Midwife For Souls

by Kathy Kalina

The first edition of this text was so beloved that it sold over 30,000 copies now it s your turn to discover why! Kathy Kalina, describes the physical as well as spiritual signs of the dying process in Midwife for Souls. She offers years of qualified experience and spiritual wisdom that will inform and comfort caregivers and loved ones. Caregivers, friends, and family members often feel unsure of what to say or do as they care for the terminally ill. This book provides insight, showing how the support of one s Catholic faith and the power of prayer can be a guide in ministering to a dying person. This book is essential reading for anyone who accompanies others to the edge of life and helps in their birthing to eternal life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Death, Christianity

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2007

Reviews

[Laurence A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a beautiful symmetry between natural birth and natural death, and the author, a Catholic nurse who works in hospice care, humbly shares her experiences about easing the soul into eternity. I haven't seen anyone die or accompanied people in their journey toward death, so I learned a lot about the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of death as well as what it takes to make your peace with God (sometimes very little) to be happy ever after. No two stories are alike, some are miraculous, all are unforgetable - for someone without any close experience like myself.

[Lindsey Mast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Christian hospice nurse, and this book has to be one of the most refreshing and beautiful books on this topic that I've ever read. I can see where this book would be a turn off if the reader doesn't believe in God...but as a believer, I found it life-giving. It reminded me of my calling and the vulnerable space we are invited into as hospice nurses. End-of-life care will always be my passion, but this rekindled my fire. Kathy reminded me why I entered this speciality and to carry my patients in prayer as they make their final journey.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book greatly helped my 7 siblings and I help deliver our parents' souls to heaven. I highly recommend this book, whether you work with the sick and dying, or are a family member or friend helping someone homeward at the end of their earthly life.

[Luann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a Catholic nurse who works in hospice care I gained many insights into what the dying may be feeling and how best to deal with various things. She approaches death through prayer and mindfulness. She suggests a gentle and sensitive approach to the dying, stressing the importance of touch. It was also very informative about the actual physical signs and stages of dying. I have been at the bedside of deaths in our family and believe she truly captures the experience. This s I also a great book for anyone will terminal illness who might want to know more about end of life issues. I will recommend this book to others.

[Heather Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Written by a Hospice nurse who is Catholic. Her stories are incredible. The book is very practical and anyone that has a ministry of bereavement or visiting the terminally ill, then this book is definitely for you. She uses the term "Midwife" as someone that helps another pass over into eternity. Just as a midwife can help a pregnant mother deliver her baby. It is a Christian book with lots of practical ideas on how to deal with the terminally ill and their families. Ultimately we are too love one another as Christ has loved us. I would highly recommend anyone in the Hospice field to read this book.

[Jill LitNavigator · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Midwife for Souls" is a profoundly touching and insightful book that I often give to friends and those caring for a loved one in their final days. The imprimatur from Sean Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. highlights its credibility and makes it a valuable resource for people of faith. Yet, its message is universal, and offers solace, understanding, hope, and comfort to many who are navigating the challenging journey of caring for a dying loved one. The feedback has always been one of gratitude and appreciation for the support it provides.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift I received when my mother received her terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It took some time to pick it up and actively start reading it, then wishing I’d done so sooner.

To love someone closely in the months and days leading to their heavenly home-going takes a unique awareness to how intentional the dying process is. I’m thankful the chapters of this book opened my eyes to witness more of Hod’s mercies as the sunsets become fewer. I saw her see angels and knew He was working with and for her when her eyes were closed.

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Kalina has written a beautiful book about care for the dying. She is compassionate, sensible, sensitive, but also practical. And she's spiritual, a devoted Roman Catholic nurse. She doesn't believe in assisted death for the terminally ill. I suppose that's why I didn't give her book five stars. I would not want to suffer unbearably when there's no hope left or want a loved one to. However I would recommend her book to anyone who needs to know what to do, what to expect, what to say, or how to care for a loved one who is dying. I might even like to have her at my bedside.

[Praise Worthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously don't feel like the same person after reading this book; right after completing my doula certificate program because my perspective about ‘life and death’ has been drastically shifted — All I want to do is everything that aligns with my purpose because nothing else matters anymore…. Asè.

[Judy Croome · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gently written book with some good advice for caring for the terminally ill. Unfortunately, the strong Christian religious dogma was to the detriment of the overall good that this book could offer caregivers.

