Meet Marissa Rae
When I’m not attending births, supporting individuals through their abortion journeys, or assisting families in their homes, my days are spent with people I love—moving my body, making art, and exploring new places. I’m also an amateur textile creator with a passion for weaving and plant-based dyes. I love a good story, steam rooms, reality tv, and hugs that last just a little bit too long!
My support is founded on the desire to offer unbiased, compassionate, and inclusive support to new and expecting mothers. I’m a firm believer that holistic support for women in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum requires deep connection, individualized care, and a thoughtful integration of modern knowledge with ancient wisdom.
In addition to my work as a doula and reproductive rights advocate, I dedicate time to supporting public history initiatives and advancing my research on the history of medieval gender, women, and sexuality.
My goal is to ensure that every individual feels seen, respected, and supported throughout their reproductive journey—whether navigating abortion, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum. I believe in providing unbiased, evidence-based advice that empowers clients to make informed decisions and trust their intuition, while fostering self-compassion through life's challenges.
A few years ago I earned my Master of Science from the University of Edinburgh, studying the History of Women, Gender, and Sexuality with a focus on midwives, herbal contraceptives, and abortifacients. This work deepened my understanding of the importance of reproductive autonomy and the dangers of limiting access to essential reproductive services.
Currently, I’m pursuing a PhD at the University of Winchester, where I’m researching the history of medieval gender, women, and sexuality. My dissertation explores how late medieval England shaped women’s reproductive roles and how power structures impacted their autonomy. This academic research informs my practice as I strive to be a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed advocate, offering inclusive, thoughtful care to individuals across all identities.
There is no “right way” to make decisions about your reproductive health—there is only what’s right for you.
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 individuals 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.
Having always been passionate about reproductive health, I entered the field to help alleviate that pressure and guide individuals toward what is right for them—whether they are choosing abortion, preparing for birth, or settling into postpartum life. These are all transformational experiences, and I’m here to support you through each one.
I’m committed to working with individuals throughout their reproductive journeys, reminding them of all the options available and providing support for whatever path they choose. My experience has shown me that when people feel heard and respected by their providers and birth team, they are less likely to experience birth trauma or postpartum depression.
Every step of the way, I vow to work with you to create evidence-based, informed choices that suit your needs.
My Philosophy
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