Brief Narrative of Rae's Background
My life’s passion is reflected in my 40-year journey focused on mothers and babies. This commitment began with my first pregnancy and the discovery of The Bradley Method® of childbirth education. The founders, Marjie and Jay Hathaway, taught my classes and produced the film Childbirth for the Joy of It where my first birth experience is featured.
Inspired by my birth, I trained as a Bradley Method® childbirth educator. I taught group and private classes along with attending births in hospitals, birth centers and homes, and providing breastfeeding support. When DONA emerged I eagerly certified as a birth doula and then as a trainer. As I evolved into international birth and breastfeeding issues I certified as a Lactation Consultant, which led me to becoming the co-coordinator of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) Healthcare Practices Task Force.
Many more opportunities crossed my path including volunteering for the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). Subsequently I became the first executive director and represented CIMS on the US Breastfeeding Committee. I took part in the development of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI), then served on the board of directors for the International Mother Baby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO), which was born from CIMS, then I became and currently serve as the Administrative Director.
In all the avenues that I have been blessed to work, midwifery has remained close to my heart; consequently I accepted the offer to join the board of directors of the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery to continue to energize this movement.
I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to work in this field, I am truly blessed.
Inspired by my birth, I trained as a Bradley Method® childbirth educator. I taught group and private classes along with attending births in hospitals, birth centers and homes, and providing breastfeeding support. When DONA emerged I eagerly certified as a birth doula and then as a trainer. As I evolved into international birth and breastfeeding issues I certified as a Lactation Consultant, which led me to becoming the co-coordinator of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) Healthcare Practices Task Force.
Many more opportunities crossed my path including volunteering for the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). Subsequently I became the first executive director and represented CIMS on the US Breastfeeding Committee. I took part in the development of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI), then served on the board of directors for the International Mother Baby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO), which was born from CIMS, then I became and currently serve as the Administrative Director.
In all the avenues that I have been blessed to work, midwifery has remained close to my heart; consequently I accepted the offer to join the board of directors of the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery to continue to energize this movement.
I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to work in this field, I am truly blessed.