FAQS
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH CARE?
Contact Momma Bear Midwifery and schedule a free consultation appointment to ask any questions you may have and make sure you are comfortable with the midwife and the services provided. If you choose to have Momma Bear Midwifery as your care provider, we can make your first appointment. Our clients can use our Client Care client portal electronic health record system, from any PC or Mac to fill out their forms prior to their first visit. Please fill out all of the information to the best of your ability.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
$3500 for all visits. Midwifery care offers a significant savings to you compared to birthing in the hospital. Momma Bear Midwifery feels our cost of care reflects the individualized care and the memorable experience of your birth. I would love to meet with you and discuss our fees based on your income and flexible payment options. I do accept cash, check, and credit card. Call to set up a free consultation appointment at Amanda's office located in Hanover Indiana.
Amanda offers home and office visits.
DO YOU BILL INSURANCE?
Momma Bear Midwifery is not currently taking private insurance and Medicaid for midwifery care.
HOW SOON SHOULD I BE SEEN?
Most of our clients schedule their first appointment between 8-12 weeks in their pregnancy. However, please feel free to schedule prior to 8 weeks if you have concerns or feel that it is necessary to be seen. Indiana clients please schedule with the Physician of choice for this first visit.
HOW OFTEN WILL I COME IN FOR PRENATAL VISITS?
Unless you have concerns that would require us to see you more often, we typically see our clients monthly until week 28 in their pregnancy, then bi-weekly until 36 weeks, and then weekly up until your birth.
WHERE DO I GO FOR MY PRENATAL VISITS?
Prenatal visits are held at our office in Hanover IN. We typically do prenatal appointments Thurs and Fri between 9am-6pm. I will do at least one home prenatal visit in the last month of your pregnancy.
If choosing home visits, Amanda can not guarantee an exact appointment time.
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 between 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. 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 home 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!
WHAT ABOUT LAB WORK?
Momma Bear Midwifery will inform you of all lab work offered during your prenatal and postpartum care. We are able to draw your labs during your appointment.
WHAT ABOUT ULTRASOUNDS?
Momma Bear Midwifery can refer you for a diagnostic ultrasound. Please let me know if you have insurance that will cover the cost of your ultrasound-this will help determine the best place for me to refer you to.
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.
DO YOU RECOMMEND HIRING A DOULA?
I recommend hiring a doula who has home birth experience. The advantage to having a doula at a home birth is that her sole purpose is to support you. Because our 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. Momma Bear Midwifery offers a $200 discount towards the price of a preferred doula.
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 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 via Client Care EHR. Please remember to 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?
I do not provide your waterbirth supplies. I will attend your water birth! Many people refer to the tub in labor as the “midwife’s epidural.” 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.
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.
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, midwives are trained to suture.
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 women 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. Stalled labor/Prolonged labor is the most common reason for transport in labor.
HOW OFTEN WILL YOU SEE ME AFTER I HAVE MY BABY?
There are 4-5 visits that happen during your postpartum care. I will come to see you in your home the day after your birth and again 5-7 days after the birth. I will return at 3 weeks and 6 weeks . At each visit, I will check you and your baby’s vitals, check your baby’s weight, and address any concerns you might have. If you choose, we can also do a metabolic screen at the 24 hour visit (Indiana required). I also do footprints, a birth certificate, and file for a social security number for your baby during your postpartum visits.
Indiana Home Birth requirements
If you are in Indiana the law requires you to be seen at least twice during pregnancy. These visits are not included in the fee, however they may be covered by your insurance provider. My collaborating physician is Dr. Yolanda Yoder. She is located at 420 W Longest St, Paoli, IN 47454. Phone 812-723-3944. If there is another provider you have seen in the past that you would prefer to see, please let me know and make arrangements to see this provider for the required visits.
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH CARE?
Contact Momma Bear Midwifery and schedule a free consultation appointment to ask any questions you may have and make sure you are comfortable with the midwife and the services provided. If you choose to have Momma Bear Midwifery as your care provider, we can make your first appointment. Our clients can use our Client Care client portal electronic health record system, from any PC or Mac to fill out their forms prior to their first visit. Please fill out all of the information to the best of your ability.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
$3500 for all visits. Midwifery care offers a significant savings to you compared to birthing in the hospital. Momma Bear Midwifery feels our cost of care reflects the individualized care and the memorable experience of your birth. I would love to meet with you and discuss our fees based on your income and flexible payment options. I do accept cash, check, and credit card. Call to set up a free consultation appointment at Amanda's office located in Hanover Indiana.
Amanda offers home and office visits.
DO YOU BILL INSURANCE?
Momma Bear Midwifery is not currently taking private insurance and Medicaid for midwifery care.
HOW SOON SHOULD I BE SEEN?
Most of our clients schedule their first appointment between 8-12 weeks in their pregnancy. However, please feel free to schedule prior to 8 weeks if you have concerns or feel that it is necessary to be seen. Indiana clients please schedule with the Physician of choice for this first visit.
HOW OFTEN WILL I COME IN FOR PRENATAL VISITS?
Unless you have concerns that would require us to see you more often, we typically see our clients monthly until week 28 in their pregnancy, then bi-weekly until 36 weeks, and then weekly up until your birth.
WHERE DO I GO FOR MY PRENATAL VISITS?
Prenatal visits are held at our office in Hanover IN. We typically do prenatal appointments Thurs and Fri between 9am-6pm. I will do at least one home prenatal visit in the last month of your pregnancy.
If choosing home visits, Amanda can not guarantee an exact appointment time.
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 between 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. 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 home 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!
WHAT ABOUT LAB WORK?
Momma Bear Midwifery will inform you of all lab work offered during your prenatal and postpartum care. We are able to draw your labs during your appointment.
WHAT ABOUT ULTRASOUNDS?
Momma Bear Midwifery can refer you for a diagnostic ultrasound. Please let me know if you have insurance that will cover the cost of your ultrasound-this will help determine the best place for me to refer you to.
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.
DO YOU RECOMMEND HIRING A DOULA?
I recommend hiring a doula who has home birth experience. The advantage to having a doula at a home birth is that her sole purpose is to support you. Because our 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. Momma Bear Midwifery offers a $200 discount towards the price of a preferred doula.
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 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 via Client Care EHR. Please remember to 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?
I do not provide your waterbirth supplies. I will attend your water birth! Many people refer to the tub in labor as the “midwife’s epidural.” 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.
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.
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, midwives are trained to suture.
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 women 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. Stalled labor/Prolonged labor is the most common reason for transport in labor.
HOW OFTEN WILL YOU SEE ME AFTER I HAVE MY BABY?
There are 4-5 visits that happen during your postpartum care. I will come to see you in your home the day after your birth and again 5-7 days after the birth. I will return at 3 weeks and 6 weeks . At each visit, I will check you and your baby’s vitals, check your baby’s weight, and address any concerns you might have. If you choose, we can also do a metabolic screen at the 24 hour visit (Indiana required). I also do footprints, a birth certificate, and file for a social security number for your baby during your postpartum visits.
Indiana Home Birth requirements
If you are in Indiana the law requires you to be seen at least twice during pregnancy. These visits are not included in the fee, however they may be covered by your insurance provider. My collaborating physician is Dr. Yolanda Yoder. She is located at 420 W Longest St, Paoli, IN 47454. Phone 812-723-3944. If there is another provider you have seen in the past that you would prefer to see, please let me know and make arrangements to see this provider for the required visits.