By: A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL
Quick Answer:
Group prenatal care models such as the Centering Pregnancy program at A Woman’s Place offer expecting mothers enhanced peer-support, extended provider time, and improved health outcomes—making this an increasingly popular and effective approach for prenatal care today.
At a Glance
- Traditional one-on-one prenatal visits are being complemented by group-based visits for expectant mothers.
- Centering Pregnancy provides more provider time, peer community, education and empowerment.
- A Woman’s Place offers Centering Pregnancy to low-risk patients with no additional fees.
- The group model has been linked with better attendance, higher patient satisfaction and improved birth outcomes.
- Real-life patient testimonials reinforce the value of this approach in practical, emotional and clinical terms.
Pregnancy care is evolving—and for many women, one of the most important developments in obstetrics this year is the shift toward group-based prenatal care. Instead of simply walking into a briefing with a single provider, more practices are offering expectant mothers the opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, receive education, and spend extended time with their care team. At A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL, the Centering Pregnancy program exemplifies this trend: combining provider visits, ultrasound check-ups, education, and meaningful connection in a group setting.
For many women, especially first-time moms, this model offers more than just the clinical check-ups—it provides a sense of community, empowerment, and preparation for birth and beyond. Below we explore the benefits, the logistics, the evidence, and why a practice like A Woman’s Place is embracing it.
What is Group Prenatal Care (Centering Pregnancy)?
Direct answer:
Group prenatal care is a different format for prenatal visits: patients meet in small groups with similar due-dates, receive their medical check-ups and screenings, then remain together for discussion, education and peer support rather than having only individual visits.
Details and Context
- At A Woman’s Place, the Centering Pregnancy model brings together about 12 expectant mothers for 10 sessions, each typically lasting around 90 minutes to 2 hours, until the estimated due date.
- Each session begins with the usual medical assessment (weight, blood pressure, fetal heart rate), then moves into facilitated group discussion, education (nutrition, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding) and interaction with peers.
- The program is offered without extra cost and counts as standard prenatal visits—so insurance covers it as usual.
- Eligibility: most women with low-risk pregnancies are invited; the provider reviews suitability.
Why is it a Trending Topic in Obstetrics?
Direct answer:
Because emerging evidence and patient feedback indicate that group prenatal care improves maternal engagement, supports better birth outcomes and meets modern patient expectations for community and empowerment—not just clinical visits.
Key Drivers
- Improved engagement – Women attending group sessions are more likely to attend all prenatal visits.
- Peer support & mental health – Pregnancy can feel isolating; being among a cohort builds trust and reduces stress.
- Extended provider time – Instead of a rushed 15-minute visit, the group model gives more time per session, deeper education and stronger relationships.
- Better outcomes – Some studies report lower preterm birth rates and higher breastfeeding rates among participants. For example, the A Woman’s Place information page notes that: “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.”
- Alignment with patient-centered care movement – Expectant mothers increasingly value choice, community, and holistic support rather than only clinical visits.
What Does A Woman’s Place Offer in This Model?
Direct answer:
At A Woman’s Place, expectant mothers can join the Centering Pregnancy program, combining medical check-ups, ultrasound care, group education and peer community—delivered by their experienced OB/GYN team.
Features of their service:
- Dedicated location: 90 Cypress Way East, Suite 40, Naples, FL 34110 for the group sessions.
- Skilled facilitators: Jessica Fuentes, CNM, and Lori Votapek, APRN lead the sessions.
- Integrated care: Participants still meet the full provider team of A Woman’s Place during their routine checks and ultrasounds.
- Seamless program: No extra cost, same schedule as usual—with extra time built in for the group format.
Benefits from the Patient Perspective
Here are three real testimonials from women cared for at A Woman’s Place that highlight this kind of model and care approach:
“Dr. Heitmann and his team made me feel like a person, not a number. I always felt heard and respected throughout my pregnancy journey.” — Patient Review,
“From my very first visit, the staff at A Woman’s Place made me feel supported and informed. The group sessions helped me connect with other moms and gave me confidence going into labor.” — Patient Review
These testimonials underscore two things: personal, attentive care; and community-oriented prenatal support.
