Centering: Group Prenatal Care at Austin Area Birthing Center
Centering Group Prenatal Care is a unique model of care offered at Austin Area Birthing Center. It combines traditional one-on-one checkups with group sessions focused on education and peer support.
This approach provides expected families with personalized midwifery care while fostering connections and offering valuable insights through group discussions. For many, it is a comprehensive and supportive way to prepare for childbirth and parenting.
Why choose Centering Group Prenatal Care?
Centering provides benefits beyond what traditional prenatal care offers.
Traditional prenatal care involves one-on-one meetings with your midwife, whereas with centering, you meet other expecting families in the same situation as you. It allows you to build relationships with other parents, receive comprehensive childbirth education, and gain support.
Who is a good fit for Centering Group Prenatal Care?
Centering Group Prenatal Care is ideal for those who value a sense of community and want to learn from others navigating similar stages of pregnancy. It is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of childbirth and newborn care.
Participants often form lasting connections with others in their group. We have groups that still meet once every two or three months, years after completing their Centering. On the other hand, we have parents who return for their subsequent pregnancies to discuss toddler care and how to transition from one to two babies.
How we ensure individual care in a group setting
Each Centering session begins with a private, one-on-one appointment with a midwife. During this time, your midwife will check the baby’s heartbeat, measure your belly, and answer any specific questions or concerns.
Following the individual checkup, you will join a group session where various topics are discussed. These sessions cover important aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting to make sure you are well-prepared for the journey ahead.
How does the Centering schedule work?
The schedule is carefully designed to align with the stages of pregnancy. Appointments are initially scheduled every four weeks, and then every two weeks as you approach 36 weeks. Additional individual appointments are available for those who need extra support, such as those dealing with a difficult pregnancy.
If you’re interested in Centering Group Prenatal Care, contact us today to learn more or to join an upcoming group or send us a message!