Carly Ann Marshall-Braun Childbirth Educator in Chicago, IL

Carly Ann was everything we could have wanted in a doula and more. I would also highly recommend taking her Evidence Based Birth classes. I felt supported and prepared going into our birth experience, and I really credit both her doula support and her birth class in helping me have such an empowered birth. Carly Ann is obviously comfortable advocating for her clients and was a collaborative member of my hospital care team - even taught some different positions to one of my nurses to help me feel more comfortable in labor. She was very responsive and available for us before, during and after our birth. I would absolutely recommend her (and already have!!!) to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, caring and fierce doula!

— Sammi Shay

“Carly Ann empowered me to have the birth I want and never once tried to push me in any one direction. I don’t think anything prepares your for parenthood, but thanks to Carly Ann I do feel prepared for Day 1.”

— Leah Barsanti

Choosing Carly Ann as our doula was one of the best decisions my partner and I made in our pregnancy journey. We participated in her Evidence Based Birth class and breastfeeding webinar, and both learning opportunities provided us with the preparation needed for labor and the transition to parenthood. Her presence at our birth created a sense of safety that I know contributed to the birth I had hoped for. Highly recommend!

— Kara Hirner

Working with Carly Ann was the best decision we made in preparing for the birth of our little dude. We already felt ultra primed going into things because we took both her evidence based birth class and lactation class, but it was having her by our side through labor that was the real game changer. The laboring process was the most overwhelming and emotion-fueled thing I think I will ever endure. Even so, I felt I was in the driver's seat with my hands firmly on the wheel throughout it all, thanks to Carly Ann. She knows how to give the perfect amount of support and comfort with a sense of calm and control; the real magic being that she can maintain this, even-handedly, throughout such a long (in our case VERY long) and winding process. If given the option to do it all over again, I would choose Carly Ann to have in my corner 1000x over.

— Elisa Pennetti

I gave birth a few months ago and I’ve struggled writing this review because I can’t quite find the words to honor the experience I had with Carly Ann. We decided to hire a doula for several reasons, one being that my partner might not be able to be present at the birth given other family obligations we had. Turns out he was there the first few hours but then had to leave. I’m not someone who connects easily with strangers and was nervous what it would be like to have someone new as my main support. Carly Ann exceeded all expectations. She effortlessly matched my energy whether I was laughing or crying. She tenderly encouraged me in those critical moments where my body and mind felt at their limit. And she took the time to understand what I wanted from the experience and empowered me to make my own decisions in collaboration with medical advice. The birthing experience has been when I am simultaneously at my most vulnerable, and powerful, and I will forever be grateful that Carly Ann walked alongside me for this one.

— Maya Oyarbide-Sanchez

Carly Ann is the best! Through an in depth phone call, she was able to help me identify some strategies and problem solve a few issues for me as I navigate my breastfeeding journey. She was so thorough, kind and very knowledgeable! We were able to figure out the cause of some of my pain and it helped tremendously! She was kind enough to offer me some time to discuss everything and further than that, checked in with me to see how everything was going! In addition to the phone call, she offered up some great books and resources to supplement and offer additional information. Thank you again Carly Ann!!!

— Megan Siekkinen

There's no doubt in my mind that Carly Ann was meant to be our doula! Her advocacy and bolstering during our baby day kept us cool and strong. In addition to supporting us through our (very twisty, turny, winding) birth journey, she teaches an excellent birthing class (check her out and get your education on!), has lactation seminars, and provides post-partum support services. I highly recommend you chat with her and do ALL of the things she provides. Don't skip out on post-partum support. When I went back to work, Carly Ann took over full baby detail during her time with us so my wife was able to do what she needed most: rest! It's such an indescribably valuable thing having someone you trust help care for your child so the birthing person can heal. Not only is she a top-notch doula, she's just a really awesome person to know and have on your team.

— Kelsey R

Choosing Carly Ann as our doula was one of the best decisions we made during pregnancy. She was a calming presence and it was easy to trust her— she’s kind, clearly knowledgeable and experienced, and never pushy. We took her lactation class and the evidence based birth class she taught which helped us to feel empowered during my pregnancy and after. She encouraged us to be in the driver’s seat and was a fantastic support for both me and my partner. Our birth did not go exactly as planned but she was with us every step of the way to help recalibrate and surrender to whatever happened. We now have a wonderful baby who we adore, and Carly Ann helped us welcome her to the world. And she has a cool website!

— Lena Lazar

Carly Ann was an absolute rock during my beautiful birth- which was a truly transformative experience. Despite some complications, she helped me stay true to my birth preferences. My wife and I (and our baby!) are incredibly lucky to have had Carly Ann on our team. Thank you! Forever grateful

— A M

CarlyAnn was just the support my wife and I needed! Originally intended to give birth at the Birth Center and being emergency transferred, my birth plan did not go as hoped for at all. CarlyAnn was the most calming presence for us during such a crazy and uncertain time. She got to really know us before the birth and was such a source of support and guidance for my wife while I was laboring. She coached her over the phone to help me labor on my own as long as possible (something I really wanted). I simply cannot speak more highly of CarlyAnn! Oh &&&& she took photos of the labor/birth for us!!!! The Birth Center was going to do this & since we were transferred, she knew how excited we were for those photos. Completely unprompted, she took incredible photos! We 110% will use her again if we stay in the state for our next.

