Dr. Rae Banks, DrPH, MBA-HM, CD (DONA)

YOU NEED A DOULA!!! If you're on the fence about whether or not you should get a doula, I'll save you the time of reading the rest of this review. The answer is YES! And Dr Rae is 1000000/10! Having a doula should be a requirement to give birth. I really would not have made it through my birth without Dr Rae. I had a traumatic birth with my first so going into my second pregnancy/birth I knew I wanted extra support. Dr Rae has a really strong medical background so not only did she provide incredible emotional support but I felt really confident having her on my support team because I knew she could help calm my anxiety and reassure me everything was ok or what signs to look out for if it wasn't. During labor she provided coping tools (god bless that TENS machine and massage gun!!) and position changes. She was right there with me rubbing my back through contractions and coaching me through pushing. She helped my baby latch right after birth and made sure I was settled in the postpartum unit before leaving. My husband was great and all but I truly couldn't have done it without Dr Rae to provide all the experience and knowledge (even he said he wouldn't have known what to do and was so thankful for Dr Rae)! I had such a positive birth and Dr Rae will always hold a special place in my heart because of it.

- Tanya S.

Dr. Rae made my birth experience truly amazing. From the very beginning, I felt completely comfortable and supported by her. She took the time to do classes with me beforehand so I could feel confident and prepared going into labor, while also making sure my partner felt just as confident and knew exactly how to support me. The knowledge, guidance, and encouragement she gave me helped me feel so much calmer throughout the entire experience. She also created such a peaceful and comforting environment in the room, which made it easier for me to relax and breathe. I'm so grateful to have had Dr. Rae by my side during such an important and special moment in my life. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone preparing for birth, and I will definitely want her by my side again if we have another baby!

- Brittany S.

Dr. Rae is an excellent doula! The regularly scheduled prenatal meetings were filled with reliable information (her info documents included citations/references!) on all things labor and delivery. She also made sure to have lots of specific information and ways for Dad to be involved. Dr. Rae ensured we actually retained all the info presented by going over everything many times throughout our appts. She prepped us for every L&D scenario so we had thought through potentially difficult situations ahead of time so as to limit decision making during L&D. She helped us make a concise but complete birth preferences doc to bring to L& D (that the hospital staff complimented). During L&D she was our biggest advocate and support to us the whole time. We definitely recommend Dr. Rae!

- David C.

Dr rae banks was absolutely amazing. This was my first pregnancy and my partner and I were very anxious not knowing what to do at all. Dr rae eased all of those worries. She taught us everything we'd need to know and how to prepare. My birth did not go as planned. It ended up being a very scary time ending in a c section. Dr rae was there with me every step of the way to help us through the birth and through the emotions. While I didn't plan on having a c section, I felt confident in my decision. It didn't catch me by suprise because dr rae had already gone over this possibility with us. She stayed until she knew my baby and I were healthy and okay on our own. She helped us with breastfeeding and latching as soon as I was out of the OR which has made breastfeeding so much easier now. I would highly recommend her as a doula and I will be reaching out to her again for my future pregnancies!

- A M.

I had a wonderful experience with Dr Rae as my Doula for the birth of my first child. I realized I had anxiety around child birth at about 33 weeks pregnant and reached out to Dr Rae for support. I was surprised to learn her services were covered by insurance! She was very knowledgeable and supportive and by the time I had my baby, she had perfectly prepared me and I had no anxiety. I was so grateful for her support during labor as she advocated for me at the hospital and was respectful of my birth plan preferences. Thank you, Dr Rae!

- Sarah S.