelming, and you don't have to figure out the next steps alone. Pat can help you understand what lies ahead, have the hard conversations, and make a plan that honors your loved one's wishes — at whatever pace feels right.
