#511 - Surviving GRIEF After Loss! Honoring MEMORIES & LIFE from a Death Doula! With Julie Lazar-Reskakis

EVEN MORE about this episode! Julie Lazar-Reskakis, a former audiologist turned certified end-of-life doula, shares her profound journey in providing emotional and practical support to families during their most challenging times. She emphasizes compassion and meaningful remembrance through personalized tributes and legacy work. Julie discusses overcoming her initial fears of hospice work, the importance of respecting diverse cultural practices, and the need for open conversations about end-of-life care to reduce fear and promote compassion. Julie also recounts her experience with a late miscarriage and the development of a perinatal bereavement program, highlighting the importance of peer support and resources for grieving families. This episode is a call to action for more empathetic and supportive end-of-life and bereavement care. Guest Biography: Julie Lazar-Reskakis worked as an audiologist in New York City for 35 years, much of it in nursing homes, where she recognized the need for more end-of-life support. Upon retirement, she became a Certified End-Of-Life Doula and started volunteering at a hospice eight years ago, a role she continues today. Her interest in supporting families after the loss of loved ones led her to enroll in David Kessler's inaugural grief training program, becoming a Certified Grief Educator and co-leading bereavement groups at the hospice. Inspired by an episode of Irene Weinberg's Grief and Rebirth Podcast featuring Sherokee Ilse, and reflecting on her own history of pregnancy loss, she became a Certified Perinatal Bereavement Specialist. She now serves as the Perinatal Bereavement Specialist at a hospital in NJ and is involved with two non-profit boards that promote research, education, and support for women and their families through pregnancy and infant loss. Episode Chapters: (0:00:01) - End-of-Life Doula Role (0:09:10) - Navigating End-of-Life Care Challenges (0:17:20) - Facing End-of-Life Conversations Bravely (0:26:40) - Creating Memories in Perinatal Bereavement (0:42:17) - Healing and Communication in Pregnancy Loss (0:58:41) - Creating Lasting Memories in Grief Please join Julie next week with your question. Thursdays at 8pm ET, 7pm CT, 5pm PT. https://askjulieryanshow.com And, please leave a five-star review and subscribe so you can hear all the new episodes. Sponsors & Recommendations Disclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Please contact a licensed professional. The Ask Julie Ryan show, Julie Ryan, and all parties involved in producing, recording and distributing it assume no responsibility for listener’s actions based on any information heard on this or any Ask Julie Ryan shows or podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.