INTRODUCING: CENTERING PREGNANCY
A Woman’s Place is excited to bring this innovative program to Southwest Florida. Centering follows a nationally recognized model from Centering Healthcare Institute.
Centering Pregnancy is group prenatal care bringing women due at the same time out of exam rooms and into a comfortable group setting.
Centering has been shown to have many benefits including reduced preterm births, reduced stress, and increased rates of breastfeeding. Participants also report strong friendships that continue past the birth of their baby and into parenting. Centering will benefit expecting moms, babies, and even providers in our Southwest Florida community.
Centering starts around 16 weeks and includes 10 visits, offering 10x more time with providers. Instead of a 10-minute check in, each visit will be between 1.5-2 hours long. Each visit includes traditional prenatal care along with education on a variety of topics including nutrition, common discomforts, stress management, labor and delivery, breast feeding, infant care, community resources, and more. The program is insurance-covered prenatal care and incurs no additional cost.
The first group to start Centering will be due around the end of January-Early February 2025. Providers will discuss the option with patients at early prenatal visits.
This video comes from Centering Healthcare Institute and shares the patient experience of Centering Pregnancy.
Talk to your provider today about joining a Centering Pregnancy group at A Woman’s Place!
FAQ
Centering Pregnancy is a group-based model of prenatal care that combines health check-ups with interactive learning and peer support. Unlike traditional one-on-one appointments, it brings together pregnant women with similar due dates to meet regularly with a healthcare provider in a supportive group setting.
Most women with low-risk pregnancies are eligible for Centering Pregnancy. Your provider will review your medical history and help determine if the program is right for you.
Each session includes individual check-ups with your provider followed by a facilitated group discussion. Topics often include nutrition, labor preparation, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Sessions last about 90 minutes to two hours and are held regularly throughout your pregnancy.
Research shows that women in Centering groups are more likely to attend prenatal visits, feel more prepared for birth, and have higher rates of breastfeeding. Many participants also appreciate the community and emotional support from others going through similar experiences.
Talk to us during a visit or call the office at (239) 513-0053. If you’re a good candidate, the team will help you enroll in a group that matches your due date.