Jennifer Hoeprich
Doula Profile for Jennifer...
Jennifer Hoeprich,
CD(DONA), CCCE
*Age: 30
*Serving South/East Valley
*Serving Homebirth and Hospital Births
*Mama of One
*Certified Doula
*Certified Childbirth Educator
*Student Midwife
*Served Over 100 Families in the Phoenix Metro Area Since 2005
*Please See Below for Complete Doula Profile, Letter of Agreement, and Letters of Reference
*Phone: (480) 239-2912
*E-mail:
LOCATION: Chandler, AZ, but travels throughout the South/East Valley
SERVICES: Massage, Acupressure, Guided Imagery, Music, Prenatal Education Concerning the Stages of Labor and When to Leave for the Hospital, Explanations of Hospital Equipment and Risks and Benefits of Various Proposed Interventions, Continuous Labor Support, Including Endless Suggestions for Effective Labor Positions, Physical Support, Postpartum Services, Breastfeeding Support, Reiki Healing, Aromatherapy, Photos, Video, Use of the T.E.N.S. Unit, Free Labor Ball ($25 value!) and Aromatherapy/Heat Therapy Rice Sock, and Free Access To the Lending Library of Pregnancy Books. Services also include free use of the inflatable labor tub, if desired, and available.
EDUCATION: I graduated from NAU in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in women’s studies. I am certified in Level One Reiki Therapy. I am a certified doula through Doulas of North America (DONA) and am also a certified childbirth educator through Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA). I currently teach childbirth preparation classes at Chandler Regional Hospital and Mercy Gilbert Hospital. I belong to The Arizona Midwifery Institute, ADOBE, Nurturing Hearts Birth Services and Supported Birth of Arizona.
EXPERIENCE: I am experienced in the support of hospital births, birth center births and home births, including support of Bradley Method Couples, HypnoBirthing , VBAC, Moms Over Forty, Twins and Water Births. I have also experienced my own unmedicated birth attended by a doula and midwife at Bethany Birth Center. I have been performing doula services since October of 2005 and have served more than 100 Valley couples during this time.
BIRTH PHILOSOPHY: I trust birth. I believe that the thing most important to ensuring that a mom has a wonderful birth experience is her feeling of being supported 100% in whatever decisions she makes or actions she takes. I feel that my role as a doula is to empower moms in this most momentous time. Whether it be dancing with mom to get her back into the rhythm of labor or getting Dad a snack so he can reenergize and be there for mom, my goal is to provide continuous, unconditional support. Birth is amazing!
Letter of Agreement (2009)...
*Prenatal and Labor Support Services Letter of Agreement
Jennifer Hoeprich, CD(DONA), CCCE
Dobson Grove Professional Plaza
1405 N Dobson Rd Suite 7B
Chandler AZ 85224
The role of the Doula:
The doula accompanies women and their partners in labor to help provide a memorable birth experience. She may provide any or all of the following services during labor: guided imagery, massage, suggestions for more productive laboring positions, music, photography or videography, breathing techniques, focal points, encouraging words, etc. The doula draws on knowledge provided by Doulas of North America (DONA) and personal as well as professional experience to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and partners. The doula is independent and self-employed.
Procedures that are NOT performed by the Doula:
•Clinical tasks within the hospital environment
These include taking blood pressure, checking fetal heart tones, vaginal exams, etc.
•Making decisions for the mom or partner
The doula will assist with obtaining the information her client requests to make her own informed decisions. The doula will also remind her client if there is a departure from the Birth Plan, and will verify if this is, in fact, the informed decision.
•Speaking to the medical staff on a client’s behalf
The doula will discuss concerns with her client and suggest options. In the event of a deviation from the birth plan, it is the responsibility of the client to voice the final decision regarding medical procedures to the appropriate medical staff.
Initial Meeting:
An initial meeting will take place between the Doula and potential Client in order to discuss the Client’s ideal birth as well as the Doula’s role. The Doula will share her experiences and educational background as well as her philosophy about birth. This is an opportunity for the Client and the Doula to share in the excitement of the upcoming birth and discuss how the Doula can best serve her Client. It is also an opportunity to discuss the various services and fees, as well as the comfort measures offered.
