The labor doula assists the woman and her family before, during, and after birth by providing emotional, physical, and informational support. It is not within the labor doula’s scope of practice to offer medical advice or perform any medical or clinical procedure.

• During pregnancy, the labor doula’s role is to assist families in preparing a birth plan, to provide information about birth options and resources, and to provide emotional support.
• During labor and birth, the labor doula facilitates communication between the family and the caregivers. She supports the mother and her partner with the use of physical, emotional, and informational support.
• During the postpartum period, the doula assists the mother in talking through her birth experience, answering questions about newborn care and breastfeeding within our scope of practice, and referring the family to appropriate resources as needed.

 *Taken from the CAPPA labor doula manual.

At Wonderfully Made, we feel that it is imperative to get to know the entire birth team before labor begins.  For that reason, Carnley meets with each of her clients and their partners several times before the birth.  She also accompanies her clients to at least one visit to her care provider.  Carnley comes to her clients' homes or to the hospital of their choice when active labor begins and stays through the birth and initation of breastfeeding.  She also does a postpartum home visit to dicuss the birth and check on the client and baby!!  Carnley is ALWAYS available by phone to her clients to address any needs and answer any questions, both before and after the birth!