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Published on September 03, 2024

Anna McKenney and Brittany Matuzak, both wearing white coats, smiling for the camera.

Anna McKenney, M.D., and Brittany Matuzak, F.N.P.-C., M.S.N.

CenteringPregnancy® Program Now Available for Expecting Parents  

Pregnant patients have a new option for prenatal care at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. The CenteringPregnancy® program brings together a group of eight to 10 pregnant patients who are all due around the same time, providing routine prenatal care in a group setting.

The Centering program consists of 10 sessions, beginning around the start of a patient’s second trimester. At each session, each patient has time for a one-on-one visit with their OB/GYN for a belly check, discussion of any private concerns, and a weight and blood pressure check. The remaining time is spent in a group setting, discussing issues that are relevant to the group, such as nutrition, exercise, stress, signs of labor, infant care, breastfeeding and postpartum.

“The goal of Centering is to empower women to get involved in their own care, while also equipping them with knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions throughout their pregnancy,” said Anna McKenney, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist and one of the Centering providers. “Patients are able to spend more time with their provider, and form relationships with other parents who are experiencing the same feelings that they are, during an exciting but stressful time of their lives.”

MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena is the first in the community to offer this program for its patients. All sessions will take place at the Medical Center in Alpena. Program providers are Dr. McKenney and nurse practitioner Brittany Matuzak, F.N.P.-C., M.S.N.

“This is an exciting time for expecting parents and the CenteringPregnancy program is a great opportunity to gain support not only from their providers, but also from others in the group,” added Dr. McKenney. “This is a great way to gain new friendships and connections with others that may have similar needs during and following their pregnancies. We hope to build a network for parents that is a safe environment to learn from each other so everyone can reach their health goals.”

Funding for the program is provided by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, a philanthropic foundation that works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents while reducing health care costs.

Those who are interested in learning more may visit www.mymichigan.org/centeringpregnancy or call the office at (989) 356-5228 to enroll in the program.