Mikaela Johnson Vaal

Birth & Postpartum Doula
Los Angeles, California
14 years of experience
About me

I am a Perinatal Care Specialist — my job is to hold space for people as they navigate reproductive health and perinatal care by providing emotional support, physical comfort, practical assistance, and non-medical care. What that may look like depends on each client's individual needs and situation. I am passionate about education and love to not only learn new things myself, but also pass on my accumulated knowledge to others. I strongly believe that knowledge is power, and support my clients in navigating the healthcare field knowing their options and alternatives so they are better able to advocate for themselves, their bodies, their families, and their choices. I started my journey in the healthcare field in 2010 when I began training as a Massage Therapist in NYC. Since then I have become a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and since moving to LA in 2017, I have turned my focus more specifically to equity for marginalized people in health and wellness. I am now a DONA International Certified Doula, California Certified Massage Therapist, a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, trained in the use of Essential Oils for Birth and Postpartum, and most recently became a Certified Facilitator of The Resilience Toolkit.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (2006)

Master of Fine Arts (2009)

Associates of Science: Massage Therapy (2011)

Associates of Science: Advanced Personal Training (2011)

Certification and training

Birth Doula Training, DONA International (2018)

Postpartum Doula Training, DONA International (2018)

Birth Doula Certification, DONA International (2021)

Childbirth Education Training, ICEA (2018)

Childbirth Education Training, BADT (2021)

Master Reiki Practitioner (2020)

Certified Facilitator of The Resilience Toolkit (2021)

Certified Meditation Instructor (2021)

Essential Oils for the Birth Kit Certified (2020)

Newborn Care Specialist (2021)

500RYT Certified Yoga Teacher (2021)

NextStep National COVID-Ready Caregiver Certification (2020)

Psychological First Aid (NCTSN) (2021)

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Advocate (PAIL Advocate) (2019)

Grandma's Hands Pregnancy & Postpartum Herbs & Nutrition in the Southern Tradition (2021)

Peristeam Facilitator (2021)

Memberships and affiliations

DONA International

Doulas Association of Southern California

Credentials
CD (DONA) CMT LMT
Specialties
Abortion Doula Care Acupressure During Labor Anxiety and Depression Aromatherapy Baby and Toddler Sleep Coach Babywearing Belly Binding Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Consultation Breastfeeding Support Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Exclusive Pumping/Bottle Feeding HAES (Health at Every Size) Approach Home Birth Infant Care Labor Doula Latch Issues LGBTQ+ Life Transitions Loss and Bereavement Doula Massage Massage Therapist Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Newborn Prep Overnight Newborn Care Parenting Parenting Support Perinatal and Infant Loss Postpartum Adjustment Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care Postpartum Life Preconception Pregnancy Complications Pregnancy Loss Prenatal Life Returning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc) Sexual Health Sleep Consultant Somatic Techniques Stress Management Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth Yoga
Languages

English

Service introduction

My superpower is the energy I bring into a room. This feedback remains constant whether I'm waiting tables or attending a birth. I love to laugh and be goofy, and I am cool and calm under pressure. Humans and pets alike seem to flock to my side! I have over twenty years experience working with people in challenging situations, and I know I can assist you and your family as you navigate your reproductive and perinatal transitions.

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