Getting to Know Your Doula: More Than Just Support

When you imagine your birth story, who do you see by your side? For many, it’s a loving husband, a trusted midwife, or perhaps a close friend. But what about your doula? Who is she—and why is getting to know her one of the most valuable parts of your birth journey?

At Inspire Doula Services, I believe that a doula is more than a birth professional. She’s a listening ear, a steady hand, a calm presence, and a heartfelt encourager when the waves of labor feel intense. But the beauty of doula care is not just in the hands-on support—it’s in the relationship. And relationships take time, trust, and space to grow.

Who Am I?

My name is Angela Jenks. I’m a wife of 26 years, a mother of four, and a certified doula (& more) with a heart full of passion for birth, healing, and empowerment.

Each of my children came into the world through very different doors—hospital birth, medicated birth, unmedicated, and even birth after trauma. These experiences weren’t always easy, but they shaped me. They opened my eyes to the power of informed support, the sacredness of the birth space, and the strength that rises in a woman when she’s seen, heard, and held.

My own birth journeys are part of the reason I do what I do. I know firsthand the emotional and physical layers of pregnancy and labor. I also know what a difference it makes to have someone beside you who believes in your body, your baby, and your ability to do this, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

What Does It Look Like to Get to Know Your Doula?

1. Start With a Conversation. Our first meeting isn’t about charts and checklists—it’s about connection. We talk about your dreams for birth, your fears, your past experiences, and your hopes for this baby. You’ll quickly find that this isn’t a clinical exchange. It’s personal, intentional, and centered around you.

2. Learn My Heart for This Work. Supporting women and families through pregnancy and birth is a calling—one rooted in compassion, faith, and a deep belief in the beauty of this sacred journey. When you know the “why” behind your doula, you begin to understand the kind of care you’ll receive.

3. Let Me Know You, Too. This is a two-way relationship. I want to know your story. What makes you laugh? What makes you feel safe? What do you need when you feel overwhelmed? The more I know, the better I can serve you in ways that truly support your unique rhythm and needs.

4. See Me as Part of Your Village. Your doula isn’t a stranger who shows up on the day of birth. She becomes part of your trusted circle. I’m here for support throughout pregnancy, to answer the questions you may have forgotten to ask your provider, to provide reassurance when plans shift, and to celebrate with you when your baby arrives.

5. Experience the Power of Presence. Sometimes, getting to know your doula happens in the quiet moments—during a birth rehearsal, a side-lying release, a cup of tea at your kitchen table. It’s in those sacred spaces that real connection is built. And it’s that connection that transforms your birth experience from something clinical to something deeply personal.

Choosing a doula isn’t just about having support. It’s about choosing someone who will walk with you, believe in you, and remind you of your strength when you need it most.

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