Brandi Schrauger Perez, LM, CPM

     My journey into midwifery began in 1998 when I took a Doula/ Intro to Midwifery course on a whim, and found that I was in love with all things midwifery.   Without advertising, I was invited to a number of births, and friends began calling me to their homes for herbal advice when their children were sick.  This response from my community provided a sense of confirmation for me, and guided and encouraged me to complete my midwifery training.

     I graduated from a three- year course of studies at the Hands of Light Center for Traditional Midwifery and the Healing Arts in 2001.  During this time I also completed three years of apprenticeship in two separate homebirth practices in rural Vermont, where I was able to integrate my academic experience and further my learning under seasoned midwives.  Following my apprenticeship, I undertook a two-month clinical rotation at a high volume birth center on the U.S.-Mexican border. Over the years I have continued my study of herbs and nutritional healing, the practice of which has rewarded me greatly.  I am certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), and am a licensed midwife (LM) in the state of California.  I am also certified in Neonatal Resuscitation.  I am a member of both the Midwives Alliance of North America and the California Association of Midwives, and I attend midwifery conferences around the country as a means of gaining new perspective and knowledge.  I hold a B.A. in Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Community from New College of California.

     The homebirth of my daughter in 2004 brought new depth to my understanding of the vital role that a sound birth plays in paving the way for early bonding, connected parenting, and healthy families.   I see pregnancy, birth, and parenting as both an unbelievable joy and a precious challenge that offers us so much opportunity to grow as individuals. One of my primary goals as a midwife is to preserve the childbearing year as a rite of passage and facilitate it in a way that is safe, real, and respectful. I believe that the foundation of midwifery is woman centered care, and that a good midwife knows when to hold a laboring woman’s hand and offer guidance, and when to let the process unfold uninterrupted.   I nourish myself by spending time with my family, gardening, surfing, exercising, and being grateful, so that I may continue to have something valuable to offer as a midwife.

You can reach Brandi at:  707.684.0457  or  wellspringmidwifery@gmail.com