Meet Marissa Rae
When I’m not doula-ing, my days are spent with people I love moving my body, making art, and exploring new places. I enjoy a good story, steam rooms, reality tv, and hugs that last just a little bit too long!
I’m also a history nerd and academic who loves dedicating time supporting public history initiatives and advancing my research on the history of medieval gender, women, and sexuality. My research informs my practice as I strive to be a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed advocate, offering inclusive, thoughtful care to individuals across all identities.
Doula work felt like a calling after I personally experienced settings where my autonomy and decisions were taken from me. I’m passionate about creating safe spaces for others through education, unbiased conversations, and compassionate advocation. Regardless of your socio-cultural and economic background, I want you to feel held, believed, respected, and understood as you navigate your reproductive journey.
My Philosophy
With so many options and opinions surrounding birth, abortion, and postpartum care, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make the “right” choice. Many folks face unsolicited advice or horror stories from the moment they announce their pregnancy or consider their reproductive choices. The more I’ve spoken with people experiencing these moments, the more I’ve come to understand their frustration and fear of whether they’re making the right decision. At the end of the day, there is no “right way” to make decisions about your reproductive health, there’s only what’s right for you!
That’s why compassionate, nonjudgmental support is so essential. People deserve care that honors their individual needs and values, especially in moments when they may feel uncertain or isolated. But too often, access to that kind of support depends on what someone can afford. The framing of economic accessibility is important but it’s not the whole story. I recognize that people are more than their financial reality and we don't need to be ashamed to talk about money. Everyone deserves to have someone in their corner supporting them throughout their reproductive and postpartum journeys. This fuels my desire to charge the way that I do.
For many doulas, this work is their full-time job. In order for them to serve the community they live in, having enough of a living wage is critical. I’m able to charge the way that I do because this is not my full-time job. I view this work as an opportunity to build and support my village, offering guidance, encouragement, and assistance to the percentage of people who may not be able to afford support.
Image by Lisa Sorgini
Credentials
Labor Doula | CAPPA
Postpartum Doula | CAPPA
Sexual Assault Counselor (SAC) Certified | PAAR
Mentorship with Johanna Storey
Lactation Support Workshop | Lauren Archer
Babywearing for Birth Workers | Laura McCarthy
Childbirth Education Bootcamp | Empowered Holistic Birth
Homebirth for Doulas | Cornerstone
Fetal Positioning Masterclass | Cornerstone
Understanding the Infant Microbiome | Toni Hartman
CPR & First Aid Certified |American Red Cross
Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula | Inner Sun & Moon