In this illuminating episode, Laurel is joined by Naomi Bjorgan, a licensed midwife, end-of-life doula, and funeral director whose work bridges both the beginning and the end of life. Naomi offers a rare and compassionate look into water cremation (aquamation)—a gentle, eco-conscious alternative to traditional cremation. She shares how her calling in birth work naturally expanded into funeral care, and how her commitment to holistic, family-centered support shapes every step of her practice.

Naomi explains how aquamation works, its environmental benefits, and what families can expect throughout the process before walking listeners through the Aqua Terra facility, highlighting the reverent care given to each person and the meaningful ways families can participate in final rituals.

Learn more about aquamation and Naomi at https://www.adamahlifememorial.com/ and https://www.aquaterracremation.com/

(02:21) “First Breath to Death”: A Dual Calling in Birth and End-of-Life Care
(08:21) Why Water Over Fire: Psychology, Ritual & the Full-Circle Metaphor
(19:19) Full Facility Tour: Equipment, Water Tanks, Dehydrators & Cremulators
(28:16) Q&A: Water Tanks, Co-Mingling Concerns, Bone Consistency & Laws
(55:53) Integrating Christian Doula Work with Community, Church & Calling

Follow us on social media and learn more about our Death and Resurrection Doula Training at:

Website: https://laurelnicholson.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedeathandresurrectiondoula 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeathandresurrectiondoula/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-death-resurrection-doula/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedeathandresurrectiondoula