Empowered from the Start: Jelina’s Journey with The Luv Mom Program

Every year, millions of babies are born worldwide. Each one carrying a story filled with hope, challenges, and new beginnings. One of those stories belongs to Jelina Milsap, a first-time mother who found support, confidence, and advocacy through Community Advocates of Northern Indiana’s (CANI) Luv Mom Program.

The Luv Mom Program is a maternal wellness initiative led by CANI that provides doula support, referrals to trusted community resources, and education to promote healthier birthing experiences and stronger postpartum recovery. The program’s goal is to empower mothers through culturally competent birth support, mental health care, and real-life resources that meet families where they are.

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a birthing person before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas do not replace medical providers—instead, they help mothers advocate for their needs, understand their options, and feel supported throughout the birthing process.

While nine months pregnant, Milsap attended CANI’s Christmas Community Baby Shower with no expectations—only knowing she didn’t want to miss an opportunity for herself or her baby. On the elevator ride up to the event, she met Gnaun Haymon, CANI’s doula. During that brief conversation, Haymon explained the Luv Mom Program and what doula support looks like in real life.

Milsap had always wanted a doula but had never known how to access one—until that unexpected elevator ride changed everything.

With fewer than 30 days before giving birth to her baby girl, Milsap decided to enroll in the Luv Mom Program and bring Haymon on as her doula. Although she felt nervous working with someone new, she didn’t let fear stop her from receiving the support she had always wanted.

Reflecting on her experience, Milsap shared that the program’s impact went beyond information and referrals. Through consistent encouragement, guidance, and reassurance, she felt her confidence grow—not only during pregnancy, but in her role as a mother.

Haymon shared that her approach to doula work is rooted in connection and advocacy.

“I want to be the advocate because a lot of people don’t have that voice,” Haymon said. “If there’s something they don’t understand, I’m there. I make sure everything is what they want and that their birthing experience reflects that.”

Research shows that having a doula can support informed birth planning, reduce the likelihood of cesarean delivery, increase breastfeeding success, lower stress levels, and improve overall birth satisfaction.

When asked to describe her journey in one word, Milsap said “empowered.” That feeling, she explained, stayed with her long after her daughter was born.

Haymon recalled how quickly everything unfolded—from meeting in an elevator to attending the birth just weeks later.

“She called me on New Year’s Eve from the hospital, and by January 1, she had her baby,” Haymon said. “The birth was fast, but she was incredible. We used massage techniques, and when there wasn’t a birthing tub available, I helped her into the shower so she could feel the warm water on her back. Before we knew it, she was on the bed and the baby was here. She and her partner worked with me the entire way—they were amazing.”

For Milsap, the value of having a doula came down to the support.

“The comfort, the voice, the emotional support, the calm presence, the hands-on techniques, and the steady encouragement,” she said.

Haymon wants stories like Milsap’s to remind the community that the Luv Mom Program is here.

“We want moms to know that we’re out here and ready to support them,” Haymon said. “Give us the chance—we’ve got you. Once you meet us, you’ll feel the love.”

Milsap echoed that message with encouragement for other expecting parents: “Go for it. Don’t be scared.”

If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling in the Luv Mom Program, interest forms are available at canihelp.org.in/doula/interestform, or you can contact CANI at (219) 885-9755.

Because every story deserves a strong beginning. 💛