It’s wonderful that you’re exploring the idea of working with a doula!
My name is Johanna Rosenthal and I’m a certified birth doula serving families in Alameda, San Francisco and Contra Costa counties.
Birth can be one of the most amazing experiences you will have, but it can also bring up many fears and anxieties. I love helping people find a sense of calm, reassurance, empowerment, joy and excitement about their approaching birth. As your doula, I will be a guide, an advocate, a resource, an observer, and a trusted companion. I will offer my comforting touch, words of encouragement, and my commitment to being there for you in the way that works best for you, and your partner (if a partner is present). I will support you in whatever decisions you make. I welcome working with people of all races, cultures, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and family structures.
"No one can claim to tame the ocean, but anyone can learn to surf." ~Swami Satchitananda
About Me
My name Johanna, rhymes with banana :) I was born and raised in the Bay Area and Oakland has been my home for many years with my husband, son, daughter, and Maltipoo doggie, Elio (who reminds us everyday what it's like to parent little ones).
Being a doula is my second career! After working for an amazing public health non-profit for many years, I wanted to have more personal connections with people. I LOVE supporting people during this momentous experience - pregnancy, birth and parenthood!
Spending time with my family and my mom who lives nearby is what brings me the most joy! We enjoy hiking in the Oakland Hills and Marin County, exercising together, having a competitive game night, and of course, snuggling with our dog, Elio.
Why work with me?
I value building a warm and trusting relationship with you, so that you feel that you have someone to lean on and to help guide you through this important time. I am very passionate about this work, and am responsive, responsible, detail-oriented and committed to my clients. I get great satisfaction from going above and beyond to connect people with the information, resources and services they may need along the way. And though there's routine content that we can cover during visits, I tailor discussions to best meet your needs. I pride myself on being a knowledgeable, joyful, and reassuring presence for my clients! (Go to my FAQs to learn about some of the benefits of working with birth doulas in general.)
To learn more about why my clients enjoy working with me, read their testimonials!
Education & Credentials
Certified Birth Doula (able to support clients with Carrot Fertility benefits!)
Natural Resources Birth Doula Certification Course - 2023
HIPAA certified - 2023
CPR/AED Certified Adult/Child/Infant - 2023
Alta Bates Hospital Volunteer Doula (beginning Fall 2024)
Continuing Education
Spinning Babies Workshop - 2023
Yiska Comfort Skills Workshop - 2023
Body Ready Method Birth Pro Cohort 2024
Better Birth Pros 3-day Series - 2024
Birth Magic Series - 2024
Advanced and Specialized Skills and Tools Training (pelvic alignment, Spinning Babies review, self-care) - 2024
Active vs. Passive Management of the Placenta session - 2024
Impacts of Trauma on Birthing African Americans Workshop - 2023
Doulas Doing Business Summit - 2023 (3-day conference)
Education
University of CA at Berkeley, BS in Biology - 1989
University of MN, Masters in Public Health (Health Education) - 1995
ListServ Memberships
East Bay Perinatal Services, Doulas of the East Bay, Bay Area Doula Network
Note: Up-to-date on vaccinations including Covid boosters
My amazing Birth Doula cohort!
My services include:
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Chemistry between us is essential so this free consultation is an important first step. We can meet in person if you're close by, or have a video visit. Please bring your partner (if applicable)!
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This is our time to get acquainted, share information, and build trust and comfort with one another.
We can discuss what is most important to you about your birth experience and how I can help you and your partner prepare.
We can practice physical and emotional comfort techniques to help build you and your partner's confidence when labor begins.
I will share movements to do during pregnancy as well as labor that can potentially help you have an easier birth.
I can help you plan the birthing environment that you want (e.g. tea lights, music playlists, meaningful items to focus on, etc.)
And let's not forget about postpartum planning! Just a little bit of realistic thinking about your anticipated needs and wants along with some strategizing in advance can go a long way.
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I will be there for you and your partner through your labor and birth, creating a safe space, helping you navigate, providing emotional and physical comfort, holding your hand (or foot!), reminding you, when needed, of what you have decided is most important to you about this birth.
You will have access to my TENS unit (if available!) as well as other supportive tools. (Click here to learn the benefits of a TENS unit)
I will stay until you feel settled with your baby in your arms, usually for 1-2 hours after baby has arrived.
I am on call 24/7 beginning at 37 weeks. When early labor signs begin, I will provide guidance over the phone, and come to your home or birthing place whenever you want me by your side, but at least by the time you are in active labor.
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Depending on your needs or desires, I will come to your home one or two times after you return home. I will be in touch by phone prior to any visits to see how you're doing and if you have any urgent needs. During visits, I will check in on your overall physical and emotional wellbeing, admire your beautiful baby, respond to general feeding and baby care questions and assess if you need any referrals. I will provide you with a write-up of your birth timeline, process your birth with you and share any photos I took, if requested.
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From the time we sign a contract, I am available to you by phone, text or email.
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Whether you have a question or are seeking a service, class or specialist, I will do my best to find the answer or send you a resource. I am also part of an amazing birth worker community and we serve as valuable sources of information for one another.
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I am happy to capture the moment with my iPhone when I'm not by your side or actively supporting you in some way.
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Birth Doula Services: $2,200 (may possibly charge slightly more to cover travel costs depending on your location)
I am a certified birth doula so am able to support clients with Carrot Fertility benefits!
I do my best to make my services accessible and affordable. If my rate makes it difficult for you to move forward, let’s talk! I’m happy to see if we can agree on a price that works for both of us.
