How my journey began
I used to be a birth Doula and early childhood educator.
Everything changed when I became a caregiver for my grandmother as she lived with dementia and when I was by my mom’s bedside as she died from pancreatic cancer.
The energy required to lead students and engage with parents shifted.
Today I am a Lifespan Doulas, LLC Certified End-of-Life Doula.
Now I align a gentle, quiet presence with people who are dying and offer support to their caregivers.
As I was speaking into my mom’s ear as she was dying, I recalled hearing her voice during the delivery of my children.
I noticed the similarities between the transitioning stages of birth and the labor of death.
During Covid sheltering-in-place, I enrolled in online end-of-life Doula training courses.
I became a hospice volunteer and earned end-of-life Doula certification.
I have followed my calling to enter that trusting, tender space at the end of life.
I help alleviate fears, provide comfort, and honor the wishes of those I serve.
What People Are Saying
“
I feel Lori has a wonderful understanding of what my mother needs emotionally at this stage in her life. My mother and I both look forward to her continued loving visits.
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— Wendy, Bozeman , MT
“
I cannot thank you enough for all of the comfort and loving care you gave to mom in her last, most difficult days. You are truly an angel.
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— A grateful family, Bozeman, MT
“
You’re a miracle worker!
Damn amazing!
I’ve shadowed her at bedside vigils, had her role-play scenarios to teach me, and witnessed her interactions with the families of dying patients. You can trust Lori Shanahan.”
”
— Hospice volunteers, Bozeman, MT
“
I would like to let those who work with Lori know that she is extremely capable and caring as she carries out her duties and obligations as a doula for end of life matters. She has been visiting me twice a week since March 1, 2021. I am an 86 year-old female on hospice due to COPD and fluid on the lungs. Lori has visited faithfully and has never missed a week. I thoroughly enjoy her visits and consider her to be a good friend. What I most appreciate about her is her acceptance of my individual beliefs or nonbeliefs in the afterlife. She is accepting of me as a unique individual and would do so for any other person with whom she is working. I truly believe that she would be comforting to all who have the opportunity to work with her at the end of life.
”
— Connie, Bozeman , MT