Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Vetter.
Peggy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany, and my journey to midwifery began at a young age when I whispered to my mother, “I’m going to be a midwife when I grow up” after the birth of my younger sister. Although I initially explored a different path, my calling was reignited when I became a mother myself.
In 2007, I began my midwifery education in Germany, where the training is a structured and standardized three-year program. My teachers were experienced midwives as well as OB-GYNs and pediatricians, which gave me a strong academic and clinical foundation. Most of my training took place in the hospital setting, with some exposure to out-of-hospital birth, and I completed extensive hands-on practice in labor and delivery wards. In 2011, I graduated with my midwifery diploma, fully trained in both the medical and holistic aspects of midwifery care.
In 2015, I moved to California, leaving behind my German midwifery license and opening a new chapter in my journey. Getting licensed in the U.S. required me to jump through quite a few hoops — first by obtaining my midwifery license in Washington State, and later, through reciprocity, finally becoming licensed here in California. In 2018, I gave birth to my fourth child — a cherished home birth supported by local midwives.
Today, my credentials include being a certified CAPPA birth doula, a DONA-trained postpartum doula, a certified Lamaze childbirth educator, a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, and a licensed midwife in both Washington State and California. I now run my own small practice office in Oceanside, and I collaborate with several well-established midwifery practices in North County. As part of our commitment to safety and high standards in the community, we conduct regular peer reviews to ensure accountability and quality of care. My passion for midwifery and my dedication to maternal and child well-being continue to guide my work, and I am honored to serve families in the Southern California community. I live in Carlsbad with my husband and our four children.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Moving to the United States meant leaving everything behind — my family, my professional network, and the recognition of my German midwifery license. Adjusting to an entirely different healthcare system was one of my biggest challenges. At first, I often felt like I had to start over from the beginning, learning how birth work was viewed and practiced here compared to Germany. From 2016 through the COVID years, I offered my work as a doula, which allowed me to continue supporting families while finding my footing in this new system. I am grateful to see that doula care has since become a valued and respected function in the birth world. Over time, I have also witnessed positive changes in the U.S. maternity care system, especially over the past ten years, at least from my perspective. More families are now seeking both midwifery and doula care, more providers are open to collaboration, and the value of personalized, evidence-based support in birth has become more widely recognized.
As you know, we’re big fans of Nine Moonbeams Midwifery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
In my practice, Nine Moonbeams, I provide full-scope midwifery care that is both personal and holistic. I offer home birth services, bringing safe, attentive care to families who choose to labor and deliver in the comfort of their own home, with safety always being my highest priority. I also work as a Monitrice, providing supplemental care alongside OB-GYNs during pregnancy and birth. This means I can support labor at home, monitor the baby with a Doppler, check vital signs, and even perform a vaginal exam if desired. When it’s time to deliver in the hospital, I accompany families so they can give birth with their OB-GYN or hospital midwife, ensuring continuity of care and emotional support throughout the entire process.
My prenatal visits are unhurried, giving families space to ask questions, prepare for birth, and feel fully supported. After birth, I continue postpartum care at home, offering guidance with recovery, breastfeeding, and the early days of parenthood. Education is also a key part of my work, which is why I teach Lamaze childbirth classes and integrate doula-style support throughout my practice. My office in Oceanside is a welcoming space where families can connect, learn, and prepare for their unique journey into birth and beyond.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I really love living here—the weather is beautiful, the people are friendly, and there are so many lifestyle options for families and individuals alike. The outdoor activities, local communities, and overall quality of life make it a wonderful place to raise my children and build my practice. California is wonderful with its beauty and opportunities, but the USA as a whole is truly a great place to live, where freedom is a top priority and endless possibilities await.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ninemoonbeams.com/
