What is Centering Pregnancy® and How Can It Benefit You?
When you’re expecting, we believe it’s important for you to have family-centered care, and that’s one reason why we’re pleased to offer Centering Pregnancy ®. These sessions are a part of our pregnancy support services, and they provide educational information and more time with your health care team framed within a network of supportive women who are due around the same time you are.
“Centering Pregnancy ® sessions clearly benefit both mother and baby. Studies have shown that couples who participate in Centering have healthier babies and lower rates of postpartum depression through the support they receive from the group,” said Amy Dixon, CNM, MSN.
We want to address some frequently asked questions about our Centering Pregnancy ® sessions.
What happens during Centering Pregnancy ® sessions?
You will have 10 prenatal visits, each one lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours. While some sessions are conducted in a group, there is always private time with your provider or obstetrician for questions and a belly check. We believe this extended time gives you a chance to ask questions and engage in more educational opportunities.
We’ll show you how to take your own blood pressure and guide you through recording your health data—such as your weight– so we can better serve you.
During group sessions, we’ll facilitate discussions centered on important health topics, covering subjects such as:
- Labor and delivery
- Preparing for childbirth
- Nutrition
- Common discomforts
- Stress management
- Infant care
- Breastfeeding
- Timely health topics
How many can participate in a Centering Pregnancy ® session?
In general, eight to ten couples, with due dates around the same time, are in a group. We’ve found this is the perfect number to provide both a support network and individualized attention. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to ask your health care team any questions.
How does Centering Pregnancy ® benefit mothers?
There are many benefits to Centering Pregnancy ®, and that’s why we believe it’s an important service to offer our patients. (Centering Healthcare Institute) These benefits include:
- Self-care
The program encourages women to take an active role in their health care.
- Confidence
Women who participate in Centering are not only better prepared for labor and delivery, but they have also gained valuable education on how to best care for their infant. The sessions help expectant couples realize what is normal during pregnancy and what should be addressed by one of our providers.
- Time with provider
Those in Centering Pregnancy ® sessions spend up to 10 times more face-to-face time with their obstetricians, midwives, and providers than those who don’t participate in the program.
- Support
When you participate in Centering Pregnancy ®, the bonding experience creates lasting friendships and provides encouragement and support for one another.
- Educational opportunities
Centering Pregnancy® sessions are informative but fun. It’s much more enjoyable to engage in discussions than to read pamphlets or listen to lectures. We make each session both engaging and entertaining.
- Breastfeeding success
Women who participate are more successful at breastfeeding.
- Healthier babies
Not only do participants have a more positive labor and delivery experience, but they also show lower rates of preterm birth.
Centering Pregnancy ® sessions reinforce our dedication to individuality and compassionate care.
We believe in having the latest state-of-the-art equipment available to all of our patients. However, we also realize that preparing for a healthy delivery is much more than a series of medical tests. Caring for the whole patient means empowering you to play an active role in your health care. Contact us at 919-525-3971 or make an appointment to learn more about our Centering Pregnancy® sessions. Usually, we can schedule you for a visit the same week that you call.
For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in the Triangle area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations. To schedule an appointment, please contact us for more information.
Sources:
Centering Healthcare Institute.