Testimonials
“...our conversation flowed so effortlessly, and we felt an instant connection with her.”
Thank you to all my clients who have given me permission to share their lovely family photos and kind words on my site.
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Vijay
"From providing soothing massages to guiding me through the shower and experimenting with various body positions to ease the discomfort, Johanna's presence was invaluable. Her collaboration with the nurses, coupled with her insightful ideas, not only provided me with comfort but also facilitated the natural progression of labor through the judicious use of gravity. Johanna's tireless commitment and compassionate care during those intense hours left an indelible mark on our birthing experience. We are eternally grateful for her unwavering support and invaluable contributions throughout this remarkable journey."
~ Anja & Bryan
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Max
“Johanna went above and beyond in her support and loving kindness. She listened to my needs and goals and reinforced confidence that I had the strength and focus I would need for whatever my labor would entail. She did not force her own agenda but gently made informed suggestions and always with a wonderful warm energy. She made me feel like I had someone in my corner at all times. She provided amazing care, going the extra mile while encouraging me to voice my concerns on anything that I was unsure about. Johanna gave me the tools to be my own advocate and backed me up on my decisions. She was thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable, non-judgmental, and incredibly supportive. She was always available to provide reassurance that I could have a beautiful and informed birth no matter the circumstances. I had a very positive experience thanks to Johanna!” ~ Jana
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Nami
“Johanna was a backup doula for our first doula who couldn’t attend our birth. Her support and energy fit well with our personalities and needs. Johanna offered the right balance of support and guidance before, during and after the birth of our daughter. She asked very thoughtful questions about our birth plan, offered us advice and suggestions about the birth, and had resources to assist in the labor process (including massage tools, TENS machine, readings and videos to assist in relaxation and movement). In short, she has been a great support to us in every way that we had hoped for. We highly recommend Johanna for other parents!
~ Coby & Lauren
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Dayah
“Johanna’s support before, during and after the birth of our daughter was wonderful. Johanna is a very authentic professional who brings knowledge and practical suggestions to all stages of the birthing process. She very much made space for us to determine what felt right for us, and was able to support us in being fluid with our birthing plan. She was available for additional follow up support when I had to be readmitted to the hospital for post partum pre-eclampsia, and helped me process the different parts of my labor and delivery. I highly recommend her as a doula, and am very grateful for her support during this life-changing event.”
~ Ali & Jonah
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Sofia
“Johanna's approach was gentle and informative. Her clear communication, big heart, timely guidance, and wealth of information have been a great comfort. I went from knowing very little about pregnancy and babies to becoming a new mother handling my newborn. This steep and crucial learning curve wouldn’t have been as joyful without Johanna. I loved working with her and getting to know her. If I have a second child, I would work with her again.”
~ Nermin & Juan
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire a doula?
So many reasons! But to name a few… having a doula can:
help reduce some of your worries because I can answer your questions or provide you with resources, and provide reassurance
help you feel more empowered to get your needs met
give your partner more knowledge and a set of tools to feel prepared to support you
decrease the chance of needing medical interventions and cesarean births
provide you with continuity of care since hospital staff work in shifts
increase the chance of having greater satisfaction with your birth experience
My employer provides Carrot Fertility benefits. Are you a Carrot approved doula?
Yes I am!
Why do I need a doula if I have a partner to support me?
My role is not to replace but to support your partner as well so that they're better able to support you. This could mean teaching your partner comfort tips and tricks and what to expect during labor.
Partners also need rest, as well as the ability to step away and get fresh air or make a phone call, eat and use the restroom, without having to worry about leaving you alone. When I observe that a partner is providing great support, I will quietly step aside to allow for a couple to have their moments, and rejoin when appropriate.
Do you work with clients who know they want an epidural?
Yes, definitely! This is your birth, your body, your decision! Everyone has different goals, priorities and pain thresholds. It’s important to know yourself.
Will you come to my home while I labor or just to the hospital?
I will come to your home when you feel you need or want me by your side, or meet you at the hospital depending on the timing and pace of your labor. That said, labors can be very long, especially if it your first time, so we will have a conversation about what timing will make the most sense. Early labor can often be easier with the support of just your partner, as you try to continue your normal routine and also try to occupy your mind with fun or relaxing and distracting activities! I will always be available by phone/text to provide guidance if I'm not yet there in person.
Should I let my parents/in-laws etc. come to the hospital while I'm in labor?
This is a very personal decision and there's no right or wrong answer. Hospital policies usually have limits on the number of people who are actually in the labor room. And because the length of labor and birth is so unpredictable, it's very hard to know when to suggest your family arrive. Make sure that who ever is there, whether in the room or in the waiting room, is a source of support and calm and not stress, regardless of how much you love them. It can be important to clearly communicate to your family what your desires are during that time. This is your birth!
Can you recommend a good contraction or surge timer app?
There are quite a few good apps available. I have played with Freya, Contraction Timer, and Full Term and there are others. Features vary but can include an accompanying relaxation audio track, a baby kick counter, a calculation of average of duration and frequency over the past hour, and the ability to email your provider or me updates. You can play with them for free and see which one you prefer. For a small one time fee of a few dollars, you avoid having an advertisement interrupt your timing - very worth it!
I'd love to hear from you!
Interested in exploring working together? Provide the information below and I'll be in touch shortly to schedule a FREE "Meet and Greet" or answer any initial questions you may have!