Who We Are
At The Shire Midwifery, we see birth as a grand adventure—one where you lead the way, and we walk beside you with steady hands, warm hearts, and just the right amount of cheer. Like any proper epic tale, your journey into parenthood deserves a trusted guide, a peaceful setting, and the kind of support that reminds you, you were made for this. We bring the wisdom, the warmth, and maybe even a bit of second breakfast energy to see you through. No unnecessary fuss, no uninvited dragons—just the care, confidence, and good company you deserve.
Here’s a snippet about the midwives who’ll be supporting you every step of the way!
Dr. Andie Wyrick - CNM, DNP, MSN
A certified nurse midwife and doctor (yes, she’s that fancy), Andie has been a beloved part of the Houston birth community for over twenty years. Her journey has taken her through elementary school nursing, hospital L&D, birth center, and home birth—collecting wisdom, experience, and probably a few wild birth stories along the way. She has an unshakable belief in a woman’s ability to grow and birth her baby and sees midwifery as a true partnership, empowering families through trust, knowledge, and a good dose of laughter.
Andie’s approach is tender, funny, lighthearted, and refreshingly hands-off—offering evidence-based care with a side of snark and sass when needed. She’s been joyfully dating her hottie husband of 24 years (since junior high, no less) and is the proud mother of six incredible humans.
Beyond bellies, birth, and breastfeeding, Andie’s passions include swooning over her husband, devouring books and period dramas, and indulging in truly obscene amounts of movie theater popcorn. Organizing a rando drawer? Pure bliss. Life in The Shire wouldn’t be complete without her wit, warmth, and magic touch.
Kristen Bowers - LM, CPM, BS
A licensed midwife—with a degree in forensic chemistry—Kristen has been walking alongside families on their birth journeys since 2015, after she first discovered the world of out-of-hospital birth during her own pregnancy. Much like an unexpected adventure, she was drawn in, finding beauty, wisdom, and a calling she couldn’t ignore.
Kristen believes birth is both sacred and joyful—an experience meant to be embraced with knowledge, laughter, and a deep sense of peace. She encourages parents to step into this journey with confidence, knowing they are not alone but surrounded by love, wisdom, and the kind of support that turns even the hardest roads into something beautiful.
When she’s not catching babies, Kristen can be found serving with multiple non-profits, collecting a hoard of memes worthy of a dragon’s treasure, binge-watching The Witcher, or dancing in her neighborhood talent show (because life should be lived with a little joy and whimsy).
A proud Slytherin raising three (split-house) children alongside her fellow Slytherin husband of 15 years, Kristen finds meaning in the magic of stories, the strength of community, and the deep, abiding truths that remind us we are all part of something greater. After all this time? Always.
Blair Krisman - LM, CPM
Blair’s journey into midwifery began in 2007 when she welcomed her first little one into the world at home, with the gentle guidance of a midwife. That moment sparked a love for all things birth, and since then, she’s been lucky enough to bring seven little ones into the world, both at home and in the hospital. With each birth, Blair’s heart grew fonder of the quiet magic that surrounds women’s strength and the wonder of new families.
Outside of midwifery, Blair can be found homeschooling her merry crew, guiding them through their own little adventures. Whether they’re learning about the world or playing together, there’s always something exciting happening in their home. The family loves to roam the countryside, exploring the beauty of places like Yellowstone, the Appalachian Mountains, and Colorado. And when they’re not out exploring, they’re actively involved in the Civil Air Patrol, a whole separate adventure that keeps them busy and connected to the community.
When she’s not at a birth or off on an excursion, you’ll likely find Blair cheering loudly at a softball game—her enthusiasm knows no bounds! Whether it’s watching her kids play or enjoying a quiet moment with her crew, Blair embraces life with a heart full of joy, and a spirit that’s as warm and welcoming as a cozy hobbit hole.
Andie's Journey into Midwifery
Long before Andie founded The Shire Midwifery her story was already being written…
The first beautiful and strong being I ever midwifed for was a sweet lab named Bingo. I recall being six years old in the doghouse with her. I stroked her fur and sent her nurturing energy. I was adamant that every puppy had a nipple and that Momma was well cared for. As Bingo birthed, I began my own "early labor" and the journey into midwifery.
Fast-forward a decade or so... I started college with the intentions of following a path into obstetrics and gynecology. As plans often do, mine veered. Earlier than anticipated, I birthed my first child in a hospital setting. It was traumatic and full of unnecessary interventions. The experience left me confused, deflated, and less than empowered. I did, however, receive the loving touch from the nurses through those days and in the care of my second hospital birth a few years later.
My course changed, and my plans readjusted. I continued my voyage with the goal of being a labor and delivery nurse, and I did just that. I wanted to be with women and babies. I desired to provide them with everything I wanted and didn't get. My time working in the hospital was not what I imagined. I felt like my hands were tied by litigation-based policy, and I was not able to provide up-to-date, research-based care. I was discouraged.
THEN... one night, a family came in, and I was blessed to care for them. They were a non-emergent transport from a home birth. Their midwife accompanied them. I watched her every move. I was enamored by their connection, tenderness, and touch. I knew right then and there that my "active labor" in my journey toward midwifery began.
Ironically, I found myself pregnant with my third child. I chose that very midwife—the one who changed my course that night—to care for us as I brought my baby earthside in the comfort of my home. That relationship grew into a professional mentorship as I birth-assisted for her for many years. I had two more home births in that time. My personal experiences grew me holistically, and I was bursting with a need to foster that in families.
I "transitioned," and I went on to get my Master’s degree in nursing. I gleefully and powerfully "birthed" MYSELF—a passionate Certified Nurse Midwife. My heart has always been in homebirth, and I wanted to offer that option to families. I graduated with my doctorate, focusing on birth after trauma. My journey will continue, as I am always seeking new experiences and ways to grow.
All my love to Bingo and every mother that came after her.
