Supported Beginnings - Doula Services

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Supported Beginnings - Doula Services

I am a Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator. Jennifer Poehlke is a mother of five and a DONA trained Birth Doula.

I provide educated and loving support, guidance and reassurance to women and their families throughout their pregnancy and birth experience. She is certified with Birth Arts International and she services BC’s Fraser Valley with her company, Supported Beginnings Doula Services. Her mission is to encourage, empower and support women during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeys.

01/08/2025

✨ Story & Update ✨

2024 - My year started off as it always has: homeschooling my kids (as I had the last 10 years), tending to the house & farm, trying to support my husband in his Pastoral position, teaching birth classes, and working as a Birth Doula.

In August God shifted our path. My husband and I felt led by Him to enroll our kids in a small Christian school for the 2024-2025 school year. We followed His lead and enrolled the kids. My kids excitedly anticipated September. With the kids going to school we realized I would have the opportunity to work more. The school needed a few teachers, so we prayed about it, I applied & was hired. September rolled around and life was VERY different from the previous years. I was teaching a Grade 3/4 class four days a week & my kids were in school.

The last few months have been exciting, yet challenging, as we adjusted to our new routines. I had 8 clients with due dates between August & November, my daughter had a major surgery, and I was teaching 4 days a week - life felt very busy! God answered many prayers throughout those months.Two huge answers - surgery went smoothly! & I only had to call in a backup teacher for 3 births, all 5 other babies came either on my day off or during the night. Thank you, Lord 🙏

Now that it's January, I can confidently say we have adjusted. My kids are used to school, and I am enjoying my new position. Life is dramatically different now, but God is good and we trust He will help us along this new adventure.

With these life changes, my husband and I felt I should stop taking on clients and temporarily (possibly) shut down Supported Beginnings. Taking my website down was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but for now we feel it would be too much for our family for me to be running my business, living the on-call life, while teaching at the school & fulfilling all my other roles. Due to that, and a few other (not Instagram shareable reasons) I am taking a break from birth work. I will post an update in the future if I start taking clients again, or if we decide to shut things down permanently. In the meantime, thank you for your support. It has been an incredible 9 years! 💛

01/02/2025

✨ 2024 ✨

I was blessed to work with 13 couples this past year.
6 of those families were new to me and 7 were repeat clients. It was a privilege to work with all of them. I love getting to know and supporting my new clients, and I truly value and appreciate the familiarity of working with clients that I have previously supported. My clients turn into family, and I care deeply for all of them. It has been an immense blessing to serve these families. To all my clients, thank you for trusting me through your pregnancy and birth journeys this past year. I appreciate all of you 💛

🌟 An update will be coming soon about what 2025 holds for me and Supported Beginnings Doula Services, but for now, Happy New Year to all 🌟

12/15/2024

🏞️ 11-14-24 - Exactly one month ago today, my last 2024 baby was born. His birth was wildly different from his brother's birth, but his mom went with the flow and did an incredible job bringing him into this world.

📸 🌙 # 1 - I got the call and was heading to my client's home in Agassiz. Once I got there, she let me know that we would have to head into the hospital. Her planned home birth unfortunately couldn't happen because her midwife was unable to find a backup to attend the birth. My client was disappointed as she had a home birth for the birth of her first child and she really wanted to deliver her 2nd at home, but she went with the flow and when it was time we left to head to the hospital.

📸🏥 # 2 - We arrived at Chilliwack hospital. My client worked so hard to bring her little guy into this world. She showed strength, determination and a fiery spirit to bring him here. She advocated for herself, gave herself time to make decisions and well....she wasn't a push over 😄 Proud of you R!

📸🌲 # 3 - The beautiful trees I saw when I was on my way home. It was still dark-ish because it was 6:57am.

📸☀️ # 4 - A pic from later in the day when I went for a walk....this one will mark the day sweet L was born. A beautiful day for a precious baby boy and his family.

💖 R & R, thank you for letting me join you as you welcomed baby number 2 here. I loved working with you again and witnessing your family grow. You are the nicest people and I truly love spending time with you all.