— Ashley Downing

I could not have done it without Carly Ann. She educated my husband and I throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum! I loved having her energy and support during the most important day of my life. She’s responsive, professional, encouraging and actively listens to YOUR needs and wants. We don’t plan on having any more kids, but if we do she will be the first person I reach out to for doula services.

— Priscilla Borja

Where do I start explaining how amazing Carly Ann truly is. My wife and I interviewed Carly Ann and immediately knew she was the doula for us! We planned a natural birth at a birthing center and we were so excited to start this journey with her. We took her Evidence Based Birthing class which gave us so much knowledge on comfort measures, advocacy and just birth in general. We met with her twice before our birth to go over early labor, active labor, comfort measures and what to expect during and after birth. One of the big reasons we picked Carly Ann was she not only cared for and gave support to the birthing parent but her support focuses on the non-birthing parent as well. She helped calm a lot of my wife‘s fears and worries and had someone to support her along the way as well. Our birth took an unexpected turn to include an induction, epidural, 5-6 hours of pushing and finally a C-section. Every step of the way Carly Ann was there and a pillar of support. She helped us try so many positions during the pushing phase. She advocated for us when we needed time to speak and cry about a C-section. She was with my wife and gave her the space to cry while I was being prepped for surgery. She was there after surgery in the recovery room. There wasn’t a moment she missed or didn’t support us through that day. Carly Ann also provided a postpartum meeting and we have purchased extra postpartum support from her. We are from NC and do not have any family in the state. It has been amazing to have a strong and supportive doula from start to finish during our pregnancy and now after our baby was born. We would highly recommend Carly Ann to anyone. The support she offers is far greater than we ever expected. The knowledge, care and compassion she provides is one of the greatest gifts we received that day beyond the birth of our son. We truly believe that day could have been full of trauma if she was not by our side.

— Beth Riley

Carly was an absolute godsend for us as a post-partum doula. She stepped into our lives and seamlessly began helping with everything and anything we needed (like, literally put child locks on our cabinets for us). She cared for our toddler, our newborn, and us all at once!! Cannot recommend her more highly.

— Alexandra Hunstein

We needed an advocate and cheerleader for our hospital VBAC and Carly Ann delivered. I almost didn’t make it to the hospital, but Carly Ann remained a calming presence and coached me in the car and the hospital side walk, the lobby, the elevator, all the way to the delivery room. Once there she helped me determine what medical treatments were aligned with my plan and supported me in my communication with hospital staff. I attribute the success of the delivery to her, 100%. My wife and I looked at each other afterwards and said “Carly Ann was worth every penny!”

— Mercedes Schmitt

Carly Ann was invaluable before, during, and after labor. She had a calming presence and was extremely knowledgeable every step of the way. She walked me through exactly what to expect in the early parts of being induced and early labor and discussed pros and cons of the various decision points that I wouldn’t have understood otherwise because they weren’t discussed at the hospital. She also advocated for me and helped me advocate for myself during labor when I wasn’t at my most coherent. If I have another child I will absolutely want to work with Carly Ann again.

— Sarah Weber

Carly Ann is absolutely wonderful and my wife and I were so lucky to have her support through our pregnancy journey🥰 My wife has a some medical anxiety and Carly Ann was the best at advocating for her wishes. Also she took some great pictures during our labor that were super sweet to have. 10/10 would highly recommend if you’re in the market for a doula.

— Jennifer Velazquez

We interviewed several Doulas and chose Carly Ann because of her no-nonsense approach, non-judgemental attitude, and down to earth demeanor. We didn't feel as if she was persuading our decision making, but she worked as a guide to help us make informed decisions. We were pleased with her knowledge of and experience with births in the hospital system. When we eventually chose an elective induction, she supported that choice. She taught us valuable comfort measures that we used during the hardest parts of labor. When she ended up not being able to make it to the actual pushing phase of our birth due to another client of hers giving birth at the same time, she sent her backup Tiffany who was with us within 20 minutes and was fabulous. We overall felt that having Carly Ann as our Doula throughout pregnancy and birth helped us ask the right questions, ease anxieties and uncertainties, and avoid birth trauma. I would absolutely choose her again!

— Lauren Niemchick

Carly Ann was an amazing postpartum doula during our baby’s first couple of months. She immediately took over tasks in our home, anticipating needs before we had to ask - dishes, laundry, water refills, etc. She gave us tips on sleep, feeding, and all things baby care while being a listening ear and calm presence during this beautiful but stressful season of life. Our daughter loved being with her and I am grateful for Carly Ann’s support in making the newborn phase more enjoyable!

— Sara Atishev

Carly Ann was fantastic to work with. She made me feel comfortable from our initial conversation, provided informative resources, and was so helpful during our home visit in making us feel more prepared. Super glad to have had her support during the delivery as well when things didn't go "according to plan." If you are looking for a doula who cares deeply about what she does, and comes from a place of non-judgment and encouragement, I would highly recommend Carly Ann.

— Alexis Israel

Carley Ann was fantastic to work with. My wife and I really appreciated the extra support from the pre-birth planning to the delivery help and post-birth follow-ups. My wife had a difficult birth experience due to some last minute complications. Carly Ann was extremely helpful in coaching us through the birthing process and adding the extra support and encouragement during delivery to have a successful birth.

— Joel Israel