About Me

Hi, I’m Dr. Rae. My patients often describe me as bringing “good mom energy” to the birth room—calm, caring, encouraging, and steady when things feel overwhelming.

I believe one of the best ways to feel more confident about birth is to understand what’s happening and know what your options are. I love teaching, answering the questions you didn’t even know to ask, and helping you prepare for both the birth you hope for and the unexpected turns birth sometimes takes.

When labor gets tough, I’ll be right there with you providing emotional support. We’ll use movement, positioning, massage, breathwork, TENS, and other comfort measures based on what you need in the moment. I’ll also help your partner feel confident and useful rather than wondering what to do. If plans change or medical decisions come up, I’ll help you slow things down, understand the conversation, think through your questions, and feel supported as you make informed decisions about your care. After your baby arrives, I’ll stay with you through those first precious moments, supporting skin-to-skin and your first breastfeeding experience... if that’s part of your plan.

I’m a Public Health Doctor focused on maternal health, a DONA International Certified Doula, and a childbirth educator. I’m comfortable supporting both uncomplicated and medically complex pregnancies—and I especially love working with families who want to learn, prepare, and feel involved in their birth experience.

We may be a good fit if your preferences are education, emotional support, lactation, partner support, hospital advocacy, and/or recovery.

Birth is unpredictable. Being prepared doesn’t have to be. I’d love to help you feel ready for yours.

– Dr. Rae

Practice Philosophy

I believe the best time to think through birth decisions is before you're asked to make them. Together, we'll explore eight of the most important decisions you may face during labor and birth—what your options are, the pros and cons, and what alternatives may be available if circumstances change.

We'll prepare for the birth you hope for. We'll also talk through inductions, pain management, interventions, cesarean births, and other unexpected turns, so you're less likely to feel caught off guard if your birth takes a different path.

You will feel ready for birth — however it unfolds.

Population Experience

Every family comes to birth with a different story, and I welcome them all.

I have experience supporting first-time parents, teen parents, people with disabilities, families of advanced maternal age, and those navigating high-risk or medically complex pregnancies. I especially enjoy working with parents who may be feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of what to expect.

You don't have to know all the right questions or have everything figured out before we meet. Come as you are. We'll take it from there together.

Local hospitals I frequently support:

* Kaiser - Walnut Creek, Oakland, Vallejo, Antioch
* Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC)
* John Muir - Concord, Walnut Creek
* San Ramon Medical Center

Specialties

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• Normal to High-Risk Pregnancies
• Comprehensive Birth Preparation
• Personalized Birth Plans
• Labor Comfort Measures and Positioning
• Birth Coaching
• Vaginal Deliveries
• Induced Labors
• VBACs
• Cesarean Sections
• Partner Advocacy & Preparation
• Patient Advocacy
• Shared Decision-Making and Informed Consent
• Breastfeeding Support
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Teen Births

Services Offered

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• Prenatal Care
• Virtual Labor & Birth Support
• In-Person Labor & Birth Support
• Postpartum Care
• IVF Support
• Pregnancy Loss Support