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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions families ask when considering home birth and midwifery care. If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to reach out—there are no silly questions when it comes to preparing for birth.

🌿 Is home birth safe?

Yes—for healthy, low-risk pregnancies, planned home birth with a skilled Licensed Midwife is a safe option backed by research. I bring the training, experience (700+ births attended), and emergency equipment necessary to monitor your safety and well-being every step of the way. We also work together to build a strong transfer plan in case hospital care becomes necessary. You can look me up on the Medical Board website to check my license here. You can see statistics for home birth here.
🌿 Do you take insurance?

Some PPO plans will reimburse part of your midwifery care. See my Insurance Page for more info. You can hire a biller we work with to create a superbill you can submit to your insurance company, and the biller is happy to guide you through the process. I also offer payment plans because I believe excellent care should be accessible.
🌿 What happens if I need to transfer to the hospital?

While most home births go smoothly, sometimes transfer is the safest or preferred choice. If that happens, one of us plans to go with you and stay by your side for advocacy and continuity. We’ll also debrief after the birth to help you process and honor your experience—whatever form it takes.
🌿 Will you work with my doula, OB, or other care provider?

Absolutely. I value collaborative care and am happy to work alongside doulas, therapists, bodyworkers, OBs, or anyone else on your team. Birth works best when we all support your goals together.
🌿 Do you support VBACs at home?

In many cases, yes. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) can be safely supported at home with careful screening. Let’s talk about your specific situation to see if it’s a good fit.
🌿 Can my kids be present at the birth?

Definitely—if that feels right for your family. We’ll talk about ways to prepare your children for the experience and who can support them on the day of the birth so your focus can stay on labor and baby.
🌿 What’s included in your midwifery care package?

Initial consult & in-depth prenatal care 24/7 availability from 37 weeks until birth Labor & birth at home with a licensed midwife Immediate newborn care & postpartum support 3 - 4 Home visits in the 2 weeks after birth Emotional processing and postpartum integration It’s full-spectrum care for the whole family—not just during labor, but in the weeks before and after.
🌿 What kind of backup plan do you have?

I work closely with a trusted circle of midwives so you’ll always have a licensed, experienced provider available—even if I’m sick or out of town. I introduce my backup midwives ahead of time so you feel safe and familiar with them, just in case.
🌿 What makes your midwifery care different?

I bring over 12 years of experience, 700+ births, and a deeply intuitive, coaching-informed approach to this work. My care is personal, connected, trauma-aware, and grounded in the belief that birth works—and you’re the one who gets to decide how it unfolds.
🌿 What Does It Cost to Have a Home Birth?

Home birth is about much more than just the few intense hours of labor. It encompasses a holistic journey that includes several phases: Prenatal Care: We spend many hours together before the birth—preparing you as a life-giver and as a part of a dedicated team. The Birth Itself: Whether your labor lasts 3 hours or 36 hours, this is an exciting event where every moment is supported with skill, tenderness, and dedication. Postpartum Support: After the birth, we offer around 10 hours of in-home care to support your breastfeeding, your new body, your new baby, and help reorganize your family systems during this incredible transition. Everything you need is included in our all-inclusive package. There are no extra charges for additional items such as aspirin, Kleenex, extra visits, or phone consultations. Our current pricing is: Full Package: $8,600 Early Payment Discount: $8,100 if paid by the 3rd visit Military / Medi-Cal Special: $7,600 This pricing reflects the value of consistent, personalized care that exceeds what is typically provided in hospital settings. Unlike hospital-based midwives, who may work limited hours and provide fragmented care, our approach offers a dedicated, 24/7 on-call midwife committed to you every step of the way.
🌿 Why Does It Cost So Much?

When comparing our fees to hospital-based care, please consider the following: Personalized Attention: Our service includes 45-minute prenatal visits with body work, counseling, and individualized care. In-Home Visits: We bring all necessary tools to your home—from lifesaving equipment to essential newborn care items. Extended Availability: We are on-call 24/7, ensuring you have a single dedicated provider rather than a rotating team. Real Costs: Operating in San Diego—the most expensive city in the U.S.—means covering living expenses, higher rents, and the benefits that hospital employees receive, such as health insurance and retirement contributions. Commitment: Our work is intensive, averaging 46 hours per week, which reflects the premium, continuous care we offer.
🌿 When Do We Have to Pay? Do You Offer a Payment Plan?

We understand that budgeting for birth can be a concern, which is why we offer flexible payment options: Initial Deposit: A $1,200 deposit is required at your first visit. Payment Deadline: The remaining balance should ideally be completed by the 36th week of pregnancy. Flexible Payment Options: You may pay the balance using check, Venmo, cash, or credit card. Payment Plan Option: If you are unable to pay the full fee by the 36th week, we offer a payment plan on the remaining balance. Plan Details: A minimum payment of $3,600 must be made by 36 weeks. The remaining balance will be set up as a recurring auto-draft at no less than $250–$300 per month. A flat 7% service fee is added to any remaining balance after 36 weeks to cover additional administrative costs.
🌿 How Many Midwives Are in Your Practice?

Birth Local is a boutique midwifery practice consisting of: Phyllis “Kayti” Buehler, LM, CPM: Your dedicated Licensed Midwife. Midwifery Student: Currently, Amy Osgood is training under our practice, allowing you to meet and build trust with all those involved in your care. Rest assured, you will receive consistent, one-on-one attention throughout your prenatal visits, the birth itself, and your postpartum recovery.
🌿 How Many Births Do You Take a Month?

Our practice is designed to prioritize quality over quantity. On average: Client Volume: We typically support 2-3 clients per month. Birth Frequency: This usually translates to about one birth per week. This careful scheduling ensures that every birth receives the full dedication, attention, and continuity of care it deserves.
🌿 What Kind of Equipment and Training Do You Bring to a Birth?

Safety is our top priority. For every home birth, we come fully prepared with: Lifesaving Equipment: All the tools you would expect in a hospital delivery setting, including: Resuscitation equipment for the baby Medications for managing bleeding Suturing materials in case of a tear Expert Training: Extensive midwifery training to handle emergencies and provide gentle, supportive care. In-Home Delivery Setup: We literally bring the labor and delivery unit to your home, ensuring that every element of your care is managed with professionalism and precision. For more details, please view our video What We Bring to A Birth on YouTube. By addressing these common questions with clarity and transparency, we aim to empower you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family. If you have further questions or need personalized advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out.