Great Expectations: Centering

So you've already heard that I'm taking part in a form of pregnancy care known as "centering". I know I had never heard of this model of care until now and the name to me seemed very zen and somewhat strange to tell you the truth, so let me share some of my findings that encouraged me to take part in this model of care rather than the more traditional. 

At first I thought I wanted to simply go the traditional route, especially with how crazy things had been starting out in the pregnancy experience, but my midwife encouraged me to think about it since I was new to Boston and it would provide a group of women who could share in a similar experience at the same time, which could provide support and community. Then at an early pregnancy class I attended it was discussed again and I was especially intrigued by the fact that research found it to be the most successful model of care.  So I took the plunge and signed up for centering. I can always go back to the traditional model of care if it's not a good fit and if anything goes awry in the pregnancy then I would need to go back to that traditional model. I'll let you know how I like it.

"CENTERING PREGNANCY OVERVIEW"

CenteringPregnancy is a multifaceted model of group care that integrates the three major components of care: health assessment, education, and support, into a unified program within a group setting. Eight to twelve women with similar gestational ages meet together, learning care skills, participating in a facilitated discussion, and developing a support network with other group members. Each Pregnancy group meets for a total of 10 sessions throughout pregnancy and early postpartum. The practitioner, within the group space, completes standard physical health assessments.

Through this unique model of care, women are empowered to choose health-promoting behaviors. Health outcomes for pregnancies, specifically increased birth weight and gestational age of mothers that deliver preterm, and the satisfaction expressed by both the women and their providers, support the effectiveness of this model for the delivery of care.

CenteringPregnancy groups provide a dynamic atmosphere for learning and sharing that is impossible to create in a one-to-one encounter. Hearing other women share concerns which mirror their own helps the woman to normalize the whole experience of pregnancy. Groups also are empowering as they provide support to the members and also increase individual motivation to learn and change. Professionals report that groups provide them with renewed satisfaction in delivering quality care.

Has anyone else out there experienced this model of care? How did you like it? I'd be curious to hear from you, so please post your comments.