Jenn Racer of Jenn Racer Doula Services is a Baltimore-based doula dedicated to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum transition. More recently, expecting mothers are beginning to explore their options for personalized birth support, and many find themselves asking the same questions: What is a doula? What does a doula do? How can a doula help during labor? And how do you know if a particular doula is the right fit for your family?
In this Q&A, we’re getting together with Jenn Racer to discuss her approach to doula care, the services she provides, and what families can expect when working with her. For many parents searching for Baltimore doulas, the goal isn’t simply finding information but finding someone they can trust during one of life’s biggest transitions!
My hope with this interview is to help Baltimore mothers get a better understanding of who Jenn is, how she supports her clients, and whether her style of care aligns with what they’re looking for in a birth and postpartum professional. If you’re currently building your birth team and considering doula support, this conversation will help you feel more informed and confident as you explore your options. Let’s dive in!
What is a doula?
Let me answer this one before jumping into Jenn’s Q&A. A doula is NOT a medical professional. They normally do not have a medical background, and they cannot diagnose, give physical exams, or deliver babies. Doulas are also NOT the mother giving birth. This means they cannot answer questions for you as the mother, and they cannot tell medical staff what to do. Lastly, doulas are NOT replacements for your support partner! A doula should not push your partner out of the way. Instead, they support your partner, teaching them how to be involved (e.g., how to massage or provide comfort) so you can feel united.
Doulas are trained professionals who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support for the mother and her family during labor. They assist with pain management techniques like breathing exercises, massage, laboring positions, and so much more.
Meet Jenn Racer of Jenn Racer Doula Services
Jenn Racer is a wife and mom of two living in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 15 years of experience, she brings reliable care to women and their families through emotional, informational, and physical support.
What inspired you to become a doula?
Jenn’s Approach to Supporting Mothers
What is your approach to supporting mothers during labor?
How do you help first-time moms feel more prepared for birth?
What does support from you *actually* look like during labor?
“I don’t want to come into your labor space too soon, but when you’re feeling ready for extra support, you can call me, and I’ll come to you as soon as possible and stay with you at home or in the hospital as long as needed. I’ll help with making you as comfortable as possible at each stage, giving helpful reminders to drink water, rest, change positions, breathe, etc.”
How do you support partners throughout the process?
Postpartum Care Through Jenn Racer Doula Services
What does postpartum support include for new mothers?
“It looks different for everyone. [Maybe] Mom doesn’t feel comfortable being alone when Dad returns to work, so she wants someone there to help with basic baby tasks and just offer lots of reassurance that she’s doing a good job. It could be that Mom needs sleep, but she needs to know someone else is helping/holding the baby and will wake her for feeding, so she’s not constantly trying to listen for the baby.”
How do you help mothers emotionally during the postpartum period?
Is postpartum care provided in her services?
Yes, if you book her “Birth Doula Support” package, this includes a one-hour postpartum visit. Apart from this one-hour session, you can hire her separately for postpartum support. This can be anywhere from postpartum processing to breastfeeding support to infant care to learning how to baby wear!
Questions Baltimore Mothers Frequently Ask Jenn
Can I hire you if I plan to deliver in a hospital?
Yes! Her ideal client is pregnant women! No matter the setting, as long as it is within a one-hour radius of Baltimore, Jenn is your girl.
Do you support unmedicated and medicated births?
Yes! She is there to support YOU and what’s best for YOUR family.
How far in advance should I book?
What happens if labor doesn’t go according to plan?
“We pivot together. We talk through what’s happening now and what might happen next. Talking about your options you still have available, and make the next best decision for you in that moment.”
From Jenn Racer
What would you say to a mother who is unsure about hiring a doula?
“I typically don’t argue this thought. I talk through what support I offer and how I can help her in her specific situation if she shares it. There are so many parts of labor, birth, and postpartum that are unknown, and a doula can easily support you in ways you just don’t even know you’ll need support for until you’re in it, and then you’ll be so blessed and thankful to have that extra set of hands and a clear thinking mind.”
What makes your approach different from other doulas in Baltimore, Maryland?
“I’m a Christian Doula, so I can offer additional support through scripture and prayer if a family would like that. I’m not here to be the savior of your birth, process my own birth trauma, demand your birth be done a certain way, or tell you how to do it. I am here to support YOU and what’s best for YOUR family. I’m comfortable in a hospital and familiar with the way hospitals work and what policies they have to follow, so my experience there serves clients well in communication and expectations.”
What questions should mothers ask when looking for a doula in Baltimore?
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just beginning your search for birth support or narrowing down your options, I hope this conversation has helped you learn more about Jenn and the heart behind Jenn Racer Doula Services. Finding the right doula is a deeply personal decision, and having someone who aligns with your values and goals can make all the difference throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum season.
And as you prepare to welcome your little one, this season of anticipation passes more quickly than most parents expect. While you’re building your birth team and planning for support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery, it’s also worth thinking about how you’d like to remember these first moments with your baby! As a maternity and newborn photographer, capturing these first few moments is so important! If you happen to be in search of a maternity or family photographer, contact me today to get the conversation started!
As an expecting mother, here are other links you may find helpful:
