In order to give you the most individualized treatment, we do not accept insurance and are considered out-of-network with all providers. If you have out-of-network benefits for physical therapy or lactation support we will provide you with an invoice with all the information that you need to submit for reimbursement from your insurance company. Nutrition services through Mama Bear are not reimbursable by insurance.

This is easy! All you have to do is call your insurance company and ask them if your plan includes out-of-network benefits for telehealth physical therapy or lactation support. If you do have out-of-network benefits, ask your insurance company the following questions:

• Do I have an out-of-network deductible?

• Have I met my deductible for the year? If not, how far away am I from meeting the deductible?

• Is there paperwork that must be filled out when submitting an out-of-network claim? If so, do you provide that paperwork?

• [For PT] Do I need to be pre-certified for physical therapy sessions in order to receive reimbursement?

• [For lactation support] Is care from a lactation counselor covered?

Physical therapy is a medically necessary service—to put it simply, if you have pain or an injury, you need physical therapy. This distinction is governed by state laws, and the cost of physical therapy may be reimbursable by insurance if you have out-of-network benefits (see more info above).

Wellness care helps prevent injury and/or pain, or optimize outcomes (e.g. preparing for birth, or returning to physical activity postpartum). It is equivalent to very high-quality personal training, and like training is not reimbursable by insurance (though we think it should be!). If you’re not sure if you need physical therapy or wellness care, please ask us!

Virtual sessions are similar to in-person sessions! All you’ll need is a stable internet connection and some space. For movement sessions, if you have an exercise mat or any other exercise equipment, those would be great to have handy. You’ll receive a welcome email before your session with a secure link to join (if you’re using a tablet or phone you’ll need to download the JaneApp app prior to starting). And don’t worry about taking notes—you’ll receive follow-up from your practitioner with everything you need!

Similar to an in-person session, Dr. Helene will begin by taking your full medical history. Then, she will watch you do some large movements (e.g. touching your toes, squatting, balancing) to see the big picture of how everything is working together, and then some smaller motions, zeroing in on the location of the symptoms. Based on this evaluation, you and Dr. Helene will workshop some exercises and agree on a home exercise program, even discussing how you might fit that program into your day. We will also spend time talking about the potential causes of your symptoms, and other things that can be done to alleviate them. In follow-up sessions we will progress the program, play with new movements, as well as check in on your progress and the changes in your symptoms. In between sessions, Dr. Helene is available via text or email if you have questions or need support.

We are able to support you virtually with almost everything you could need. However, if we find that in-person care would be more appropriate for you, we will refer you to a practitioner from our wide network of birth professionals. With your permission, we will update them on your care so that it will be as seamless a transition as possible.

Everyone’s needs and circumstances are different. Mama Bear childbirth educator and DONA-certified doula Erica has extensive experience as a creative problem solver and resource for expectant and new parents. She will tailor sessions to your family and help with everything from feelings around birth and becoming a parent to the logistics of being parents, finding your support network, and the practicalities of returning to work with a little one.

Breastfeeding can be very challenging, and nursing parents used to face that challenge with the support of a village. In our modern society, it is often difficult to find that village, but Disa, Mama Bear lactation practitioner, has played that role for hundreds of families in her over a decade of experience. She will help you navigate your feelings around nursing; prepare you for birth, the first several hours and feedings, the arrival of colostrum and then mature milk, and hand expression and spoon feeding; and assist you with latching, positioning, and learning to tell if your little one is eating enough.

In general, Dr. Helene sees folks for a one-hour evaluation and then for a half hour once a week thereafter. For sessions that are more similar to personal training, one hour is recommended. During the evaluation, you will discuss your plan of care with Dr. Helene and agree on what works best for you logistically, financially, and to keep forward progress.

The short answer is no—legally you are allowed to access physical therapy without a prescription or referral in the states where Dr. Helene practices. However, your insurance may require one if you plan to submit for reimbursement, so be sure to call and ask first. In New York, you will be required to attain a prescription after 30 days of treatment.

For physical therapy, we are governed by the state laws where you reside. Therefore, physical therapy services are currently limited to MA, NY, NJ, and FL, where Dr. Helene is licensed. All other services are available anywhere in the country!

If you’re not sure if you need physical therapy or wellness care, please contact us. We would be happy to answer questions even if we can’t work together, and we can always help you find someone suitable for you.

Mama Bear supports all birthing parents on their journey, no matter their gender identity. We are an open and affirming practice and welcome transgendered and non-binary folks.