Group Prenatal (Mini Natural Childbirth Education Class):
The purpose of the group meeting is to learn and practice comfort techniques for managing a natural labor as well as to meet the back-up doula and to connect with other like-minded couples/mamas. At this session, various labor and birth positions will be discussed and may be practiced, if the Client wishes, as well as various breathing techniques and relaxation exercises. This is an optimal time to practice with the birth ball, if desired. In addition, the Doula’s birth bag is examined, and each comfort measure is discussed. The Doula will provide recommendations and/or literature and may bring additional information to the third meeting, if applicable. This prenatal vist normally lasts three to four hours, and is offered once per month. The Client/s may choose to attend any or all of the classes offered prior to the birth.
Birthing Preferences Planning Meeting (Drafting of a Birth Plan):
If desired by the Client, a birth plan will be developed, via a question and answer session between the Doula and Client. The Doula will create an electronic version of the birth plan, after the meeting, and e-mail it to the Client for review and revisions, as necessary. This meeting will take place at the doula's office and should take place within one month of the date of hire. This visit normally lasts one hour. A birthing ball is presented to the client at this visit, to encourage optimal fetal positioning.
Doctor or Midwife Visit:
This meeting will occur as soon as possible, subsequent to the Birthing Preferences Planning Meeting, and will consist of accompaniment of the Client to a prenatal doctor/midwife visit. This provides an opportunity for the doula to introduce herself to the healthcare provider, so they are familiar with one another at the birth. Normally, it is at this time that the finalized birth plan is given to the provider to place in the Client’s chart.
Breastfeeding Preparation Visit:
If the client plans to breastfeed, a private informational session will be performed in the office, at or around 34 weeks gestation. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the “basics” concerning breastfeeding, including proper latch technique, breastfeeding holds, how often to nurse, how to determine if the baby is getting enough to eat, and other breastfeeding tips. This visit normally lasts one to two hours.
The Relaxation Visit:
The sixth meeting will occur after the Client’s 36th week of pregnancy, and its purpose is to prepare for the upcoming birth, emotionally. Relaxation is a KEY component to a speedy and pleasant birth experience, and this visit focuses on ways to assist the Client in relaxing fully. Several relaxation methods are discussed, including an exercise to perform with a partner. This is a time for the Client to express any lingering doubts or fears concerning the birth, in order to facilitate a feeling of confidence. The session ends with the Client’s choice of a guided imagery exercise lead by the Doula or a hand and foot massage, using aromatherapy. This prenatal visit normally lasts one to two hours and may be performed at the office or in the client's home. This is usually the final meeting before the birth, though an additional relaxation meeting after the due date passes (if applicable) may be scheduled at both parties’ convenience.
Availability:
Prior to the Client’s 37th week of pregnancy, and between meetings, the doula is available by phone or e-mail and will return messages within 48 hours. Subsequent to the Client’s 37th week of pregnancy, and prior to the Client’s birth, the doula is on call 24 hours a day. The doula is also available by phone for questions before and after the birth. This includes phone calls at 2 a.m. just to talk, or just to make sure that something happening physically or emotionally is “normal”. The doula is not only a pregnancy professional, but also a friend.
When Labor Begins:
When the Client believes labor has begun, the doula respectfully requests that she be contacted as soon as possible, even if the Client is not ready for the doula to arrive just yet. This is so the doula may begin making arrangements for attending the birth. Once the Client has requested the presence of the doula, she will make every effort to arrive at the Client’s house or the hospital/birth center within one hour.
After the Birth:
The doula will remain with the Client until she and her loved ones are settled and ready for quiet time. The doula will assist with initial breastfeeding, if desired by the Client.
Postpartum Visit:
The doula will travel to the Client’s home within 1 week of her discharge from the hospital or birth center, or within 1 week of the birth, if the baby is born at home. At this visit, breastfeeding support will be provided, and a breastfeeding assessment will be performed, including weighing the baby before and after a feeding. This is also an opportunity to discuss the birth experience. A personalized gift is presented to the Client. Depending upon the need, the Doula may also perform light housekeeping to assist the new family. The visit will last one to two hours.
New Mom Support Group:
The doula facilitates a New Mom Support Group at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, which is open to the public, and meets the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Clients are encouraged to attend, for up to one year after the birth, free of charge.
Additional Support:
Additional postpartum support, including light housekeeping, aromatherapy massage, newborn or sibling care, etc. is provided as needed at a rate of $30.00 per hour.
