CenteringPregnancy^®and CenteringParenting^® Programs

CenteringPregnancy and CenteringParenting are forms of group care that provide at least 10 times the amount of time with your provider.

With CenteringPregnancy, patients come together in groups of 8-12 to provide support to each other and engage in discussion with their obstetrical provider. Each visit is 90 minutes to two hours, and combines the usual health assessments, followed by a discussion between patients and providers – a period to “circle up.” The facilitated discussions are driven by moms, and cover topics ranging from pregnancy development to nutrition and birth control. Depending on the specific group, moms can be at a variety of points in the pregnancy, or together at the same point. CenteringPregnancy programs have reduced pre-term births, one of the leading causes of infant mortality, by upwards of 47% nationwide.

Centering Parenting programs focus on providing mothers the support they need with their child(ren) for the first year after they give birth. In this group setting of no more than 6-8 parents, attendees engage in a group discussion on topics such as stress management, nutrition, family planning, safe sleep and more. At each visit, attendees are encouraged to bring their child for individual well visits.

Centering Programs at Summa Health

Summa Health has been providing this model of care for nearly a decade and has pioneered adopting this model of care for different populations. We currently have specialized programs geared toward mothers at risk for preterm delivery and addiction. We also have groups for low-risk pregnancies as well. Benefits include:

• More time with your physician or nurse-midwife
• Opportunity for socialization
• Opportunity for peer-support
• Increased convenience 

Program Locations