Empowering families one birth at a time!
Our team
Ildiko Baugus CPM, LM
My interest in home birth began long before I became a midwife. I am the mother of 4 children ranging in ages from 19 to 30 and with each one I did a little more research and investigated my options, especially after some very disappointing and frustrating hospital births. By my fourth child I had decided there was a better way, a way that respected my wishes and desires to make my birth a beautiful experience and not just an industrial exercise. This meant giving birth at home and in water. As it turned out, the labor and delivery was so relaxed and comfortable that our 12-pound baby came very quickly; it was my fastest and easiest delivery by far. If I can do it you can too and Meraki Midwives is here to help.
The other significant event in inspiring me to become a midwife was our trips to Africa. My husband and I have made two trips to Africa; one to Uganda in 2012 and then to Malawi in 2015. After seeing some of the conditions people are living in and the scarcity of medical services, especially for pregnant women, I decided I had to do something to help, especially since our involvement in Africa was only going to increase over the next few years.
Soon after my return from Malawi, I got in touch with Chrissy from Evahomebirth and the rest, as they say, is history. I began my formal Midwifery training in February 2017 and finished in the Fall of 2019. But that is not all, during my training I have become certified in NRP and CPR. I have obtained hands on training on breech birth every two years. I have also attended seminars on water birth, postpartum hemorrhage, and am getting certified in The Thompson Method of Breastfeeding. I am also certified to offer Homeoprophylaxis. Matthew 6:33
Brittney Westbrook CPM, LM
Hi! I am a graduate of Mercy In Action’s College of Midwifery with a Bachelor’s of Science in Midwifery. I completed my clinical experience and training with Bella Donna Midwifery and EVa Homebirth. The knowledge and skills obtained through MIA’s program as well as the midwives, colleagues, and clients within those practices has shaped me into the Midwife I am today. I honor those relationships and experiences by remaining committed to being a life long learner. I am continuously working on trainings and certifications in an effort to better serve our clients with whole, current, and evidence based care.
My journey into midwifery is rooted in a love for serving others and a belief that how women are cared for during pregnancy and birth has life long effects on the family as a whole. For me, being a Midwife is not about holding babies. It is about having the honor of holding women as they transition into mothers through the process of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Being a midwife is magical but my greatest joy is found in being a mom. Without my families support (and coffee) this beautiful work wouldn’t be possible.
Madison Murray, Birth Assistant
I'm a mother of four, a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, and a Certified Lactation Specialist with over three years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
My path here started in emergency medicine as an EMT, followed by two years as a Patient Care Technician in oncology and two more in mother-baby care — experience that gave me a deep clinical foundation long before I became a doula. Today, I hold dual certification through CAPPA and Doula Alliance, allowing me to bring evidence-based, compassionate care tailored to each family I work with.
As both a mother and a birth professional, I know firsthand how transformative this season of life can be. Being welcomed into something so vulnerable and life-changing is a privilege I don't take lightly — and helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported through it is what I love most about this work.
Ana De La Paz, Birth Assistant
I'm a certified birth and postpartum doula with over six years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I'm certified through DONA International and CAPPA, and I also work as a certified birth photographer and placenta specialist — so I can support families in ways that go beyond traditional doula care.
As a mother of two boys, I understand that every birth and every family is different. My goal is to offer compassionate, nonjudgmental support while equipping families with evidence-based information so they can make the decisions that feel right for them. When parents feel educated, heard, and empowered, they're able to approach birth with far more confidence and peace.
Originally from Mexico and raised in Texas, I'm fluent in both English and Spanish, which lets me serve a wide range of families in their preferred language. As a military spouse myself, I also understand the unique challenges military families face, and I'm honored to support them through such an important season.
Outside of births and client care, you'll usually find me thrifting for vintage treasures, working on a new craft project, tending my garden, or finding ways to stay active with my family.
It's a privilege to walk alongside families through one of life's most transformative experiences — and I look forward to supporting yours, every step of the way.