[Richard Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

People who experience death on a regular basis have to find coping mechanisms. Kathy’s view of death is beautiful and inviting. She’s helpful in understanding the balance of fighting for every last moment while also not fighting against reality. Her stories are inspiring.

[Sigbox1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spiritual book with stories and strategies to assist one in sitting with the dying. It was recommended to me by a hospice nurse while I sat with my mother as she made requests for her funeral. I have read it twice.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reminded about this amazing book today and am going to get a copy to read again during a particularly trying time. This book gave me the courage to walk through the end of life with a family member with a deeper peace and comfort than I would have otherwise been able to have.

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book with practical advice for ministry, grounded deeply in spiritual life. I recommend it, specifically for hospice care workers and volunteers who actively work with the dying and their families.

[Mary Kay Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good tool the signs of death during cancer as well as helping to donate your time to hospice.
Definitely a good read

[Linda Burandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blessed by this book.

Thank you for sharing your heart and your experiences of soul midwifery. I am considering this calling. This book has encouraged me.

[Dory Drummond · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very informative, but difficult to read due to the content. Helpful to me.

[Bethany Winn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some general and practical good tips, some problematic approaches or theological assumptions.

[Darci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this earlier in my journey supporting the death of my loved ones. I'm glad I've read it now, and have recommended it to multiple people already.

[Leslie Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a new hospice RN, I was eager to read this book; there are few books geared specifically for nurses in hospice. While there were some helpful suggestions for patient care, the book was too heavy on the Christianity side of care for me. It felt dismissive of other beliefs and rather pushy at times.

[Dale Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have given so many copies away. I’ve lost count, it’s such a beautiful way to let someone understand what is truly happening during a loved ones time in hospice and beyond.

[Trina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that was a source of immense comfort while my father was on hospice.

[Kate Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recognize the author openly admits she is Catholic and this is a spiritual guide for Hospice nurses, but I read so many reviews that said one's religious preference shouldn't be a factor for any reader. I disagree - the Christian-focused advice and guidance in this book became irritating. While the beginning few chapters are more generally written for Hospice nurses and caregivers, it quickly read like a Christian guide to dying, focused on prayer as the sole source of healing, without which the dying process will surely be more difficult and tedious and should be avoided. While I don't dispute prayer can certainly help heal and bring peace to patients and families, I just want to emphasize that prayer may not be the primary tool for every Hospice nurse. I personally have no trouble interacting with religious and non-religious families alike. I also don't feel the need to bestow my faith upon any family to do my job, and I don't think it will necessarily help them with the dying process. Just keep that in mind when choosing this book. As a side note, the narration was practically a soft whisper at times, far too intimate and nuanced for my taste. Just read the book. I actually think it would've been more enjoyable with better narration.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good information for people that work with / care for the dying.The hospice nurse that wrote it was advocating that hospice nurses should be sure patients are spirtually ready to die - meaning "Christians." There is still a lot of good information and insights. Some interesting stories/ examples, but the lack of respect for spiritual diversity was hard for me. I do understand that hospice nurses build relationships with families and might encounter spiritual issues especially with those that do not want a chaplain.

[Heidi Browne ricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a midwife I really appreciated this book. No one who has attended a deaths and births could fail to see the similarities in the processes. I loved the collaboration between a hospice worker and a midwife. I was concerned that the Christian basis would be tough to take but it was not overwhelming.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the book should have been called
"Christian" care for the dying, or "Catholic" care for the dying - it was far from a general spiritual perspective, which is why I purchased the book. I am looking forward to reading other 'how to be a soul midwife' books to fill in the cultural and spiritual gaps. I did enjoy the personal stories at the end.

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about dying that was heartwarming, informative and filled with grace. Even though it was a guide to hospice care workers, it was very fitting to anyone who is with a terminally ill person. I am grateful it was recommended to me and will shout out its praise to all who need guidance as a loved one approaches death.

[Laura]

Tackled a difficult subject with tender grace. A few passages were helpful to address the issues of what happens to our body as/when we die. Suggestions for how to engage and provide care were helpful, but overall the book is a helpful tool for professionals in hospice work.

[Stacey Canfield]

I couldn't put it down! Kathy's intimate journey teaches the grace needed in the care of the transitioning soul. A must read for anyone preparing to say goodbye to a loved one.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book about accompanying the dying told through the stories of a hospice nurse.