Fees:
The fee for all services listed above, excluding Additional Support, is $800.00. A payment of $200 is due at the Birth Preferences Planning Meeting. The second payment of $200 is due at the Relaxation Visit, and the remaining $400.00 is due at the postpartum visit or within 14 calendar days after the birth. If a financial need is demonstrated, the fees and/or payment structure may be adjusted accordingly, as specified in an addendum to this agreement.
Failure of the doula to provide service:
The doula will make every effort to provide the services described herein.
If the Doula fails to attend the birth due a personal emergency, and is unable to provide a back-up doula, there will be no charge for the labor services, and no additional fees will be due. The Doula will perform the Postpartum Visit. In this situation, the Doula would retain $400.00, and this would be the final reimbursement to the doula. It is important to note that this has never occurred in this Doula’s practice, and that the Doula has reliable back-ups, in the case of a personal emergency.
If she is not able to attend the birth due to a rapid labor and birth which occurs within one hour of the call to the doula in which her presence is requested, or the Client fails to contact the Doula to inform her that the Client is in labor, the Doula will retain $400.00 and will charge a reduced fee of $200.00, due at the postpartum visit or within 14 calendar days after the birth, thereby making the total fee retained $600.00, rather than $800.00. There will no no other refunds, beyond those specified herein.
Amenities:
An anti-burst “labor ball” or “birth ball” is provided to the client, to assist with optimal fetal positioning, to be used during labor, and to use for bouncing the baby, after birth. Two-year-olds also like to play with it! ($25 Value)
A comprehensive and individualized educational booklet, concerning the best ways to prepare the body for labor and childbirth, etc. as well as a listing of local resources are provided to the Client.
The Client will receive unlimited access to the Lending Library, from Prenatal Visit Number One through the Postpartum Visit, and possibly beyond, dependent upon demand for particular books.
The client will have access to the inflatable labor tub, including set-up and take-down, performed by the doula, if permitted by the hospital as well as the attending provider.
I / We have read and understand this letter of agreement describing doula services and agree to all clauses contained herein. I/We do not hold the doula responsible for any undesired clinical outcomes.
Client Name: ____________________________________________
Client's Signature: ________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________
Client Name: ____________________________________________
Client's Signature: ________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________
Doula Name: ____________________________________________
Doula’s Signature: ________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________
*Please note that the doula reserves the right to make any modifications to this agreement without providing notice on the website. A written agreement is presented to each potential client at the initial meeting, and each client is responsible for reading the entire agreement, before signing.
Letters of Reference...
Doula Client Reference #1 (natural hospital birth):
My quest for a doula began just weeks before my due date. I was planning a natural birth and at the last minute I could not afford to pay for my delivery at a birthing center. I had to go to the hospital instead. I knew that I needed help to achieve my goal in this setting so at 38 weeks I scoured the internet and sent emails to every organization I could think of. After speaking with several other doulas in my area, my fiancé and I decided to go with Jennifer.
We arranged to meet before the birth so that we could get comfortable with her and go through her "birth bag". At the meeting, I immediately knew that the decision we made to have Jennifer attend our birth was the best choice. Her passion for women in labor was obvious through every word she uttered. She explained every part of her role to us and was able to make my fiancé understand that she would enhance his role in the birth not take it. The "birth bag" that she brought contained items that would appeal to each of our senses. There were oils to inhale and massage with, calming music to soothe, scenic pictures to escape into, fruit bars and energy drinks to fill you, and much much more. She also made sure that we were knowledgeable about the birth process by bringing along pamphlets and print-outs with tons of information and activities. Jennifer made sure that we were completely comfortable with everything before she left. We were a lot more confident, too!
But she was not gone for long because I went into labor that night. I called her to let her know it had begun and she advised me to take a shower and try to get some sleep between contractions. Unfortunately, my contractions were frequent and difficult from the start so sleep was not happening. She came over an hour later to help me labor. Immediately after she walked in she coached me through the contractions using her words and her hands. The words she used were immediately calming and helped me focus on my end goal. She was also encouraging me to maintain the breathing technique that I chose to use. My fiancé even picked up on her guidance and used the same methods to help me through the long ride to the hospital.
Once we got to the hospital Jennifer became so in tuned with me that I never had to ask her for anything. It was as if she were a part of me and experiencing everything right along with me. She knew exactly what I needed each step of the way. In the initial phase when the shock of "I'm at the hospital" hit me she heated up thermal packs for my neck and back, and let me listen to some relaxing music. And her hands massaged my back through contractions while I had to be monitored. There were a few discouraging things about my babies heart and my dilation, but Jennifer explained everything to me and made sure I knew that I could get through it.
