Centering Pregnancy: Group Prenatal Care
Centering Pregnancy is a group prenatal care program that combines comprehensive medical checks with prenatal education and the comforting support of other pregnant women sharing their experiences with each other. Care is provided in group of 8-12 women who are all expecting their babies during the same month.
What You Can Expect from Centering
Your first prenatal visit will be a one-on-one appointment for medical history and physical examination. After that, you will join a group of women who are due to deliver the same month as you. Your group will meet with the midwife for medical check-ups in a supportive group atmosphere--complete with food and music!
As members of this group, women share concerns and experiences and discuss topics such as nutrition, labor and breastfeeding. Unlike a clinic setting, you will be seen by the same midwife throughout your pregnancy and spend a total of 20 hours with her over 10 sessions. We are committed to an on-time appointment schedule with no waiting.
The first four sessions are scheduled once a month. The next six sessions occur every two weeks. Your midwife will guide you in writing in your chart, tracking your pregnancy and taking your own blood pressure. You will also have one-on-one time with your midwife.
Group sessions start and end on time. If privacy is required, you will be able to meet with your midwife following the group session. Friends and partners are welcome to attend the sessions.
If needed, additional appointments can be made outside the group. All the resources of the clinic are available to you including:
Groups are available in both English and Spanish.
Women with complex medical conditions may not be appropriate for Centering Group, but a variety of other services and support are available for those patients.