OB-GYN NORTH is the practice of

Christina Sebestyen, MD, FACOG, Tesa Miller, MD, FACOG, April Schiemenz, MD,
Siobhan Kubesh, CNM, Lisa Carlile, CNM, Kathy Harrison-Short, CNM and Katherine Davidson , FPNP

Monday, November 24, 2014

Getting to Know Lisa Carlile, CNM

When did you know you wanted to be a midwife? 
During my 3rd pregnancy I was cared for by CNMs in the Air Force and got to work with some in the hospital where I worked.  I was already considering further education, but I began to discuss it with a CNM I enjoyed working with and she encouraged me to become a midwife. I also thought about becoming a nurse  anesthetist, but I felt like I would miss interaction with people and I knew I would very much miss birth.

What is your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy seeing women year after year and getting to know them. And, I enjoy helping women work through problems. The relationships are what I love the most about my job.

How do you see the birth community changing in the years to come?
I hope to see the c-section rate drop and for women to gain more acceptance of alternative birth locations.

What is your favorite way to exercise or where do you spend time outdoors in Austin?
I work outside in my yard most weekends and mornings.  Digging up rocks and building gardens is one of my favorite things to do outside.

How many babies have you delivered? More than I can remember!

How long have you been in practice? I graduated midwifery school in 1997 and practiced for about 5 years before taking a job with a hospital. That was where I met Margaret Thompson, MD in 2001 (who previously owned this practice). In 2002 she hired me to work in her office but not to deliver babies.  When Christina Sebestyen, MD bought the practice in 2008 I began delivering babies again.



Thursday, November 20, 2014

Getting to Know Dr. Sebestyen

When did you know you wanted to become a physician?
I thought I might want to be a physician in high school, so I got a job as a receptionist in a pediatric office to investigate the possibility. I ultimately decided with certainty in my senior year of college after completing my bachelors thesis on the manifestation of aggression in feral ponies. I loved the research but felt as though I was not helping the world with my gifts and that I would better serve others through medicine. 

What is your favorite part of your job?
I love the relationships I am able to develop with women over the course many years. Watching families grow and change offers a special window into their world which is precious. 

How do you see the birth community changing in the years to come?
I am hopeful that evidence-based medicine will prevail causing induction and c-section rates to decline. This will require a change in the financing of birth (which unfortunately is not apt to change soon). 

What are your favorite resources for women in Austin?
Special Addition 
Stroller Strides
Central Texas Doula Association
Hand to Hold
Planned Parenthood

What is your favorite way to exercise or where do you spend time outdoors in Austin?
I love to walk on Lady Bird Lake with my older son. 

What are some of the ways you strive for optimal health?
I wear a Fitbit which guilts me into walking more!

How would you encourage women or what would you say to them about the process of pregnancy and delivery?
Believe in yourself and your convictions. Surround yourself with people who share those beliefs and will hold you up throughout the process. 

How many babies have you delivered?
Lots :)

What was one of your favorite moments in a birth?
There is a couple who I have had the honor to assist twice in labor who have an uncanny rhythm with each other. It is their birth and I am just a helping hand. I hope for that type of relationship for all couples. 

How long have you been in practice?
Since 1999. 

What is the most interesting thing youve learned lately?
We choose our own path and need to embrace it or change the path. 

How is your view on birth different now that youve experienced it so many times?We shape our own birth experience through our preparation and attitude, and need to embrace that rather than blaming others or the world around us. 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

2015 Childbirth Classes at OBGYN North

Prepared Childbirth (4 Classes)
6:30-9:00p.m.

Mondays 
January 5, 12, 19, 26

Tuesdays 
January 13, 20, 27 & February 3

Mondays 
February 2, 9, 16, 23

Tuesdays 
February 17, 24 and March 3, 10

Mondays 
March 2, 9, 16, 23

Tuesdays 
March 24, 31 & April 7, 14

Mondays 
April 6, 13, 20, 27

Tuesdays 
April 28 & May 5, 12, 19

Mondays 
May 4, 11, 18 (no class 5/25) & June 1

Tuesdays 
June 2, 9, 16, 23

Mondays
June 8, 15, 22, 29

Labor Skills (1 Class)
3:30-6:00p.m.
Sunday, January 4
Sunday, February 1
Sunday, March 1
Sunday, March 29
Sunday, May 3
Sunday, June 7

VBAC Preparation (1 Class)
12:30-3:00p.m.
Sunday, January 4
Sunday, March 1
Sunday, May 3