After everything settled down, I was able to go anywhere I wanted, and I chose to labor in the tub. Jennifer set the mood for me by placing fake candles around the bathroom and drops of lemon grass oil into the water. Once in the tub I was able to completely focus on myself and Jennifer was right there with me. I only needed to reach back and she was right there holding my hand or massaging my back for support. She and my fiancé switched places for a while, and I didn’t even notice for a while because he kept the same methods she was using.
The nurses wanted to check me after some time, so I got out and had to be hooked up again to check on the baby. The baby’s heart still was not looking favorable so I had to stay in the bed. Jennifer gave me a drink to boost my energy since I had been awake for awhile. At this point my labor began progressing fast and she took to doing counter-pressure on my back through each one. My contractions started coming harder and more frequent and the pressure was not as effective. So Jennifer and my fiancé held my hand through each one. At some point she used a hand fan to cool me. She was right there through each contraction holding my hand and encouraging me to relax, open up, and bring my baby into the world. Her words were defiantly reassuring and comforting because I was having doubts about my ability to continue this far along. She convinced me that my baby was coming and I was almost done, and she was right. My body was pushing my baby out on its own. I continued to hold on to Jennifer well after my baby was born and laying on my chest. I felt so empowered by her presence and I know she felt the same way.
Her care did not end there. She visited me and the baby at home to ensure that we were both doing fine and feeling well. She brought a goodie bag of items to help me through the first few days. There were lots of aids to help with depression, relaxation, and even some snacks. We talked about the birth and the experience we both received from it. And I was able to ask any questions that I had about my recovery, the baby and breastfeeding. On the next visit Jennifer gave me a great massage and gave my fiancé advice on how he could help me and the baby better with recovery. She also brought over a book on breastfeeding to help me through a clogged duct. We ended that visit with her cradling my little girl.
Through it all Jennifer was a real blessing. I did not know how much I needed her until it was all done. Looking back on the whole experience, she was my shining light through the fog. She knew what I needed even though I could not say it. She was receptive to me and immediately responsive. It takes a strong person to connect with you during such an intimate part of life. She is that person without question. She gave me strength when I wanted to give up and hope when it looked like things would not work out. She was able to give my fiancé the confidence to help me through the labor and with the baby.
Iana F. (Birthed her beautiful baby girl in August 2006)
Doula Client Reference #2 (natural hospital birth)
As I began researching childbirth and learning more about how I wanted to birth my baby I realized that I needed to make some changes. I knew that I needed to find a new doctor. I needed to find someone who was a proponent of natural childbirth and not just someone who wanted to give me a c-section because it was quicker and would mean more money for them. As I searched for midwives and naturalistic doctors I discovered doulas. At first I wasn’t sure if I needed a doula if I was also going to have a midwife or naturalist doctor. As I researched I decided to interview some doulas to aid in my decision. I interviewed 5 doulas and when we met with Jennifer she stood out immediately from all the rest. Right away we could tell that assisting moms in childbirth was not only her job, but also her passion. We liked that Jennifer had a lot of experience and was well-educated in childbirth. We also liked that Jennifer was continuing her education in childbirth by studying to become a midwife.
Jennifer helped us way before the birth of our child. The first thing she helped us with was finding a new doctor/midwife who was for natural childbirth. Jennifer sent me to a great midwife who she had worked with many times before. They were a great team. Jennifer helped me also by answering many questions that I had while pregnant and was really easy to reach by phone and email. Jennifer always responded promptly and with very thoughtful responses.
In our visits before the birth Jennifer went over different relaxation techniques I could use. She went over various positions I could be in and we discussed different sounds to use. We also talked about hypnobirthing as I was taking a hypnobirthing class. I was really glad to have Jennifer, as my husband didn’t really like doing the guided imagery readings. It made me feel at ease to know that Jennifer would do it instead. We also talked about terminology I wanted to use during labor and delivery. The best visit I had with Jennifer was the relaxation one as she gave me a great massage with relieved many pregnancy aches and pains I was having.