💙 Congratulations on the birth of baby L!!! 💙

11/13/2024

11-08-24 - A beautiful baby girl was born! 💜

It was such a privilege to work with my clients again, this time for the birth of their second child. This birth went differently from their first delivery and once again reminded me that every birth is unique. However, my client showed the same grit, determination, and fortitude this time as she did the last. If you asked her how she did it, she would attribute all her strength to the Lord. He gave her what she needed to get through and the fact that she gives Him all the glory really is a testimate of her love for Him.

J & D, thank you for choosing me to be your doula for the births of both of your children. It has been an honor to work with you both. J, you teach me each time I'm with you, and if I could guess what the Lord thinks, I bet He'd be very proud of you for continuing to shine a light for Him, even in the midst of something as challenging as childbirth. You are an amazing witness for Him 🙏

📸 Taken while I was stopped on the bridge as I made my way to my clients home.

10/19/2024

⛅10-17-24 - It was a moody day. It started off raining when I left to go to the hospital but by the time I headed home the blue sky was starting to peak out.

☁️ It was a special day. A day we all had been waiting for, but especially my client and her husband. My client was 42 weeks and 1 day pregnant. She was expecting her 3rd baby and had never gone this far past her estimated due date. Both of her other babies were born at 40 weeks. She was concerned about how big the baby would be, if the baby would be healthy, and the thought of 'am I ever going to go into labour' raced around her head for weeks. She did the recommended NST's and ultrasounds to check on the baby and the baby looked and sounded great. She declined induction and membrane sweeps multiple times. She said she felt in her gut, that induction wasn't a good idea and in this case, since it wasn't medically necessary to induce she said no. But the doubts - they sure race around in your head. I'm proud of her though. She prayed, leaned on her husband, and hushed the doubts and fears.

☁️ Praise God:
🙏 Her labour was just over 6.5 hours.
🙏 Her baby was 9 #7 ounces, smaller than her 40 week babies!
🙏 Her baby boy was healthy and strong!
🙏 Her wishes were respected
🙏 She birthed how and where she wanted

Many more prayers were answered, God is good.

☁️ I'm very thankful for the third little boy added to this family! It was my second time supporting them. The first time my client achieved her VBAC and this time we journeyed another special but very different pregnancy and birth - the waiting game. It's such a privilege to watch my clients become mothers and make decisions that impact their birth stories. So proud of L for doing what she felt was right for her and her baby. Thank you L & M for choosing me to support you this 2nd time, despite the fact that the first time I got myself stuck in a snowbank by your house on the way to the hospital & had to shovel myself out to get to you. Oh the adventure 🤣 Beyond grateful that you choose to hire me again! Thank you!! 💙 Congratulations on the birth of your son!!!

10/13/2024

🌹10-07-24 - a beautiful baby girl decided to make her appearance. Her mama worked multiple days to bring her here and showed so much strength as she dealt with the curve balls that the medical system and her labour showed her. Her husband stayed by her side, encouraging her, comforting her, and making her smile & laugh when she needed it. It was a huge privilege to support this couple as their family grew. C & K, thank you for letting me walk this journey with you and a huge congratulations on the birth of your daughter! Lots of love to you all ❤️

09/30/2024

☀️ 09-18-24 - The beautiful sunset in the sky when I left the hospital after a precious little boy was born.

☀️ My client did an incredible job delivering her baby. Birth sometimes throws curve balls but my client was brave and strong. She met each contraction with focus and determination. She persevered despite being sick and exhausted. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her husband loved & encouraged her, staying by her side and meeting her needs. They were a wonderful team.

☀️ I truly treasure the relationships I make with my clients and I am beyond thankful when they reach out and ask me to support them again. Thank you J & D for choosing me to support you for baby #1 & #2. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you both. Love your precious family 💛

09/08/2024

🌄 09-07-24 - Today was an incredible day for a few reasons!

✨ First of all, the sweetest couple became parents - they now have a son!!! 💙

✨ Secondly, my client used determination and grit to have an unmedicated, vaginal, hospital birth. This is not an easy feat, but it was her goal and she dug deep and achieved it 🎉

✨ Thirdly, my client was supported by the most caring nurses and an excellent Obstetrician at Abbotsford hospital. Together this care team supported my client to birth her baby how she wanted. They respected her choice to skip induction, they let her move how she wanted, they didn't mention pain medication options (as per my clients request), they helped my client reach down and grab her baby right after birth, they did delayed cord clamping, and they skipped injecting postpartum pitocin since it was safe to do so. They honored her wishes and encouraged her along the way! What an absolute pleasure to witness!

