How a Mission United veteran became a doula and deepened her commitment to care
Danielle Minter-Spencer knows what it means to show up when it counts.
A U.S. Navy veteran and Mission United intake specialist with United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC), Danielle connects veterans and their families with the services they need to live healthy, happy lives. Recently, that same commitment led her into a new chapter of service through UWTC’s Community Doula program.
“I don’t see platforms. I don’t see titles,” Danielle said. “I see a need. How can I help?”
A Passion Rekindled Through the Community Doula Program
After more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and public service, Danielle was no stranger to high stress environments. She balanced dual careers and experienced burnout, leading her to step away from traditional healthcare roles to join UWTC’s veteran support team. Yet, the passion to help others never left.
Through UWTC’s maternal health initiative in partnership with the Child Poverty Action Lab, more than 150 community-based men and women have been trained as doulas. Danielle is one of them, using that training to make sure families understand what’s happening and feel supported through every step of pregnancy.
“The one thing I have noticed within my 20 years in the healthcare field is lack of knowledge is a big thing. It ignites a fear in a lot of people,” she said. “If I can be that person to help you understand, a lot of chaos that happens in a person's mind seems to become silent. It brings that fear to a minimum.”
Danielle views her role as a doula to be a grounding presence. She focuses on comfort, communication and advocacy so the laboring parent never feels alone or overwhelmed.
“My sole attention is the mom,” Danielle said. “Are you comfortable? Are you understanding the jargon that’s being said in the room around you? Are you being heard?”
That approach closely mirrors her work with Mission United, where listening and trust are essential to helping veterans move forward.
First Delivery as a Doula
Danielle’s first birth as a doula was a high-risk pregnancy that required constant attention, trust and advocacy. From the beginning, Danielle made her role clear in the delivery room.
“I’m here for you,” she told the mother. “Out of everybody in that room, I’m the one whose attention stays on you.”
When labor began earlier than expected, Danielle supported the family from a distance, timing contractions and offering reassurance until she was allowed into the delivery room. Once there, the room settled into what she later described as calm and focus.
“If you could see zen and tranquility,” Danielle said, “that room was it.”
Before delivery, the family knew their first moments with the newborn would be cut short. Due to previously identified birth defects, the baby needed to immediately go into surgery. Danielle stepped in to advocate directly with the surgeon.
“They told her to expect about five seconds [with the baby],” she said. “So, I asked, ‘Can you please give her a little bit more time?’”
The surgeon agreed. The baby was cleaned, wrapped and brought to his mother.
“He said, ‘You have exactly one minute,’” Danielle recalled. “And we got all the kisses and the pictures and the hugs and the tears of joy. It was 60 seconds, but when you think you might only meet your baby for five, that minute meant everything.”
Today, mom and baby are both doing well. The baby is thriving, surpassing expectations in the NICU. Danielle remains connected to the family and will continue supporting them through the postpartum period as they prepare to bring their baby home.
A Natural Extension of Mission United
Though doula care focuses on a different stage of life, Danielle sees a clear connection between this work and her role with Mission United.
“Talking to people, advocating, understanding and trying to get them the help that they need,” Danielle said. “This is where my military experience kicks in. Once I know the mission, then step aside. I got a job to do.”
Whether supporting a veteran in crisis or a parent in labor, Danielle approaches each situation with the same belief. Everyone deserves to feel seen, informed and supported during their most vulnerable moments.
“Whether it’s a mom, an older adult or a child, I have a love for helping people in need,” she said. “If I’m someone who can be there for them, why not?”
To learn more about United Way of Tarrant County’s maternal health initiative, visit unitedwaytarrant.org/maternal-health.