Well, the big day finally came. I went into labor around midnight on a Monday. My husband told me just to go to sleep and wasn’t even sure if I was in fact in labor. About an hour later I told him to call Jennifer. She told him that it sounded as if I was having signs of pre-labor. I talked to her on the phone and she told me to try to sleep between the contractions, and that she would come whenever we wanted her to. So, I went back to bed and amazingly enough I was able to sleep in between my contractions. In the morning my contractions seemed to come closer together so we decided it was time to call Jennifer. My contractions really seemed to pick up and we decided to head to the hospital. Jennifer came at the perfect time. My husband needed to pack the car, but I didn’t want to be left alone. So, Jennifer sat with me and helped me through each contraction. She used guided imagery and the light touch massage. Somehow she was able to make my contractions not seem as bad. The massage was amazing! It really helped me through the contractions.
I was really nervous about the car ride since we chose a hospital an hour away. Jennifer helped me by giving me stress balls to squeeze and she put a hot pack on my back. The hot pack really helped. I definitely would have not thought to do that on my own.
When we got to the hospital Jennifer walked me up to the delivery room. Every time I had a contraction I would stop and lean on the wall. Jennifer would massage my back and do guided imagery. It really helped. When we finally got to the Triage room it was nice to have Jennifer speak for me. She told the nurses about my birth plan and gave them an update of how things were going.
At one point (it must have been transition) I wanted an epidural. Jennifer reassured me that I had already gone through the hardest part and that she knew I could do the rest naturally. It really made a difference to hear her say that. It gave me the strength and courage to continue on my path naturally.
When it came time to push Jennifer talked to me about positions. She said that if I was comfortable the way I was (on my side) that I could stay like that. During pushing the thing I remember most was that Jennifer kept saying, “breathe your baby down.” That really clicked with me. It was the perfect terminology to relax me and to help me push my baby out.
Well, I had a healthy baby girl totally naturally and I couldn’t have done it without Jennifer. My husband loved what Jennifer did and said that if it wasn’t for her he would have been a mess.
Jennifer continues to help us even though my delivery is over. I have emailed her with questions that I have had since the baby has come and she is always willing to help us. She is so full of knowledge! She was even able to answer a question my doctor couldn’t answer!
I highly recommend Jennifer as your doula or your midwife (when she gets certified). If we are still in Phoenix when we have our next child we will definitely use her!
Carrie Bedouin, (Birthed her super cute baby girl in September 2008)
Doula Client Reference # 3 (natural home birth)
Jen was our doula at the birth of my son in September, 2007. My pregnancy had been a very positive experience and I wanted this feeling to extend to the birth. This was my first pregnancy and my husband and I strongly wanted to avoid any unnecessary interventions--I wanted a peaceful, natural delivery. When we met Jen, we explained this to her and she was very supportive and had a wealth of information to help us explore our options. When it turned out that we would be unable to have our baby at the birth center as we originally intended, Jen was immediately available to help us discuss our options. My husband and I eventually decided that a homebirth was the right decision for our family, and Jen helped us find a homebirth midwife. Throughout my pregnancy, Jen provided a lot of helpful information about pregnancy and birth: stages of labor, comfort measures that would fit into my vision of how I wanted the birth to be, and ways my husband could be involved. Going into the experience, I felt prepared and ready.
Jen was an invaluable resource during labor. When I realized I was going into labor, I had a momentary crisis of confidence. Jen was at our house almost immediately and helped me find the strength I needed to have the birth I wanted. Within maybe half an hour of her arrival, I felt calm and strong, and I know that this was largely because Jen believed I could do it, so I began to believe in myself. Throughout the birth I felt confident and happy, and when I look back I feel proud and fulfilled: I had the birth I wanted, and Jen was instrumental in helping me achieve my goal.
Karen Cummo (Birthed her beautiful baby boy in September 2007)
Doula Client Reference # 4 (planned cesarean birth)
Jennifer was my Doula when I gave birth to my son by scheduled
c-section. Everything was perfect and I owe a lot of gratitude to her.
Without Jennifer there to make sure my wishes were respected, I
would not have been able to be with my son during recovery where
I was able to breastfeed him, which was extremely important to me.
She followed my birth plan and made sure everyone involved received
one and followed it as well. She was also there with comfort and
reassurance to help me through some very tough moments during recovery
and for that I am forever thankful. Jennifer is a great Doula and a
great person and I recommend her to everyone.
Kim R. (Birthed her gorgeous baby boy in March 2006)
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