In traditional prenatal care, women only see their provider for about two hours before giving birth. We believe that women should be able to have more care, education, and support than what can be fit into that traditional two hours of time, which is why we have started a CenteringPregnancy™ program at the Family Health Clinic.

Learn more about what CenteringPregnancy™ is and why you or a pregnant woman you know should consider joining.

The CenteringPregnancy™ Program

The CenteringPregnancy™ program is transforming prenatal care and taking it into the future. The program bring 8-12 pregnant women together for routine prenatal care. As this program grows, we hope to have multiple groups of women meeting at the Family Health Clinic. During the program, you’ll have ~10 visits is between 90 minutes to two hours long, giving you nearly ten times as much time with your provider than you would have with traditional prenatal care.

This is a national program that we’re implementing at the Family Health Clinic. Over 585 sites around the nation provide Centering groups, and we are proud to now be one of them.We’re starting this because the program has shown to bring about better birth outcomes and high patient satisfaction. We’re working with Centering consultants to help make this happen for our community.

What to Expect From a CenterPregnancy™ Meeting

There are three main things you can expect from the CenteringPregnancy™ program – your health assessment, interactive learning, and a safe community. During the program visit, you will engage in your care by taking your weight and blood pressure, recording your own health data, and having private time with your provider for a belly check. If you need an exam or have issues that require additional privacy, you will be seen in an exam room outside the Centering appointment. This active participation makes you more aware of your results and what it means to your health and your baby’s health.

The remaining time is a facilitated discussion on health topics related to your pregnancy. The group learns from your provider and also from one another.

Main Benefits of the CenteringPregnancy™ Program

As stated in the Centering program’s FAQs, there are several main reasons to join this program.

1. Extended time with your healthcare team

Each visit is 2 hours long, and you have an opportunity for individual, private time with your provider and time for discussions and activities with the group.

2. No waiting

This program has been designed to respect your time. When you arrive, you’ll go right to the Centering room to get started, and groups start and end on time.

3. Self-care

One of the core elements of the Centering program is that participants are involved in their care. It’s been found that participants have a better understanding, appreciation, and recall of their health information when they actively participate in this way.

4. Interactive learning

This isn’t a class you’re taking. You won’t hear a lecture. You’ll be exploring the topics that matter most to you in a way that is fun, engaging, and in a group setting. You’ll be empowered to share and learn from others in your group.

5. Community building

We are learning more and more about the benefits of social support and community in protecting pregnant women and babies from unnecessary stress (CenteringPregnancy). Throughout your time in this group, you’ll notice that a special community will develop. Those relationships can extend long past the scheduled visits into lasting friendships and support systems.

Questions about CenteringPregnancy™ ?

Click here to download a CenteringPregnancy™ Frequently Asked Question PDF that will give you the answers to the following questions:

• How is my privacy protected in a group setting?
• What is the cost of this type of care?
• I am not sure I can leave my job for a two-hour appointment.
• I have problems with childcare. May I bring my older children to my group visits?
• I’m afraid that my provider won’t really get to know me in a group setting.
• Can my partner or other support person attend my groups with me?
• What if someone is sick?
• I won’t feel comfortable sharing information in a group setting.
• Two hours seems like a long time for a healthcare visit. What happens during the two hours?
• Will I still get my ultrasounds and lab tests that I expect in prenatal care?
• What about my child’s immunizations?
• Is this something new?
• Is Centering for everyone?

CenteringPregnancy™ Details

This program will begin at our Delphi location, but we hope to eventually roll the program out at our other locations. Meetings will be on Tuesdays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. This is an ongoing program, and you can join at any point during your pregnancy.

During your first two trimesters, you’ll come every four weeks, and after that you’ll attend bi-weekly until delivery. You can register during any trimester though and begin the program where you are. All information shared inside the group will be confidential, as each person signs a confidentiality agreement. Also, no one is ever pressured to disclose personal concerns.

You are encouraged to bring your partner or support person, as they will benefit from being a part of the group too! We do as that you bring the same person to each session for continuity and confidentiality.

Registering for CenteringPregnancy™

If you or someone you know wants to register, either notify your Family Health Clinic provider or contact the Family Health Clinic at 800 321-5043 and ask about the program. You’ll have to be a Family Health Clinic patient to participate in the program.

CenteringPregnancy™ Fees

This program is counted as prenatal care that should be covered by your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, it will be based upon a sliding fee scale we offer, just like any other prenatal visit. If you have questions regarding your insurance or the sliding fee scale, our Financial Assistance team can help you. Call 800 321-5043 and ask to speak to our Insurance Navigators, Barb or Antoinette.

Learn More About CenteringPregnancy™

Keep watch for more information on the official launch of the program in July. You can also talk to your Family Health Clinic provider to learn about enrollment. Call 800 321-5043 to learn more!