CenteringPregnancy®Group Prenatal Care
What is CenteringPregnancy?
CenteringPregnancy is a unique way to deliver prenatal care through the use of group sessions. The goal of Centering is to empower patients to get involved in their own prenatal care, while also equipping them with knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions throughout their pregnancy.
Expectant parents meet for 10 sessions with a clinician and a group of eight to 12 other pregnant patients that are all due around the same time.
At each Centering session, each participant has a private one-on-one visit with the Centering clinician for a belly-check and heartbeat and discussion of any private concerns. 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.
How does CenteringPregnancy work?
- When enrolled, each participant receives a CenteringPregnancy notebook with loads of information and tools to help track health, pregnancy progress and baby’s growth
- Centering groups are relaxed and fun with games and snacks
- Each session lasts approximately one to two hours, and patients have opportunities to ask questions, share advice and experiences
Reasons to choose Centering
- More time with your provider
- Gain a community of friends
- Opportunity to share with other pregnant peers about pregnancy and birth
- Sessions start and end on time – no waiting
- All appointment dates and times will be given to you at beginning of pregnancy
- Snacks are offered at each session
- CenteringPregnancy is a one-stop-shop for all of your prenatal care!
Frequently Asked Questions
If I already have kids, do I still qualify for CenteringPregnancy?
Yes. Other participants can benefit from your experience and advice. It’s always beneficial to have many different perspectives.
Can my partner or support person join me in my Centering sessions?
Absolutely. We welcome your support person to join you.
Who can participate in Centering?
Currently ONLY patients of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, MyMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology Alpena office may enroll for this program. Most pregnant patients can participate in group prenatal care. However, it is important to talk with your provider to determine your eligibility for Centering prior to enrolling.
This program seems like a long time for a prenatal visit. What does the time consist of?
At the beginning of each session, you will record your own weight and blood pressure and participate in a brief one-on-one assessment with your provider. After all patients have had the opportunity to visit with the physician, the group will “circle up” for an interactive discussion, sharing experiences, education and advice. Groups are interactive, fun and focused on issues important to you.
What is the cost of Centering?
There is no extra charge to you for enrolling in CenteringPregnancy.
How is my privacy protected in a group setting?
We are absolutely committed to protecting your privacy. All participants, including support people, are required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon entering their first Centering session. No one is pressured to disclose any private concerns, and providers do not share any of your private information with the group.
All wellness checks with the provider take place in a secluded, comfortable area within the Centering space. All physical exams are performed in a private medical exam room, completely separate from the Centering space.
Are children allowed to attend?
Because we want the focus of group sessions to be on participants and their pregnancy journeys, we ask that children not attend. We are hopeful that providing the date and time of all your prenatal visits in advance will be helpful in arranging childcare.
How do I enroll in Centering?
Patients of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, MyMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology Alpena office will have a discussion at their 12-week appointment about the CenteringPregnancy program. If you both feel that the program is a good fit for you, you can enroll that day or call the office at (989) 356-5228 to enroll.
Centering Pregnancy is a registered trademark of Centering Healthcare Institute. Used with permission from CHI.
