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'I'm a death midwife': Model Imogen Bailey reveals new passion

Model Imogen Bailey has revealed she is training to become a 'death midwife' after the recent loss of her uncle.

In a first person piece for MamaMia Ms Bailey said she wanted to make 'death become a conversation we could all joyfully have and plan for together' instead of it being a fearful subject to approach.

Imogen Bailey. Photo: Getty Images
Imogen Bailey. Photo: Getty Images

Ms Bailey decided to embark on the new career, after she lost an uncle last year.

She said she is often met with criticism for her decision with people saying “why on earth would you want to do that? ” or “are you morbid?”

Ms Bailey, who describes herself as an End-of-Life Doula, said that 'it is a conversation about what the end of your life looks like to you'.

Imogen Bailey. Photo: Getty Images
Imogen Bailey. Photo: Getty Images

The model described how her uncle would leave 'often-comical instructions' about what he wanted done with everything in his life.

"Firstly I would have liked to be by his side at the end (I know many of my family members would have) so I decided to get trained and secondly, because my family all took a little solace and some giggles from his post-it notes," she said.

According to the Australian Doula College website: "An End-of-Life Doula is someone who undergoes special training to empower and support the dying and/or their friends/family members, however the journey unfolds.

"Their role is to preserve the quality of well being and self-worth up to and beyond the end of life as we know it.

"They are the “informed companion” bringing comfort, support, compassion, and assist a person and their family in feeling safe and supported during this important transition.

"These courses are also for people who have a professional background and wish to deepen their skills in end of life support e.g. Nurses, Complementary Therapists, Aged Residential Facility staff etc."

Imogen Bailey. Photo: Getty Images
Imogen Bailey. Photo: Getty Images

Ms Bailey added: "It is my job to pay attention to the environment and the individuals desires.

"This might be music, lighting, a familiar blanket or communicating with family and friends. I create a safe, loving and gentle environment – a nest – a nest to give birth in or a safe warm nest to depart from in death."

Ms Bailey urged families to talk about what kind of 'death celebration' you would like, specific medical instructions, discussing your last days, end of life care including organ donation and
telling family members about favourite items that would make the last days happier including music, animals or candles.

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