La rae Banks, DrPH, MBA-HM, CD (DONA) - Birth & Postpartum Doula

About La rae

Birth is unpredictable. Being prepared doesn't have to be. Do you ever wonder... - How do I prepare for labor and birth? - Will I know when it's really time to go to the hospital? - What happens if my birth doesn't go according to plan? - How can I avoid feeling overwhelmed during labor? - Will my partner know how to support me? - What if I need an induction, epidural, or even an unexpected C-section? - How do I make confident decisions in the moment? I support all births - normal to high-risk pregnancies - through personalized prenatal coaching. When we work together, I'll help you prepare for your actual birth. You'll understand what to expect from the first signs of labor through the Golden Hour, learn how to navigate unexpected situations, communicate confidently with your healthcare team, and approach birth feeling informed, empowered, and ready. In the hospital, I'll guide you to have a faster labor through meaningful position changes and breathwork. I proudly serve families covered by Kaiser Permanente, giving birth at Oakland, Walnut Creek, Antioch, and Vallejo. I also support all Medi-Cal patients, regardless of health plan. If you're delivering in Contra Costa County or at a designated Kaiser hospital, I'll join you in person for your hospital birth. Families outside the area can receive the same comprehensive birth preparation through convenient telehealth appointments. I'm a Public Health Doctor focused on maternal health and a Certified Birth Doula by DONA International. I trained at UC Davis Medical Center as a birth doula for high-risk births, where I still volunteer today and train new doula cohorts. For patient safety, I am background checked and maintain medical clearance. Ready to secure a doula? Schedule your initial telehealth prenatal visit with me at www.yesidoula.com. If you're still deciding on a doula, have questions about insurance, or simply nervous, book a complimentary telehealth instead and let's talk about your goals. Looking forward to meeting you! - Dr. Rae

Availability

Taking new clients

Due Oct 2026 – Apr 2027

Away Oct 26 – Oct 27

Confirmed 4 days ago

Due date close to the edge of this window?

Birth & Postpartum Doula packages and pricing

Complete Birth Support (High-risk pregnancy)

- 3 prenatal telehealth sessions to prepare for birth - 24/7 virtual support during early labor - In person hospital-based support during labor & delivery (vaginal delivery, inductions, VBAC, C-sections) - 1 hospital-based postpartum visit immediately after birth - 1 in-home postpartum visit (optional)

$5,000 USD · Flat rate

Accepted insurance

Contra Costa Health Plan Kaiser Permanente Partnership HealthPlan of California Message La rae to confirm coverage for your plan.

What to expect

Birth can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. I am your supporter in every way - emotional, physical, education. I am also a strong patient advocate. During our time together, I help you understand your options, prepare for labor, and grow confidence for making informed evidence-based decisions. I'll also prepare your birth partner so they feel confident about supporting you during your delivery. Together, we will create your birth plan. Get ready to walk into labor feeling informed, prepared, and supported! Helping families give birth is my passion. -Dr. Rae

Reviews for La Rae Banks, DrPH, MBA-HM, CD (DONA)

5.0 5 reviews

5.0

August 25, 2026

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.

5.0

August 20, 2026

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.

5.0

July 13, 2026

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.

Ready to talk with La rae?

Free to send. La rae usually responds within a few hours.

Certifications, training, and specialties

Trust & safety

Background checked Run by Checkr · Sep 2026 Details

La Rae passed a third-party background check run by Checkr, an accredited consumer reporting agency. Bornbir sees pass status only, never the report. Open the badge for what Checkr screened.

NPI verified NPI 1982444741 · Doula · Checked against NPPES

La Rae's National Provider Identifier (NPI 1982444741) is registered on the federal NPPES registry as Doula (374J00000X). Bornbir matched the number and name against it on Oct 7, 2026.

Certification and training

DONA International Birth & Postpartum Doula Workshop (2025)
UC Davis Medical Center, Doula Training Program (2024)

Education

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) (2025)
MBA, Heathcare Administration (MBA)-HM) (2017)

Memberships and affiliations

DONA International

Languages

English

Race / Ethnicity

Black / African American, Indigenous / Native American, White

Credentials

CD (DONA)

Specialties

Advanced Maternal Age Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Evidence-Based Care Fibroids High Risk and Low Intervention Obstetrical Care High-Risk Pregnancy Hospital Birth Labor Doula Multiples Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Pregnancy Complications Telehealth Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Abnormal Bleeding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Abortion Doula Care Abuse Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Consultation Breastfeeding Support Breech Birth Doula Trainer Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Lactation Consultation Latch Issues Loss and Bereavement Doula Newborn Care Nipple and Breast Pain Postpartum Doula Care Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum

Frequently asked questions

Which hospitals do you provide in-person birth support?

I support in person births at the following hospitals: - Kaiser: Walnut Creek, Oakland, Antioch, Vallejo - Sutter: Alta Bates Berkely, Alta Bates Antioch - Contra Costa Regional Center - John Muir: Walnut Creek & Concord - San Ramon Regional Medical Center

Do you offer telehealth or in person appointments.

Most prenatal appointments are held via telehealth. However, I do offer in person appointments at my office in Walnut Creek, upon request. Birth support is provided in person.

Do you charge extra if you are at the hospital longer than 6 hours.

No.

Do you charge extra to take pictures?

No. I'm happy to take pictures of the moment on your device(s).

How much do you charge to pack my placenta if I want to keep it?

No extra change. I'm happy to pack it for you and notify your vendor to pick it up when its ready.

How much does La rae charge?

La rae's Complete Birth Support (High-risk pregnancy) package is $5,000 USD, flat rate.

Is La rae taking new clients?

Taking new clients. Due Oct 2026 – Apr 2027. Away Oct 26 – Oct 27. Availability was confirmed 4 days ago.

Does La rae accept insurance?

La rae lists Contra Costa Health Plan, Kaiser Permanente, and Partnership HealthPlan of California as accepted insurance. Message La rae to confirm coverage for your plan.