We offer prenatal care in group sessions, with 10-12 women (and their partners), who are due to have their babies around the same time as you. In each group session, you will have some private time with the doctor/midwife for a “baby and mom” check-up. The groups are led by the same doctor or midwife, along with our community health nurse. Sessions also include videos and guest speakers (nutritionist, physiotherapist, doulas, etc), followed by group discussions.
Childbirth education is also included in these sessions, and you will have a chance to talk about your pregnancy, birth plans, and learn how to care for your baby. The group setting is a great chance to hear that other women are experiencing the same things you are! This model of care is based on the Centering Pregnancy (CP) concept, established in 1994 by a U.S. midwife, Sharon Schindler Rising. Incorporating assessment, support, and education, the program alters routine prenatal care by bringing women out of exam rooms and into groups for their care. This concept has been so successful that it has recently morphed into the Centering Healthcare Institute, promoting group care across the life cycle. For more information about this innovative healthcare model and training opportunities, read more about Centering Pregnancy
The CP group meets regularly for 2 hours at the same time and day throughout your pregnancy. Since you know well ahead of time when your group will meet, you can plan your schedule around these dates and times. There are 10 sessions in total covering:
- Healthy nutrition for pregnancy
- Exercise during pregnancy
- Tips for a healthy and comfortable pregnancy
- Relaxation and comfort measures for labour
- The stages of labour
- The birth experience
- Interventions and pain relief during labour
- Breastfeeding
- Newborn care
- Parenting issues
- Sharing birth stories
Many women and their partners choose to join one of our CP groups. If you decide to join, you will attend regular meetings monthly and then twice a month throughout your pregnancy. CP groups are held in the evenings and during the day.
