‘I’ve sat at hundreds of deathbeds – watch out for these spine-tingling signs from beyond’

A “soul midwife” that has seen hundreds of people on their deathbeds has laid bare the spine-chilling signs that she claims are from from another realm. Felicity Warner, who switched her career from being a health journalist to follow her calling, has shared what happens when a person dies – both physically and spiritually.

Soul midwives, also referred to as death doulas, are compassionate end-of-life companions who provide holistic, non-medical support to those nearing death. Once considered a niche or alternative practice, their role has become increasingly integrated into mainstream healthcare settings. At present, soul midwives often work alongside doctors and nurses in salaried positions within hospitals, hospices and care homes, offering emotional, spiritual and practical guidance to patients and their families. 

In the early stages of grief, many families report experiencing signs that suggest their departed loved ones are still somehow present. These signs can range from subtle sensations—like a sudden feeling of warmth, a familiar scent in the air, or a dream that feels unusually vivid—to more striking occurrences, such as objects moving inexplicably or hearing a voice when no one is there.

Ms Warner said: “Birds are a common motif, but so too are butterflies and animals acting strangely in general.

“I have lost count of how many stories I have heard about birds flying into the house and staying around for a few days following a death, or a cat arriving, or a pet behaving differently,” reports Mail Online. 

She continued: “I once heard of an out-of-season butterfly that seemed to be everywhere, fluttering around the supper table and even appearing at the funeral.

“The strangest story I heard was the appearance on a bedroom wall of a message written in lipstick after the sudden death of a young husband. It simply said: ‘I love you'”

She explained that as soul midwives, one of the more delicate and profound aspects of our work involves supporting individuals who, after death, appear to remain earthbound—unable or unwilling to fully transition into the light. These souls may be held back by unresolved emotions, fear, confusion, or a strong attachment to the physical world.

She added: “There are various reasons for an ‘energy body’ to linger when a physical one has died, including guilt, fear, unfinished business or not enough spiritual energy to move to higher planes. The excessive grief of loved ones left behind, and their inability to let go, can also cause a spirit to become earthbound.”

Sometimes, though it’s not very common, she claims spirits can attach themselves to people and affect their wellbeing. This might show up as feeling unusually tired, restless, or emotionally unsettled—like sudden anger or sadness without a clear cause.

She said: “Or waking up in the early hours and finding it hard to get back to sleep. Sensing or seeing presences. Having sharp pinprick feelings over the legs, hands and arms. Feeling something crawling under your skin, or feeling unexplained bursts of anger, sadness or other emotions.”