About The Author
MariMikel has been a passionate advocate for maternal health and holistic childbirth practices for more than five decades. She is a Certified Professional Midwife, Licensed Midwife in the state of Texas, as well as Registered Nurse and has extensive experience having supported more than 3,000 women through their pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods. A leader in her field, MariMikel has been a frequent speaker and writer on topics related to natural childbirth and maternal empowerment, and she helped to develop the certification process that many US-based midwives undergo to this day.
“Midwifery is the art of holding space for a woman and her family during one of the most magical and transformational times of their lives.”
— Sister MorningStar
Education, Certifications, & Affiliations
- Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from UT Austin | 1974
- RN License | 1975
- Certified Professional Midwife (NARM) | 1994-Current
- Licensed Texas Midwife (Texas Department of Health) | 2005-Current
- New Life Birth Center | 1980-2013
- New Life Birth Services | 1980-Present
- American Red Cross - CPR Certified instructor for 6 years, certified for 50 years
- Association of Texas Midwives (ATM) - Board of Directors, Secretary, Regional Representative, Education Director, Lifetime Associate Member
- Austin Childbirth Educators - Member; Program Director | 1990-1991
- Austin Lay Midwives Association - Founding Member, Midwife | 1974-1979
- Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) - Regional Representative | 1992-1997
- North America Registry of Midwives (NARM) Certification Task Force - Texas Representative
Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers—strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.