The Melanin-fluent Doula

11/19/2025

My new blog post is live: Meeting People Where They Are

This one is close to my heart. I hope it encourages reflection and conversation in every space that claims to serve, uplift, or support others.
Read here: themelanin-fluentdoula.com/blog/meeting-people-where-they-are

“Meeting people where they are” sounds compassionate, but most people don’t actually mean it. To meet someone where they are, you have to understand what survival really looks like. I know, because I’ve been there: raising kids on one income, making choices from a place of exhaustion, not la...

11/18/2025

Over the weekend, I attended the Women’s Leadership Conference and it was exactly where I needed to be. 💜

First of all, Senator Mark Warner? Whew! I was truly amazed at how down to earth he is. Hearing him speak, you could tell he lives what he talks about and that he is genuinely fighting for democracy right here in Virginia.

And Cynt Marshall… listen. That woman is a whole force. Her session was powerful, interactive, joyful and real. We danced three times and she reminded us to show up fully, boldly, and unapologetically.

This trip was completely last minute. I was not as prepared as I like to be, but I was determined to be in the room and I am so glad I chose to go. I connected with amazing women who live in my region, connections I had not made even in my own city.

Sometimes the places you did not plan for become the exact places you were meant to stand in. ✨

11/18/2025

I had the chance to volunteer with Huddle Up Moms yesterday and was reminded again that no mother(caregiver, etc.), should feel alone. Their work aligns beautifully with my heart for advocacy and support. Check them out at huddleupmoms.org 💛

11/18/2025

Hey everyone. I know it has been a while since I have posted, but trust me, I have still been working, learning, growing, and serving behind the scenes. I am excited to start showing up here again with purpose, clarity, and new energy. Thank you for being here.

06/19/2025

Today, we honor Juneteenth — a powerful reminder of our history, our strength, and our freedom.
At The Melanin Fluent Doula, we celebrate the resilience of our ancestors and the beauty of Black motherhood, family, and legacy.
May we continue to birth a future rooted in liberation, healing, and joy.
🖤❤️💚

06/08/2025

🌿 5 Things Your Doula Wants You to Know Before Birth 🌿

1️⃣ Your voice matters. You have the right to ask questions, make choices, and be fully informed at every step of your journey.

2️⃣ Birth is unpredictable — and that’s okay. Plans are powerful, but flexibility and support are just as important.

3️⃣ You deserve support — not just medical care. Physical, emotional, and mental support create a healthier, more empowering birth experience.

4️⃣ Postpartum matters too. Birth is just the beginning — having a postpartum plan and support system is essential for recovery and bonding.

5️⃣ Your story is unique and powerful. Every birth is different, and you deserve to be honored, respected, and celebrated — no matter what path your journey takes.

🤍

Ready to talk about how doula support can transform your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience?

📩 DM me or visit https://themelanin-fluentdoula.com/ to book a free consultation today.

06/08/2025

🌸 Welcome to The Melanin Fluent Doula! 🌸

I’m Chantel Spinner — a certified birth and postpartum doula, lactation counselor, and PAIL advocate, proudly serving Lynchburg, VA, and surrounding areas.

I provide compassionate, culturally fluent support from pregnancy through postpartum, specializing in:
• Birth Doula Services
• Postpartum Doula Care
• Lactation Support
• Pregnancy After Loss (PAIL) Advocacy
• Herbal Postpartum Recovery

My mission is to ensure every family, especially families of color, feels empowered, respected, and cared for throughout their journey from bump to baby.

🌿 Now booking 2025-26 births and postpartum clients!
📩 DM me for a free consultation or visit [your website link].

Thank you for being here — let’s create the birth experience you deserve. 🤍

06/07/2025

With love and liberation.

04/26/2025

02/13/2025

Come and prepare for breastfeeding success! Learn how to make breastfeeding work for you, along with practical help with latch and positioning! Hosted by Jamie Brown, a certified breastfeeding specialist and trained postpartum/birth doula!

Always free! Held at Trillium House, 3105 Fort Avenue.

02/13/2025

One of the darkest moments in US history was the systematic eradication of the African American midwife from her community, resulting in a legacy of birth injustices.
Shafie M. Monroe, DEM, CDT, MPH

02/11/2025

Let’s talk about Maternal Mental Health!🌿

Mamas, aunties, doulas, and village keepers—we need to have this conversation. Join Jamaa Birth Village on Saturday, March 1, 2025 (10 AM - 4 PM CST) for a virtual workshop that’s all about taking care of YOU.

Led by Okunsola M. Amadou—an award-winning doula, doula trainer, Traditional Midwife, and true Black Maternal Health pioneer—this session will break down maternal mental health from what’s normal, to what needs attention, to how we can care for ourselves and our sisters.

We’ll be talking about:
✨ PMADs (Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders)—what they are, how to detect them, and ways to treat & prevent them
✨ Holistic healing—herbs, essential oils, exercise, nutrition, and how having a strong support system makes all the difference
✨ Real tools & real talk—because we deserve more than just surviving postpartum, we deserve to thrive!

💜First 50-registrants get a holistic maternal mental health kit. This event is free & virtual!

This is for the mamas, the doulas, the partners, the caregivers—our village. Tag a friend and sign up today on our website at: www.jamaabirthvillage.org/events! Let’s protect our peace, our joy, and our healing.

This event is co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.