Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Asha Givens.
Dr. Asha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Dr. Asha C. Givens, affectionately known as Asha or Dr. G, a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and holistic birth doula.
My work is grounded in both clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion, reflecting my lifelong commitment to serving others with authenticity and purpose. Born and raised in Walterboro, South Carolina, my journey has been one of resilience, faith, and intentional growth. I was lovingly raised by my grandmother in a small three-bedroom home shared with my four siblings. While my parents were present, their struggles with substance use and ongoing legal challenges often created emotional voids that left me feeling unseen and unsupported. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of pain and perseverance, but rather than allowing them to define me, I transformed them into motivation. I became what I once needed, a compassionate, steady presence for others navigating their own challenges and healing journeys. My story is one of turning adversity into purpose, using both my voice and my work to remind others that their circumstances do not determine their worth or their future.
After earning my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Claflin University, with minors in Early Childhood Education and Mathematics, I went on to complete my Master of Social Work at the University of South Carolina in 2018. My desire to influence systemic change and elevate my practice led me to earn a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky, May 2025.
My path to becoming a doula began long before I ever carried the title. I became a mother at 17, and I vividly remember feeling lost and uncertain as I prepared to give birth. My child’s father was by my side, but we were both anxious and unsure. Emotional support was provided by my church family and peers but I did not know anything about labor and birthing a baby. Were it not for a caring teacher who guided me through each stage of labor via text, I would have felt completely overwhelmed. That experience planted a seed, it showed me the power of informed, compassionate support during one of life’s most vulnerable moments.
In my early twenties, I found myself by my younger sister’s side as she went into labor. I instinctively coached her through her contractions and encouraged her to breathe. When a nurse asked if I was a doula, I laughed and said no, unaware that I was already embodying the very essence of doula care, advocacy, comfort, and presence. Over time, more friends and acquaintances began reaching out to me for guidance and support around pregnancy and birth, and I began to recognize that this was more than coincidence, it was calling.
Becoming a doula has been a natural extension of my life’s work and purpose. It allows me to merge my clinical background with my personal passion for empowering women and families. Through education, advocacy, and holistic support, I strive to ensure that every person I serve feels seen, heard, and cared for during life’s most transformative moments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, the road has been smooth, but I have had to get out of my own way at times. I am blessed to have a village full of encouraging and supportive people who lift me up whenever I doubt myself. Whenever I felt uncertain, God would send someone to offer guidance or encouragement in some way.
I remember in 2023 making the decision to stop “playing” with my gift and get certified. My instructor was wonderful, patient, thorough, and leaving no question unanswered. I appreciated the intimate class size because it allowed for individualized support and meaningful interaction. Once I announced that I was certified, I received numerous inquiries across different social media platforms, asking if I was actively accepting clients and seeking guidance. At the time, I kept saying no because I had just started my doctoral program and did not want to become overwhelmed.
Of course, people kept asking what I was waiting for. I made excuses, saying I needed mentorship to see the work done correctly, and I can recall two friends quickly calling me out! They reminded me that I had been doing this work all along and encouraged me to move forward. Then, as only God could orchestrate, a friend reached out to me. During our conversation, she shared some symptoms she was experiencing, and I had a strong sense she might be pregnant. Weeks later, she confirmed it and she asked again when I planned to officially start my doula practice. I told her I was aiming for around my birthday in April 2024. She encouraged me to move the date up and offered to be my first client.
I was both excited and nervous, but I took the leap and here we are. Looking back, the journey has been less about obstacles and more about learning to trust myself, rely on my support system, and embrace the timing of God’s plan.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nurturing Nectar Doula Services is one of the four pillars of The Givens Collective, alongside Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting. My doula care goes beyond birth support, it’s a culturally responsive, holistic journey designed to empower mothers to approach labor, birth, and postpartum life with confidence and calm. I provide a steady, grounded presence before, during, and after childbirth, offering physical, emotional, and informational support tailored to each individual’s unique journey. From guiding breathing techniques and optimal labor positioning to providing evidence-based education on labor stages, medical and non-medical interventions, comfort measures, and postpartum care, my goal is to help reduce fear, promote confidence, and create a calm environment that supports the natural rhythm of the body.
As an African American doula with clinical experience as a Licensed Independent Social Worker, I bring a trauma-informed perspective that blends evidence-based interventions with emotional and educational guidance. I advocate for culturally informed care, help them recognize warning signs, and ensure their preferences are honored. My approach combines professional expertise with a “village therapy” mindset, warm, personal, and authentic, so families not only receive support during labor, but also feel mentally and emotionally prepared for the experience they desire. Over the past year, I have helped nine families welcome their babies into the world, using my experiences to guide them through each step with knowledge, advocacy, and care.
I primarily focus on supporting Black women, acknowledging the disparities in maternal health that exist, though I welcome mothers of all races and ethnicities. I want them to know that their labor is their choice, and my role is to empower them to speak up for themselves and feel confident in their decisions. Whether preparing for birth, navigating labor, or transitioning into postpartum life, I am here to walk alongside them, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. My ultimate goal is to help each family have an empowered, informed, and culturally responsive birth experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I do not see luck as a factor in my life or business. Everything I have experienced has been part of God’s divine timing and plan. What some might call “good luck” or “bad luck” has always been moments orchestrated for my growth, guidance, or preparation for what is next. There have been times when doors did not open, or opportunities seemed delayed, and in hindsight, those moments were exactly what I needed to learn, prepare, or redirect my path.
I truly believe that God has already written my story, and every step I take aligns with that plan. The people, experiences, and challenges that have come my way were never random, they were purposeful, guiding me toward where I am meant to be. In my business, this perspective has helped me remain patient and trust the process, knowing that I do not need to force outcomes or rely on chance. I focus instead on doing the work, staying faithful, and being ready for the opportunities He has prepared.
Ultimately, what some call luck, I recognize as divine alignment, His timing, His guidance, and His faithfulness. It reminds me to stay grounded, stay patient, and trust that every part of my journey, including my business and the families I serve, unfolds exactly as it should.
Contact Info:
- Website: info.nurturingnectar@gmail.com