Additional Benefits
- Stronger birth preparation – With extended group time, women report feeling more ready for labor and postpartum challenges.
- More social support – Being part of a cohort of women with similar due dates means friendships, support networks and shared experiences.
- Reduced isolation – The group format can help diminish feelings of anxiety or loneliness, common in pregnancy.
- Potential for better outcomes – More consistent attendance and proactive education mean higher chances of positive outcomes.
Is Group Prenatal Care Right for You?
Direct answer:
If you’re pregnant, have a low-risk pregnancy, and prefer a model that blends medical care with peer-based education and community, the Centering Pregnancy program at A Woman’s Place could be an excellent fit.
Considerations / Checklist
| Question | Yes / No | Notes |
| Is your pregnancy classified as low-risk? | ☐ | If high-risk, typical one-on-one care may be recommended. |
| Do you feel comfortable in a group setting for some visits? | ☐ | Group visits mean sharing time with others. |
| Would you value extra time with your care team and peers? | ☐ | Sessions last longer than traditional visits. |
| Do you want more in-depth education & discussion (nutrition, labor prep, breastfeeding)? | ☐ | The group format supports this. |
| Are you willing to commit to ~10 sessions until your due date? | ☐ | The program involves regular scheduled meetings. |
If you answered “yes” to most of these, this option may align with your preferences.
What to Expect: From Enrollment Through Delivery
Direct answer:
Once you’re enrolled, you’ll join a cohort with similar due dates, attend ~10 group sessions (with medical check-ups built in), participate in discussions and education, then continue with standard obstetric care through delivery—all under the umbrella of A Woman’s Place.
Timeline & Steps
- Initial visit – Your care team confirms eligibility, reviews health history and explains the program.
- Enrollment – You’re placed in a group cohort based on your estimated due date.
- Sessions begin (~16 weeks and onward) – You attend 10 sessions covering health checks, education and peer support.
- Continued individual care – You still receive ultrasound, monitoring and labor planning from your provider team.
- Delivery & postpartum – Your provider team at A Woman’s Place oversees your delivery and postpartum care, with the advantage of your extended preparation through the group model.
Evidence & Outcomes: Why It Works
Direct answer:
Research and patient data show that group prenatal care models like Centering Pregnancy lead to better engagement, higher satisfaction and in some cases lower risk of preterm birth—making them increasingly adopted in modern obstetrics.
Supporting Factors
- The A Woman’s Place Centering page cites that women in the program are “more likely to attend prenatal visits, feel more prepared for birth, and have higher rates of breastfeeding.”
- The increased provider time and peer interaction supports more informed patients and stronger provider-patient relationships.
- Although not all pregnancies qualify, for those who do the program can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, which are known stressors in pregnancy.
Practical Tips for Expecting Mothers Considering This Model
- Ask about eligibility early. Talk with your provider at A Woman’s Place during your first or second trimester about whether Centering Pregnancy is right for you.
- Commit to the schedule. Ensure you understand the dates/times of the sessions and can attend regularly.
- Engage actively. Bring questions, participate in discussions, get to know your peers—it enhances the benefit.
- Keep your personal care appointment schedule. The group model complements, not replaces, your individual medical care.
- Use the peer network. Forming connections with other moms in your cohort can help you through pregnancy, birth and early postpartum.
- Stay flexible. If your pregnancy becomes higher‐risk later, your provider can transition you into appropriate care.
Final Thoughts
The Centering Pregnancy model offered by A Woman’s Place represents a meaningful shift in obstetric care—moving from simply “visits” to a more holistic, community-oriented, educational and empowering experience for expectant mothers. With extended provider time, peer support, and a structured program designed to increase readiness and connection, many women find it transformational. If you’re looking for prenatal care that goes beyond checking boxes and instead builds community, knowledge and confidence, this may be the right choice for you.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation: https://www.awpnaples.com/contact/
Further Reading
Cleveland Clinic – PMDD: clevelandclinic.org
By: A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL
Quick Answer:
Group prenatal care models such as the Centering Pregnancy program at A Woman’s Place offer expecting mothers enhanced peer-support, extended provider time, and improved health outcomes—making this an increasingly popular and effective approach for prenatal care today.
