Wisconsin programs

• We’re improving the health of babies in our state.
• Our programs support moms-to-be and professionals.
• We offer comfort to families with a newborn in intensive care.

The March of Dimes recognizes CenteringPregnancy® as an evidence based, effective prenatal care model.

CenteringPregnancy® is a multifaceted group model of care that integrates the three major components of care: health assessment, education, and support, into a unified program within a group setting. Eight to twelve women with similar gestational ages meet together, learning care skills, participating in a facilitated discussion, and developing a support network with other group members.  Each Pregnancy group meets for a set number of sessions throughout pregnancy and early postpartum or through the baby’s first birthday. The practitioner, within the group space, completes standard physical health assessments for women and babies.

Through this unique model of care, women are empowered to choose health-promoting behaviors.  Health outcomes for pregnancies, specifically increased birth weight and gestational age of mothers that deliver preterm, and the satisfaction expressed by both the women and their providers, support the effectiveness of this model for the delivery of care.

CenteringPregnancy® groups provide a dynamic atmosphere for learning and sharing that is impossible to create in a one-to-one encounter.  Hearing other women share concerns which mirror their own helps the woman to normalize the whole experience of pregnancy.  Groups also are empowering as they provide support to the members and also increase individual motivation to learn and change. Professionals report that groups provide them with renewed satisfaction in delivering quality care.

Centering is a concept that is finding strong acceptance by professionals who offer the model and by the women/couples who participate in the program.  It is a model that should be of interest to public and private agencies as well as to independent practitioners and is utilized by midwives, nurse practitioners, and physicians at over 200 sites nationally and internationally.  We encourage any who are interested to explore its potential by contacting out State Director of Program Services, Advocacy & Government Affairs Maureen Kartheiser via email or by calling (414) 203-3118.