Angela Daniel MSSW, CD(DONA), ICCE, CLC, Panelist

Angela Daniel resides in Gainesville, FL, with her husband and three sons, she is a dedicated birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and certified lactation counselor. Angela holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville, and she is deeply committed to supporting families through their birthing journeys. She is the proud owner of Family Centered Birth Services, offering comprehensive doula support, lactation support, and education to birthing persons.

Angela is actively engaged in the birthing community, advocating for increased awareness and accessibility to doula services. Her advocacy extends to fostering relationships among birth professionals and facility administrators. Angela’s community involvement includes collaborating with organizations supporting abuse survivors, promoting breastfeeding, and advocating for Medicaid access to birth and postpartum doula care. She contributes to state and federal grant development and execution, policy development at various levels, and data-driven implementation planning.

One of Angela’s core beliefs is that every doula is an agent of change. In various advisory capacities, Angela works tirelessly to advance equitable perinatal healthcare. Harnessing her strong social work and advocacy background, she is excited to have co-created the Doula Friendly® Initiative, striving to ensure facilities have the support needed to integrate doula care to achieve optimal outcomes.

Session

Impactful Collaboration, Doula Integration Strategies: A Global Perspective

This panel discussion will explore impactful strategies for integrating doulas into hospital settings through a global lens, highlighting real-world successes and challenges. Drawing from case studies in Kenya’s Lwala community and analyses from several facilities participating in the Doula Friendly® Initiative of over 100 clinical and nonclinical providers in the US, participants will examine how collaboration between doulas and healthcare teams enhances the birthing experience, strengthens patient advocacy, and fosters trust between hospitals, doulas, and communities.

Through engaging discussions, videos, and interactive technology, attendees will explore strategies to overcome barriers and foster seamless collaboration between doulas and healthcare teams. The session will also provide practical advocacy strategies for sustainable doula inclusion, including workforce development and policy initiatives that ensure equitable access to doula care. Designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, this special session will equip doulas and healthcare professionals with the tools to advance respectful, patient-centered perinatal care across diverse settings.