I’m a 7th generation midwife. I practice traditional midwifery as a Certified Professional Midwife in Wichita, KS and I have 4 children. My journey into the birthing world began when I attended my first birth at age 18. I started assisting my mother at home births and became a childbirth educator for 10 years. By the time I got married, I had attended over 300 births. After my first son was born, I took a break from assisting others in birth to focus on raising my own family. In 2013, after my children were older and more independent, I began pursuing my interest in midwifery work. Being trained by my mother and working with her has been the greatest experience!

Birth is a natural function God designed for women and is highly spiritual. Pregnancy is not a disease or sickness, but a very special time when God forms another human being. Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering. Birth is one of the most memorable events a couple will ever experience and they should be encouraged to ask questions and express their wishes or concerns. A child’s birthday should be one of the best days in a mother’s life.

My passion lies in assisting couples in having a birth that is responsible, non-intrusive, natural, and safe. The essence of my calling is to help women give birth in awareness and to have complete confidence in their decisions, even if an epidural, C-section, or other intervention is needed.

I’ve had one hospital birth (this was my first baby and we transported from a home birth), one home birth, and two hydro births at home.

Nature, birding, hiking, mountain biking and coffee.

I began my education in midwifery in 1990 as a birth assistant with Kathy and Brandi Brace at Fruitful Vine Midwives. I paused my work with other mothers and babies to raise my family, but I always desired to return to midwifery. When God opened the door for me to become a birth assistant again in 2018, I eagerly embraced the opportunity. As I reacclimated to the familiar
homebirth environment and learned current methods of care, I longed to learn more and be directly involved in the care of my clients and their babies, which led me to become a Certified Professional Midwife.

My heart is to serve couples and provide compassionate and professional care. I believe in allowing mothers to labor and give birth in a comfortable and natural environment while I
remain present with a quiet vigilance to detect potential complications. It’s important to me to inform couples of their choices and options. Bringing a child into the world is a life-changing event, and I strive to help couples feel confident and supported in their decisions.

God blessed me and my late husband with six children, all born at home, with the help of Kathy and Brandi. Along with my six children, I am blessed with six grandchildren—five of whom I have had the privilege of assisting at birth or helping their daddies catch.

In my day-to-day life, I enjoy spending time with my family, studying God’s Word, cooking and
baking, and kayaking or hiking in nature.

Taking our Mother’s & Grandmother’s Skill, Knowledge, & Love For Birth To The Next Generation

This is Susannah Lumley, Brandi’s great, great, great grandmother. She was born March 2, early 1820’s and died February 20, 1879. She traveled to births via horse and buggy.

This is Bertha Eileen Plunk, Brandi’s great, great grandmother. She was a horse & buggy midwife from the deep hills of Tennessee.

This is Brandi’s great grandmother, Martha Beatrice Pritchett, better known as ‘Granny.’ She once said, “Families in and around Finley would call on me to help the doctor deliver their baby. A family began calling me ‘Granny’ and everyone took it up and never knew my real name. My mother (not pictured) delivered babies before me, I just followed in her footsteps. I would look after every baby for about 3 days.” Granny was the community Midwife and Postpartum Doula of her day.

Kathy Brace

This is Brandi’s mother, Kathy Brace. She was a 5th generation midwife on one side of her family, and a 6th generation midwife on the other side. She assisted in over 2,500 births and was the Director of a nationally accredited midwifery school for 12 years. In retirement, she loves being able to use her years of experience in assisting us by answering client calls, cleaning and restocking the birth suite, assisting in the occasional postpartum exam and of course providing feedback and consultation as needed. She is a prayer warrior for us and the families we serve.

 

What Sets Us Apart?

We are Women of Faith

We believe in God’s design of birth. We steer away from New Age philosophies and instead utilize tools & techniques like aromatherapy, massage, tens unit, essential oils etc.

We believe in the Husband-Wife Team

We will not replace your partner. Birth is an emotional time and women are not the only ones on the roller coaster. It can be incredibly difficult for your husband to watch you doing the hard work of labor. We believe in the husband & wife making decisions together, laboring together, and birthing together.

Birth is in our Blood

Because our calling has been passed down through several generations, it is incredibly strong! Brandi is a 7th generation midwife. Our specialty is natural birth!

We aren't afraid of Interventions

Parents are often insecure about their options in childbirth. They sometimes fear being bullied by medical staff. Because of our extensive experience in natural birth, we know when it’s time to utilize hospital procedures. We will offer unwavering support and confidence when interventions are needed.

We have a desire to connect with women in childbirth

We are completely in our element when supporting a birthing couple.

Our Families support our Calling

Our families understand & back-up our calling to assist women in childbirth. Many of those closest to us are involved in birth in some way or another. We are incredibly blessed to have a supportive network.