The ancient Greeks believed that Hermes, the messenger of the gods r, was a spirit guide. His role was to escort souls into the afterlife. But it was not just the Greeks who believed that a being – whether it was the archangel Michael, a goddess or a deceased family member – had to assist them while making the transition from living to dying, modern human beings don’t want to die alone. Therefore, terminally ill patients often recruit a death doula to guide them spiritually or prepare them for what they do not understand – the world beyond.

Mothers, who have had a miscarriage or a stillbirth, will enlist the services of a bereavement doula. The word Doula is derived from Greek  and means “women who serve.” In the studio today, we have two extraordinary women. Nicci Coertze is a well-known bereavement doula and Vivienne Katz, a death doula who assists people in making the transition from their physical body into the next realm. She is also from Doula Givers South Africa.

Welcome, Nicci and Vivienne and thank you for educating us about the role of doulas in South Africa.