Prenatal Care
Unhurried, relationship-based visits focused on a healthy pregnancy and confident, informed choices — with 24/7 phone access to Jana.
Midwife near South Bend, IN
Midwifery & home birth for South Bend families
South Bend is the largest city in the Michiana area, and many families here are looking for something a national hospital system can't offer - a single, trusted midwife who is with them through the whole journey. Happy Stork serves South Bend and St. Joseph County families about 40 minutes northwest of the Nappanee birthing center, with relationship-based prenatal care, home-birth and birth-center options for low-risk pregnancies, and 24-hour phone access to Jana throughout care.
What we offer
Midwifery & women's care, close to home
Birth Center & Home Birth
For low-risk pregnancies — a peaceful birth-center delivery in Nappanee, or a planned birth in your own home. You stay in the lead.
Limited Ultrasound
Limited ultrasound imaging through your pregnancy, offered right where you already feel comfortable.
Postpartum & Women's Health
Attentive support after birth, plus year-round women's primary care, annual exams, and family planning — a super-bill is provided at six weeks for insurance.
Questions from South Bend families
Common questions
Does Happy Stork serve South Bend for home birth?
Yes. Jana Schenkel, CNM provides home-birth midwifery for low-risk pregnancies to families in South Bend and across St. Joseph County. She travels to your home for the birth and your postpartum visits, with 24-hour phone access to her throughout your care.
How far is the birthing center from South Bend?
Blessed Beginnings Care Center in Nappanee is about a 40-minute drive from South Bend (via US-6 and US-31), and the Wakarusa office is close by for prenatal visits. Many South Bend families plan a birth-center delivery, while others choose a home birth in South Bend.
Can I get prenatal care and ultrasounds near South Bend?
Yes - prenatal visits and limited ultrasound are provided at the Wakarusa office and Nappanee birthing center, with home primary-care visits available for South Bend-area families. Care is offered fluently in English, Russian, and German.
How much does a home birth or birth-center delivery cost?
Most pregnancies are an all-inclusive plan of $3,300 - covering all visits, blood work, a viability ultrasound, and the professional delivery cost. There is a $300 discount if paid by 37 weeks, payment plans are available, and a super-bill is provided at six weeks postpartum.
Does insurance cover a midwife or home birth?
Some insurance plans reimburse for midwifery and home birth, but you are responsible for verifying your own coverage. Many families choose the simple all-inclusive self-pay plan - either way, we provide a super-bill at six weeks postpartum to help you file with your insurer.
Ready to start the conversation?
Reach out for a no-pressure chat about your pregnancy or your care. Visits are by appointment.