FAQS
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH CARE?
Contact Momma Bear Midwifery and schedule a free virtual consultation to ask any questions you may have. We also go over any health history and confirm we are a good fit for each other. Our clients can use our Mobile Midwife client portal EHR, from any PC or Mac to fill out their forms prior to their first visit.
DO SERVE MY AREA?
Amanda serves Dearborn, Clark, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Scott, Switzerland and Washington counties in Indiana.
Amanda serves Carroll, Jefferson, Oldham, and Trimble counties in Kentucky.
*If you are outside the listed areas served contact Amanda to check availability.
PRENATAL CARE
Prenatal care is a time to get to know one another. At our initial visit, we will do a thorough history to determine your risk factors, make a plan for your care, and discuss how best to meet your needs. You can still access all of the standard options for pregnancy screening (such as labs and ultrasound) when planning an out of hospital birth. In fact, this is part of our ongoing risk assessment during your pregnancy. Our goal is to help you have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Occasionally this may include referral to another provider, or a change of plan for place of birth.
Prenatal care is provided at our office on the standard pregnancy schedule. We meet for monthly visits until 32 weeks, visits every other week until 38 weeks, and weekly visits thereafter. Also included is a 36/37 week home visit.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A PRENATAL VISIT?
At each visit, I will address any concerns or questions you may have. During the visit, we will asses your vitals (weight, urine dip, blood pressure and pulse), listen to baby’s heart rate (heard after 10-12 weeks), and assess your baby’s growth and position.
Momma Bear Midwifery also feels educating each birthing person individualized to their needs is important to a successful out of hospital experience. I provide information regarding nutrition, supplements/herbs, birth preparation, lab options, comfort measures, so that each family can make informed decisions regarding their care.
Amanda offers non diagnostic in office ultrasounds, for pregnancy confirmation and position confirmation at the end of pregnancy.
Do plan for each prenatal visit to last at least an hour.
Clients located more than one hour away from Hanover or coming from out of state may be provided with an alternate visit schedule.
CAN MY CHILDREN COME TO MY PRENATAL VISIT?
Yes!! Please feel free to bring your family with you to your appointment. I want to provide an environment that is comfortable, relaxing, and have the opportunity to get to know your entire family. Kids are always welcome, even at the birth! (Plan for an adult advocate)
Cost for lab processing not included.
AFTER HOURS CONTACT
Throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period, you will have 24 hour a day access to your care providers. To help safeguard our family time, non-urgent and non-birth related calls/emails that are received after 7:00 p.m. during the week and all calls on the weekend might not be returned until the following business day. You are able to send secure messages ANYTIME via Mobile Midwife EHR. Please do not send or request any personal health information via text messages.
ISN'T HOMEBIRTH MESSY? WHO WILL CLEAN UP THE MESS?
Homebirth isn’t as messy as you may think! Your birth team will ensure that everything is tidy and cleaned up before we leave your home.
DO YOU OFFER WATERBIRTH?
Absolutely! There are many benefits to having your baby in the water including: reducing the sensation of pain, increasing skin elasticity, gentler birth for baby, and reducing perineal tearing. Tubs are offered on a first come basis ($25 new tub liner)
WHAT ABOUT PAIN RELIEF?
There are many natural methods of pain relief provided to you during your labor and birth. These include: position changes, counter pressure, touch/massage, scenery change, relaxation breathing, aromatherapy, birth tub, heated rice sock/heating pad, birth ball, replenishing energy with food and drink, visualization, TENS unit, and continuous support by your doula/support team.
Only a small percentage of our mothers transfer for pain relief, and those are usually due to babies who are in troublesome positions.
When birthing people are educated, supported and in familiar surroundings, those endorphins do their work and families do great.
WHAT ABOUT A DOULA?
We think everyone needs a doula! They are magical creatures who make sure you have a never ending supply of physical and emotional comfort.
The midwife's job calls for monitoring the safety of you and your baby during the birth, the birth assistant and midwife will not arrive until active labor is progressing and will take turns sleeping if your labor is long in order to be rested when your baby is born. A doula is an excellent addition to your team if you desire continuous emotional support from early labor to birth and beyond!
Momma Bear Midwifery offers a $200 discount towards the price of a preferred doula.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND MY BIRTH AND CAN I INVITE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS/FRIENDS?
During your birth, the midwife will have an assistant. We will not all be in the room with you all the time during your labor, we will be in and out monitoring you and your baby. This is your birth and we want you to have the people around you that will support you through this process. We do not limit the number of people you can have at your birth. We do encourage you to invite people that are supportive of your plans for your birth. We also support having your other children attend the birth if you wish.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEAR?
We will work with you during second stage (pushing phase) to help minimize tearing by coaching you to “breath” your baby out, using lubricants/oils, and hot compresses. However, if you do tear, Amanda will numb and suture your 1st or 2nd degree tear in your the comfort of your home.
