Soul Midwifery began more than thirty years ago.
Felicity was working as a journalist, writing about six young women dying from breast cancer.
Their experiences, fears and strengths revealed how lonely dying could feel, even when medical care was excellent.
Sharing their journeys, Felicity recognised a deep need for time, tenderness and someone willing to listen. Through deep listening, gentle touch, visualisation and unhurried companionship, she began offering comfort, making space for both conversation and silence.
From these beginnings, Soul Midwifery was born: tender, loving care at the end of life.
When we are born, we are welcomed with loving hands. When we die, we deserve the same tenderness.
Soul Midwifery recognises that everyone’s experience of dying is different. It teaches us how to offer comfort, when to listen and when simply to be still.
Doulas, clinicians, therapists and other care professionals draw on its techniques to deepen their practice. Its simple, practical skills can also help anyone caring for a loved one at home.
At its heart is a simple intention: to meet another human being with compassion,empathy and presence as they approach the end of life.
We can all help change the way we care for the dying.
Learn with Felicity and her team, and carry this work gently into the world.
Have you ever sat at the bedside of someone who is dying and thought “what can I do to help?”
Soul Midwives step in when medicine has reached it’s limits.
You may be exploring a new calling, deepening your professional skills or seeking confidence in caring for someone you love.
The Soul Midwives School offers introductory learning and certificated Master Skills courses, bringing practical care and spiritual understanding together.
She’s amazing. The work she has done in the UK and across the world is truly phenomenal. Deeply inspirational — I absolutely adore her.
End of life planning
Advocacy
Holistic therapeutic care
Spiritual companionship
Vigiling
Soul Midwives ( both men and women) work alongside medical and nursing teams, families and other carers. We support the whole person, complementing their clinical care.
The work of Felicity Warner and the Soul Midwives is absolutely crucial … What could be more important?
John Underwood
founder of the Death Café Movement
Later as a health journalist specialising in palliative care, I listened to the dying speak about their fears, hopes and loneliness. Later, as a hospice volunteer, I offered hand massage, music and relaxation. I began to notice how fear and even pain could soften when someone was simply willing to sit close, listen and remain present. Those experiences taught me that dying people need much more than just physical care. They need companionship, deep listening, tenderness and someone who is not afraid to walk beside them through the emotional and spiritual landscape of dying.
From this, Soul Midwifery was born.
Through many years, it has been my privilege to support dying people and their families and to teach others how to do the same.
What began with a promise made beside my grandmother’s hospital bed has grown into a way of caring that has spread around the world.
Soul Midwifery courses and training have been created to deepen confidence, compassion and practical end of life skills.