At a Glance
- Traditional one-on-one prenatal visits are being complemented by group-based visits for expectant mothers.
- Centering Pregnancy provides more provider time, peer community, education and empowerment.
- A Woman’s Place offers Centering Pregnancy to low-risk patients with no additional fees.
- The group model has been linked with better attendance, higher patient satisfaction and improved birth outcomes.
- Real-life patient testimonials reinforce the value of this approach in practical, emotional and clinical terms.
Pregnancy care is evolving—and for many women, one of the most important developments in obstetrics this year is the shift toward group-based prenatal care. Instead of simply walking into a briefing with a single provider, more practices are offering expectant mothers the opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, receive education, and spend extended time with their care team. At A Woman’s Place in Naples, FL, the Centering Pregnancy program exemplifies this trend: combining provider visits, ultrasound check-ups, education, and meaningful connection in a group setting.
For many women, especially first-time moms, this model offers more than just the clinical check-ups—it provides a sense of community, empowerment, and preparation for birth and beyond. Below we explore the benefits, the logistics, the evidence, and why a practice like A Woman’s Place is embracing it.
What is Group Prenatal Care (Centering Pregnancy)?
Direct answer:
Group prenatal care is a different format for prenatal visits: patients meet in small groups with similar due-dates, receive their medical check-ups and screenings, then remain together for discussion, education and peer support rather than having only individual visits.
Details and Context
- At A Woman’s Place, the Centering Pregnancy model brings together about 12 expectant mothers for 10 sessions, each typically lasting around 90 minutes to 2 hours, until the estimated due date.
- Each session begins with the usual medical assessment (weight, blood pressure, fetal heart rate), then moves into facilitated group discussion, education (nutrition, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding) and interaction with peers.
- The program is offered without extra cost and counts as standard prenatal visits—so insurance covers it as usual.
- Eligibility: most women with low-risk pregnancies are invited; the provider reviews suitability.
Why is it a Trending Topic in Obstetrics?
Direct answer:
Because emerging evidence and patient feedback indicate that group prenatal care improves maternal engagement, supports better birth outcomes and meets modern patient expectations for community and empowerment—not just clinical visits.
Key Drivers
- Improved engagement – Women attending group sessions are more likely to attend all prenatal visits.
- Peer support & mental health – Pregnancy can feel isolating; being among a cohort builds trust and reduces stress.
- Extended provider time – Instead of a rushed 15-minute visit, the group model gives more time per session, deeper education and stronger relationships.
- Better outcomes – Some studies report lower preterm birth rates and higher breastfeeding rates among participants. For example, the A Woman’s Place information page notes that: “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.”
- Alignment with patient-centered care movement – Expectant mothers increasingly value choice, community, and holistic support rather than only clinical visits.
What Does A Woman’s Place Offer in This Model?
Direct answer:
At A Woman’s Place, expectant mothers can join the Centering Pregnancy program, combining medical check-ups, ultrasound care, group education and peer community—delivered by their experienced OB/GYN team.
Features of their service:
- Dedicated location: 90 Cypress Way East, Suite 40, Naples, FL 34110 for the group sessions.
- Skilled facilitators: Jessica Fuentes, CNM, and Lori Votapek, APRN lead the sessions.
- Integrated care: Participants still meet the full provider team of A Woman’s Place during their routine checks and ultrasounds.
- Seamless program: No extra cost, same schedule as usual—with extra time built in for the group format.
Benefits from the Patient Perspective
Here are three real testimonials from women cared for at A Woman’s Place that highlight this kind of model and care approach:
“Dr. Heitmann and his team made me feel like a person, not a number. I always felt heard and respected throughout my pregnancy journey.” — Patient Review,
“From my very first visit, the staff at A Woman’s Place made me feel supported and informed. The group sessions helped me connect with other moms and gave me confidence going into labor.” — Patient Review
These testimonials underscore two things: personal, attentive care; and community-oriented prenatal support.
