News
New Innovative Pregnancy Program
Posted on: 12/29/2009
Beginning in February 2010 at our James St. location, Associates for Women’s Medicine is excited to offer an alternative method of pregnancy care. 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 (in place of traditional 1 on 1 appointments) 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. Listed below are just some of the benefits of CenteringPregnancy®:
- Patient’s have no wait time
- Care is provided for 90-120 minutes, the whole time they are here
- Increased patient education
- Increased patient knowledge regarding pregnancy, birth, and parenting
- Support network developed within the group
- Decreased preterm birth
- Increased breastfeeding
- Increased partner support
- Increased return for well-woman exam
- Increased participation in well-child 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.
To register for our February class, or if you have any questions, please call any AWM office or discuss with your provider at your next scheduled visit.
Please visit www.centeringhealthcare.org for more information.
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