Author Archives: Brielle

About Brielle

I am a Licensed Midwife and doula/monitrice in Austin, TX and a very happy homeschooling mama to my two amazing children.

Maggie’s Birth

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Brielle

Check out this sweet birth from back in January 2012. My daughter had the best feedback. “Aw, it’s Maggie. Wow, mom, you have nice hands.” Maggie\’s Birth

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By request we are doing a 1-day class this month, instead of our usual 3-week series. Saturday, July 30th from 10am-4pm (or maybe 5). We will share a potluck lunch with informal sharing while we eat. The class is interactive … Continue reading →

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Celebrating International Day of the Midwife

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Brielle

Today midwives and supporters around the world gathered for a symbolic “Walk to Durban.” Next month, midwives from around the world will gather in Durban at the ICM Triennial Congress to discuss ensuring that midwives are part of the solution … Continue reading →

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HBAC Story: The Birth of Nayeli

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Brielle

The first time I met Piaf was less than a year after the cesarean birth of her daughter, Lluvia. It was the first thing we talked about and we clicked right away being fellow birth junkies. I was honored, 5 … Continue reading →

Posted in VBAC | 17 Comments

VBAC Story: The Birth of Oliver William

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Brielle

Since my last post was about improving hospital-based maternity care, today I’m posting a birth story that is a perfect example of how maternity care should look. Heather hired me as a monitrice because she felt safest in the hospital, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, VBAC | 4 Comments

Cesarean Epidemic Conclusion: Homebirth is Not the Only Answer

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Brielle

We need to work to improve hospital-based maternity care. There are models in the US and around the world for good maternity care. Yes, there are hospitals that have <15% cesarean rates, high VBAC rates, offer breech and twin vaginal … Continue reading →

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Cesarean Epidemic, cont’d.

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Brielle

Instead of posting myself today, I’m going to continue the topic, by reposting a comment I received on my first Cesarean Epidemic post. I asked how we can turn this epidemic around, and here’s what one of my favorite birth … Continue reading →

Posted in VBAC | 4 Comments

The Cesarean Epidemic, Part 3: Positive Birth Stories

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Brielle

In my last post, I discussed the importance of telling our children their birth stories. Today, let’s talk about telling others our birth stories. When we are pregnant or have just birthed, our hearts are wide open. When people tell … Continue reading →

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The Cesarean Epidemic, Part 2: Birthday Birth Stories

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Brielle

So, after an awesome weekend with dear friends and a super fun trip to Old City Park in Dallas, my mind is clear and I’m ready to tackle this issue. A dear client, got me thinking about birthdays and birth … Continue reading →

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The Cesarean Epidemic

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Brielle

In continuing to discuss VBAC in honor of Cesarean Awareness Month (CAM), I was planning to write about skyrocketing cesarean rates. In my life before kids, I worked in public health, and I always get a little excited when I … Continue reading →