Cultivating the Doula Heart: Essentials of Compassionate Care

This is used as a main textbook for the University of Vermont end-of-life doula program.When I got it I was honestly surprised at how thin it was.DON'T LET THE SIZE FOOL YOU!It's a positively wonderfully concise book of what truly matters in this role.Direct and nearly poetically written.As I said in the review title.... If you are already looking at this book you just need to buy it already. You will not be disappointed.

This book is a gem. I am an EOLD and have many books, but I appreciate how concise and poetic this book is. It’s not a “nuts and bolts business” book like some others - it isn’t really about the business side - it really is about the heart of the practice, the center. It’s a North Star. It’s good to return to from time to time.

This book presents many aspects of Doula work. However, as this book is required for the certification program sponsored by the author, this is required reading (purchase) by the author. The book presents many oversights of doula work, but nothing you cannot find in other larger more comprehensive works. This seems to be a good way for the author to make additional income. Unnecessary for my Doula library.

Take heart and take care with this book tucked in your tool kit labeled: Helping Well. For folks who want to know how to support loved ones living to the end of life. Smart, compassionate, practical, tender, insightful, easy to read and assimilate.Thank you, Francesca Arnoldy for creating this summary of what EVERYONE should know about end of life care.

This book was my first introduction to what it means to be an End-of-Life Doula and I felt fully emerged the entire time I read it. It was clear, organized and had a great flow. I felt like the author was talking right to me, in kind and gentle voice, not only teaching me about what it takes to be an EOL Doula, but also inspiring me to uncover and embrace my doula heart and access the the doula way in my every day life. Cultivating the Doula Heart is thoughtfully written, hopeful and a great resource for those beginning or already in the EOL Doula profession, or those who are interested in gainer a deeper understanding of what it means to BE a doula no matter what their profession or personal situation. It is a book to come back to again and again for information, guidance, reminders and encouragement.

As a doula trainer I am frequently asked by my doulas in training how they can use their skills to provide end of life care as well. I am so happy to have this incredible book to recommend to them now. It is appropriate for anyone in a care field to develop their ability to be present with people going through challenges or major life decisions, for loved ones of those facing a terminal illness, and birth workers looking to expand their capabilities.

Incredible resource and guide for learning how to support people at the end of life, as well as an awesome read to refer to if you’re interested in learning about living wholeheartedly and leading with your heart. This sweet little book offers such immense wisdom and critical insights about compassionate care, which is the core of the doula approach -it is truly a treasure. Please buy it for yourself and give it as a gift -it’s really that good!

I ordered this upon suggestion from an end-of-life doula in my organization. I have 2 terminally ill loved ones that I’m very close to and this book touches not only in the care of others, but also yourself.