✨ Last but not least - in fact this is the most important thing to acknowledge. God answered numerous prayers during this birth, and I'm so grateful for His goodness and mighty hand! 🙏

08/31/2024

☀️ 08-28-24 - A beautiful day to commemorate the birth of a precious baby girl! This homebirth was a joy to be at for so many reasons.
🔸My client followed her instincts and did a great job tuning out outside noise. She went inward, did what her body needed her to do and did an incredible job birthing her baby. A, you are so strong!
🔸My client's husband was there for her every step of the way. He rubbed her back, held her up, helped fill the birth pool, and jumped in it quickly to help catch his daughter.
🔸My client's sister helped with all the little details and took care of my client's daughter during the birth. What a blessing to have a sister that loves you so much! T, you are such a good sister and auntie!
🔸My client's 2 year old daughter - oh man, she is the sweetest! She came up beside me and gently reached up to rub her Mama's back just how I was doing it. That was a heart melt moment 🥰
🔸My client's midwives - they did what we need all midwives need to do. They truly practiced informed consent. They provided her with information about everything and respected her right to choose. They stayed by her side and made sure mom and baby were safe. They are such an amazing Midwifery group. If you are looking for a good one, check out .
☀️ This birth was a beautiful one, and it was a privilege to be there. A & I, thank you for choosing me to walk this journey with you 💕

08/23/2024

🌊 08-21-24 - Yesterday was a whirlwind but for the best reason - a sweet baby boy was born! And...my client achieved her unmedicated, intervention free, home, waterbirth! It was beautiful to watch this first time mom lean into the sensations she was feeling and submit to the process of birth. When my client first hired me, she said she wanted to have a grin and bear it attitude and she did just that! M, I'm so very proud of you! It was such a privilege to support you & Q as you brought your precious boy into this world!

08/20/2024

☀️07-07-24 - 5:25am - Hospital room view of the sunrise☀️
Highlights from this birth - She showed strength and tenacity. She stuck to her guns and her husband backed her up. Teamwork was key during this delivery and I truly believe my client felt proud that despite the pressures, she chose what she wanted for her birth experience. She welcomed her firstborn into her arms with a smile on her face. Dad quickly announced that the baby was a boy. They cried the happiest of tears. Dad bent down and let his son know "daddy is here" and the freshly born baby immediately calmed down at the sound of his dad's voice. The sweet little one recognized the voice because his dad would talk to him while he was still in the womb. What an incredible bond father and son have, all because of the intentionality of dad. It was an honor to witness this family become three. S & A, thank you for allowing me to support you and witness this birth experience! I pray God's many blessings on all the special adventures to come 💛

07/08/2024

💜 06-27-24 - The special day baby number 2 joined their family. My client worked so hard to bring her daughter into this world. She knew her body, trusted her sensations and advocated for herself on multiple occasions. She reminded everyone that the labouring woman knows her body and should be trusted. I'm very proud of my client for sticking up for herself and asking for what she wanted & needed - it's definitely not an easy thing to do - especially while birthing a baby! Well done my friend!

💛 Congratulations B & B on the birth of your daughter! It's been a pleasure to work with you both again and I'm so happy your sweet girl is here!

📸 Photo taken the day before, on my way to the birth. I'm glad I took a picture then, because baby was born at 2:16am, and when I drove home a few hours after that, it was still dark out. I'm glad I have this pic to remember baby S's birth story 💕

Address

Mission, BC
V4S1G9

Telephone

+17782407133

Website

http://www.supportedbeginnings.ca/

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Supporting Your Beginning

Welcome to Supported Beginnings Doula Services,

Wondering who this Doula is? Jennifer Poehlke is a Pastors wife, mom of 5 and a DONA trained Birth Doula. She is certified with Birth Arts International and she services BC’s Fraser Valley with her company, Supported Beginnings Doula Services. Jenn believes that every baby is a gift from God and her mission is to support new moms and their spouses as they go through their pregnancy, birth experience and postpartum period. Becoming a parent is a life changing experience and you can never have to much support. Contact Jenn today, if you are looking for a Doula to help you on this journey.

Blessings, Jennifer Poehlke

jdp.sbeginnings@gmail.com / www.supportedbeginnings.ca / 778-240-7133