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Women Supporting Women

CenteringPregnancy

CenteringPregnancy Program

In CenteringPregnancy, pregnant women with similar due dates are joined together in a group with their healthcare provider. They receive all the components of prenatal care, including health assessment, interactive learning and community building. There is facilitated discussion of pregnancy, birth and newborn care as well as overall health, stress management, etc. Studies in sample populations show Centering care increases breastfeeding rates and duration of breastfeeding. Patient and provider satisfaction are higher than traditional care.

 

How it works

Centering group prenatal care follows the recommended schedule of 10 prenatal visits, but each visit is 90 minutes to two hours long – giving women 10x more time with their provider. Moms engage in their care by taking their own weight and blood pressure and recording their own health data with private time with their provider for belly check.

Once health assessments are complete, the provider and support staff “circle-up” with moms and support people. They lead facilitative discussion and interactive activities designed to address important and timely health topics while leaving room to discuss what is important to the group. Centering materials help moms and providers ensure that everything from nutrition, common discomforts, stress management, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and infant care are covered in group.

 

group of pregnant women

What’s in it for you?

N

Better Health Outcomes

N

Self-Care

N

Self-Confidence

N

More time with your provider

N

Support & Friendship

N

Learning & Fun

Proven Results

  • 96% of women surveyed prefer receiving their prenatal care in a Centering Group
  • 33% less likely to have a preterm baby 
  • Centering Pregnancy was piloted in the early 1990s by a nurse midwife, Sharon Schindler Rising, who initiated centering groups in a hospital clinic, a community health center and a private office in Waterbury, Conn. Now there are sites in almost all of the 50 states and some foreign countries.

Receive your schedule for your entire pregnancy ahead of time. Discuss health concerns and expectations in a supportive setting.  Call 278-4747 for more information and to become part of the Centering Program.

Contact The Centering Pregnancy Program

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