“As a doula it is my job to give you and your partner ALL of the resources so YOU can make informed decisions around your birth experience”
— Janelle
Meet Janelle Tensley Anna
I am a toLABOR professionally trained birth doula, lactation consultant, and the face behind ‘Nurturing Nell’. I believe when a birthing person is confident in their labor, body, and birthing team, it makes all the difference in their birth experience. My commitment lies in supporting clients in this truth: encouraging their comfort, safety, and confidence throughout this momentous journey.
I was born in Upstate New York. Life later brought me to England, New York City, and ultimately Virginia. In 2015 I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development with an emphasis in professional helping skills from Virginia Tech. Since then my passion has centered around children and families. Prior to birth-work, my professional career encompassed leading human services efforts including youth and family bereavement programming, community partnerships, and health navigation needs.
I have a genuine and rooted respect for different cultures and personal individuality. I believe that every person has the right to bear childbirth the way they want to, while also being treated with compassion and respect throughout that process. I see my work as a way to nurture parents as they explore their birth visions and walk with them as they bring these preferences to life.
Outside of doula life you can find me somewhere between the city and countryside – finding comfort in the downtown bustle or enjoying the great outdoors. My favorite activities are those that include family-time, homesteading and traveling. Above all my biggest pride is being a mama.
Commitment to Social Justice
I recognize birth activism and the disparity among reproductive healthcare for BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ community. Birth is a human and civil right and every birthing person deserves compassion. There is a disparity in racial and gender equity in our modern healthcare system. I commit to serving all birthing persons, advocate for their granted childbirth rights, as well as their birth choices that they’ve chosen for themselves.
— Janelle Anna