Rayner, Claire Berenice (1931– )

English writer, broadcaster, and journalist. With a background in nursing and midwifery, she became the medical correspondent for Woman's Own magazine (as Ruth Martin 1966–75, and as Claire Rayner 1975–87), and the ‘agony aunt’ for several national newspapers, and television and radio shows. Drawing on her medical knowledge and family experience, she has published over 75 advice books since Mothers and Midwives (1962).

She has appeared on the BBC's Breakfast Time, TV-am (1985–92), and Good Morning with Anne & Nick. She also writes fiction, both under her own name and as Sheila Brandon, and contributes to medical journals under the name Ann Lynton.

Rayner was raised and educated in London, and worked there as a nurse and midwife before commencing a career in journalism.