Additional Benefits
- Stronger birth preparation – With extended group time, women report feeling more ready for labor and postpartum challenges.
- More social support – Being part of a cohort of women with similar due dates means friendships, support networks and shared experiences.
- Reduced isolation – The group format can help diminish feelings of anxiety or loneliness, common in pregnancy.
- Potential for better outcomes – More consistent attendance and proactive education mean higher chances of positive outcomes.
Is Group Prenatal Care Right for You?
Direct answer:
If you’re pregnant, have a low-risk pregnancy, and prefer a model that blends medical care with peer-based education and community, the Centering Pregnancy program at A Woman’s Place could be an excellent fit.
Considerations / Checklist
| Question | Yes / No | Notes |
| Is your pregnancy classified as low-risk? | ☐ | If high-risk, typical one-on-one care may be recommended. |
| Do you feel comfortable in a group setting for some visits? | ☐ | Group visits mean sharing time with others. |
| Would you value extra time with your care team and peers? | ☐ | Sessions last longer than traditional visits. |
| Do you want more in-depth education & discussion (nutrition, labor prep, breastfeeding)? | ☐ | The group format supports this. |
| Are you willing to commit to ~10 sessions until your due date? | ☐ | The program involves regular scheduled meetings. |
If you answered “yes” to most of these, this option may align with your preferences.
What to Expect: From Enrollment Through Delivery
Direct answer:
Once you’re enrolled, you’ll join a cohort with similar due dates, attend ~10 group sessions (with medical check-ups built in), participate in discussions and education, then continue with standard obstetric care through delivery—all under the umbrella of A Woman’s Place.
Timeline & Steps
- Initial visit – Your care team confirms eligibility, reviews health history and explains the program.
- Enrollment – You’re placed in a group cohort based on your estimated due date.
- Sessions begin (~16 weeks and onward) – You attend 10 sessions covering health checks, education and peer support.
- Continued individual care – You still receive ultrasound, monitoring and labor planning from your provider team.
- Delivery & postpartum – Your provider team at A Woman’s Place oversees your delivery and postpartum care, with the advantage of your extended preparation through the group model.
Evidence & Outcomes: Why It Works
Direct answer:
Research and patient data show that group prenatal care models like Centering Pregnancy lead to better engagement, higher satisfaction and in some cases lower risk of preterm birth—making them increasingly adopted in modern obstetrics.
Supporting Factors
- The A Woman’s Place Centering page cites that women in the program are “more likely to attend prenatal visits, feel more prepared for birth, and have higher rates of breastfeeding.”
- The increased provider time and peer interaction supports more informed patients and stronger provider-patient relationships.
- Although not all pregnancies qualify, for those who do the program can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, which are known stressors in pregnancy.
Practical Tips for Expecting Mothers Considering This Model
- Ask about eligibility early. Talk with your provider at A Woman’s Place during your first or second trimester about whether Centering Pregnancy is right for you.
- Commit to the schedule. Ensure you understand the dates/times of the sessions and can attend regularly.
- Engage actively. Bring questions, participate in discussions, get to know your peers—it enhances the benefit.
- Keep your personal care appointment schedule. The group model complements, not replaces, your individual medical care.
- Use the peer network. Forming connections with other moms in your cohort can help you through pregnancy, birth and early postpartum.
- Stay flexible. If your pregnancy becomes higher‐risk later, your provider can transition you into appropriate care.
Final Thoughts
The Centering Pregnancy model offered by A Woman’s Place represents a meaningful shift in obstetric care—moving from simply “visits” to a more holistic, community-oriented, educational and empowering experience for expectant mothers. With extended provider time, peer support, and a structured program designed to increase readiness and connection, many women find it transformational. If you’re looking for prenatal care that goes beyond checking boxes and instead builds community, knowledge and confidence, this may be the right choice for you.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation: https://www.awpnaples.com/contact/
Further Reading
Cleveland Clinic – PMDD: clevelandclinic.org