HOW LONG DO YOU STAY AFTER MY BABY IS BORN?
The midwife and assistant typically stay for 2-3 hours after the birth: departing after the baby has nursed, the newborn exam (head-to-toe exam, weight, vitals, etc) has been performed, and mother has emptied her bladder while maintaining stable vitals.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING DOESN’T GO AS PLANNED DURING LABOR?
Most healthy birthing people with normal pregnancies have healthy and normal births. Most problems give warning signs that can be identified during pregnancy which can often be prevented or managed. Midwives are trained in normal pregnancy and birth, and are very quick to identify when an issue arises. If an emergency arises at birth, we have oxygen, medications and herbs for hemorrhage, and resuscitation equipment. If a hospital transport is necessary, we have a emergency plan in place to transfer your care and we will accompany you to the hospital(if possible). This is one of the many reasons you want to hire a midwife with a great education and out of hospital experience.
HOW OFTEN WILL YOU SEE ME AFTER I HAVE MY BABY?
We believe postpartum care is as important as prenatal care, particularly for first time birthers. So many changes in such a short time means most people need lots of support. I will come to see you in your home the day after your birth and again 5-7 days after the birth, if necessary. Then we will see you in the office at 3-4 weeks and finally at 6-8 weeks. During this time, we are able to make sure both you and your new baby are healthy and thriving.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
$4000 for all Global Homebirth Care.
Here’s a rough estimate of our average time spent with a client:
12-14 hours of prenatal visits. We often spend more time together during our initial interview than doctors spend during the entire pregnancy!
6-48 hours of labor and birth. Personal, complete care provided by faces you know and trust.
2-4 hours of immediate postpartum care. From the comfort of your own bed- newborn exam, postpartum education, lots of smiles and TLC. You just had a baby!
4-6 hours of postpartum visits for you and your new baby, including your first 2 postpartum visits in the comfort of your own home.
24/7 midwifery access for labor and emergencies from your 36th week to 2 weeks postpartum.
DO YOU BILL INSURANCE?
Momma Bear Midwifery is not currently taking private insurance and Medicaid for midwifery care.
Indiana Home Birth requirements
If you are in Indiana the law requires you to be seen at least twice during pregnancy by a Physician. These visits are not included in the fee, however they may be covered by your insurance provider.
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH CARE?
Contact Momma Bear Midwifery and schedule a free virtual consultation to ask any questions you may have. We also go over any health history and confirm we are a good fit for each other. Our clients can use our Mobile Midwife client portal EHR, from any PC or Mac to fill out their forms prior to their first visit.
DO SERVE MY AREA?
Amanda serves Dearborn, Clark, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Scott, Switzerland and Washington counties in Indiana.
Amanda serves Carroll, Jefferson, Oldham, and Trimble counties in Kentucky.
*If you are outside the listed areas served contact Amanda to check availability.
PRENATAL CARE
Prenatal care is a time to get to know one another. At our initial visit, we will do a thorough history to determine your risk factors, make a plan for your care, and discuss how best to meet your needs. You can still access all of the standard options for pregnancy screening (such as labs and ultrasound) when planning an out of hospital birth. In fact, this is part of our ongoing risk assessment during your pregnancy. Our goal is to help you have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Occasionally this may include referral to another provider, or a change of plan for place of birth.
Prenatal care is provided at our office on the standard pregnancy schedule. We meet for monthly visits until 32 weeks, visits every other week until 38 weeks, and weekly visits thereafter. Also included is a 36/37 week home visit.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A PRENATAL VISIT?
At each visit, I will address any concerns or questions you may have. During the visit, we will asses your vitals (weight, urine dip, blood pressure and pulse), listen to baby’s heart rate (heard after 10-12 weeks), and assess your baby’s growth and position.
Momma Bear Midwifery also feels educating each birthing person individualized to their needs is important to a successful out of hospital experience. I provide information regarding nutrition, supplements/herbs, birth preparation, lab options, comfort measures, so that each family can make informed decisions regarding their care.
Amanda offers non diagnostic in office ultrasounds, for pregnancy confirmation and position confirmation at the end of pregnancy.
Do plan for each prenatal visit to last at least an hour.
Clients located more than one hour away from Hanover or coming from out of state may be provided with an alternate visit schedule.
CAN MY CHILDREN COME TO MY PRENATAL VISIT?
Yes!! Please feel free to bring your family with you to your appointment. I want to provide an environment that is comfortable, relaxing, and have the opportunity to get to know your entire family. Kids are always welcome, even at the birth! (Plan for an adult advocate)
Cost for lab processing not included.
