CenteringPregnancy: A new approach to prenatal care
Swedish Midwifery & Women’s Health in Ballard is now offering a groundbreaking approach to prenatal care through CenteringPregnancy. The program, which is the only one of its kind in Seattle, brings expecting mothers together for group sessions on all aspects of prenatal care. Soon-to-be moms find companionship and support from other pregnant women in their group as they discuss common pregnancy concerns and plan for their new babies.
About the Sessions
While traditional Lamaze classes don’t start until about two months before the baby’s due date, Centering sessions, composed of about eight to 12 women, start early in the pregnancy. The two-hour meetings are initially held every four weeks and increase to every two weeks as the pregnancy progresses. At the beginning of each session, women help each other measure and record vitals such as weight and blood pressure. Each woman has a short individual time with the midwife, then all participants come together with the nurse-midwife and discuss various subjects, including nutrition, common pregnancy discomforts, infant care, breastfeeding and postpartum issues.
Benefits of Group Care
The CenteringPregnancy program is a proven model of effective care. Studies show that group prenatal care reduces premature births, increases breastfeeding and enhances psychosocial outcomes. This can be attributed to the combination of education, support and knowledge that participants gain in a group atmosphere.
Contact Us
CenteringPregnancy is open to all women with low-risk pregnancies. For more information or to schedule a free pregnancy consultation, call Swedish Midwifery & Women’s Health at 206-781-6080.
Contact Information
Midwifery & Women's Health
5350 Tallman Ave. N.W.Tallman Building, Suite 420
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-781-6080
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Find out about our Centering Pregnancy program.
