Centering Pregnancy

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We are proud to be the first in southern Oregon to offer the CenteringPregnancy® model for prenatal care. CenteringPregnancy® takes prenatal care out of the exam room and into a group education and support setting.

Centering is a rewarding way for women to participate in their own care and for providers to have a dynamic partnership with their patients. Group participants spend more time with their provider and with other expectant mothers, giving them an opportunity to learn together and from each other.

CenteringPregnancy® groups provide a dynamic atmosphere that is impossible to create in a one-on-one encounter. Hearing others share concerns that mirror their own helps women normalize the experience of pregnancy. Groups are empowering as they provide support to the members and also increase individual motivation to learn and change.

This innovative approach has been shown to reduce preterm birth, increase breastfeeding rates, and enhance a mother’s pregnancy and birth experience.

The program covers the following topics:

• Early pregnancy concerns, including adjusting to pregnancy and fetal development
• Comfort measures and stress reduction
• Exercise and relaxation
• Dangers of substance abuse and information about referral services
• Breastfeeding education
• Nutrition for pregnancy and during lactation and infant feeding
• Oral health
• Birth preparation and recovery
• Personal and relationship issues, including sexuality, self-esteem, and communication
• Postpartum issues, including contraception and depression
• Communication and partnership skills
• Caring for baby, including child safety and tips for coping with fussy babies
• Infant development education
• Parenting techniques

Participants enjoy these benefits:

• Develop a community of friends who can share joys and concerns
• Engage in creative problem solving with providers and each other
• Learn in a fun and interesting manner
• Communicate with providers in a relaxed and comfortable environment
• Have the time to become emotionally and physically prepared for parenting