AFTER HOURS CONTACT
Throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period, you will have 24 hour a day access to your care providers. To help safeguard our family time, non-urgent and non-birth related calls/emails that are received after 7:00 p.m. during the week and all calls on the weekend might not be returned until the following business day. You are able to send secure messages ANYTIME via Mobile Midwife EHR. Please do not send or request any personal health information via text messages.
ISN'T HOMEBIRTH MESSY? WHO WILL CLEAN UP THE MESS?
Homebirth isn’t as messy as you may think! Your birth team will ensure that everything is tidy and cleaned up before we leave your home.
DO YOU OFFER WATERBIRTH?
Absolutely! There are many benefits to having your baby in the water including: reducing the sensation of pain, increasing skin elasticity, gentler birth for baby, and reducing perineal tearing. Tubs are offered on a first come basis ($25 new tub liner)
WHAT ABOUT PAIN RELIEF?
There are many natural methods of pain relief provided to you during your labor and birth. These include: position changes, counter pressure, touch/massage, scenery change, relaxation breathing, aromatherapy, birth tub, heated rice sock/heating pad, birth ball, replenishing energy with food and drink, visualization, TENS unit, and continuous support by your doula/support team.
Only a small percentage of our mothers transfer for pain relief, and those are usually due to babies who are in troublesome positions.
When birthing people are educated, supported and in familiar surroundings, those endorphins do their work and families do great.
WHAT ABOUT A DOULA?
We think everyone needs a doula! They are magical creatures who make sure you have a never ending supply of physical and emotional comfort.
The midwife's job calls for monitoring the safety of you and your baby during the birth, the birth assistant and midwife will not arrive until active labor is progressing and will take turns sleeping if your labor is long in order to be rested when your baby is born. A doula is an excellent addition to your team if you desire continuous emotional support from early labor to birth and beyond!
Momma Bear Midwifery offers a $200 discount towards the price of a preferred doula.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND MY BIRTH AND CAN I INVITE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS/FRIENDS?
During your birth, the midwife will have an assistant. We will not all be in the room with you all the time during your labor, we will be in and out monitoring you and your baby. This is your birth and we want you to have the people around you that will support you through this process. We do not limit the number of people you can have at your birth. We do encourage you to invite people that are supportive of your plans for your birth. We also support having your other children attend the birth if you wish.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEAR?
We will work with you during second stage (pushing phase) to help minimize tearing by coaching you to “breath” your baby out, using lubricants/oils, and hot compresses. However, if you do tear, Amanda will numb and suture your 1st or 2nd degree tear in your the comfort of your home.
HOW LONG DO YOU STAY AFTER MY BABY IS BORN?
The midwife and assistant typically stay for 2-3 hours after the birth: departing after the baby has nursed, the newborn exam (head-to-toe exam, weight, vitals, etc) has been performed, and mother has emptied her bladder while maintaining stable vitals.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING DOESN’T GO AS PLANNED DURING LABOR?
Most healthy birthing people with normal pregnancies have healthy and normal births. Most problems give warning signs that can be identified during pregnancy which can often be prevented or managed. Midwives are trained in normal pregnancy and birth, and are very quick to identify when an issue arises. If an emergency arises at birth, we have oxygen, medications and herbs for hemorrhage, and resuscitation equipment. If a hospital transport is necessary, we have a emergency plan in place to transfer your care and we will accompany you to the hospital(if possible). This is one of the many reasons you want to hire a midwife with a great education and out of hospital experience.
HOW OFTEN WILL YOU SEE ME AFTER I HAVE MY BABY?
We believe postpartum care is as important as prenatal care, particularly for first time birthers. So many changes in such a short time means most people need lots of support. I will come to see you in your home the day after your birth and again 5-7 days after the birth, if necessary. Then we will see you in the office at 3-4 weeks and finally at 6-8 weeks. During this time, we are able to make sure both you and your new baby are healthy and thriving.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
$4000 for all Global Homebirth Care.
Here’s a rough estimate of our average time spent with a client:
12-14 hours of prenatal visits. We often spend more time together during our initial interview than doctors spend during the entire pregnancy!
6-48 hours of labor and birth. Personal, complete care provided by faces you know and trust.
2-4 hours of immediate postpartum care. From the comfort of your own bed- newborn exam, postpartum education, lots of smiles and TLC. You just had a baby!
4-6 hours of postpartum visits for you and your new baby, including your first 2 postpartum visits in the comfort of your own home.
24/7 midwifery access for labor and emergencies from your 36th week to 2 weeks postpartum.
DO YOU BILL INSURANCE?
Momma Bear Midwifery is not currently taking private insurance and Medicaid for midwifery care.
Indiana Home Birth requirements
If you are in Indiana the law requires you to be seen at least twice during pregnancy by a Physician. These visits are not included in the fee, however they may be covered by your insurance provider.