THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF
Centering CenteringPregnancy®, a group healthcare model designed to enhance prenatal care and education, has been shown to result in a wide range of benefits, including decreased preterm labor, increased birth weight and positive psychosocial effects. A voluntary program, CenteringPregnancy blends educational sessions with monthly exams. A group of eight to 12 moms-to-be with similar due dates meets for 10 two hour sessions, giving patients more time with certified nurse-midwives. After private, individual check-ups, the group members gather to discuss various aspects of pregnancy such as nutrition, exercise, common discom-
support for each other during their pregnancies and af-
forts, breastfeeding, staying safe, labor options, time
ter their babies are born.
management, balancing work with family responsibilities, difficulty adjusting to their new roles, and other fac-
“We primarily look at the physical benefits from Center-
tors that may contribute to depression and anxiety. Fa-
ing, but we are also finding that the psychosocial bene-
thers-to-be are also encouraged to attend the sessions.
fits are significant,” said Peggy Karpenske, RN, manager of Centra Medical Group Women’s Center. “Recent stud-
Being involved in Centering groups encourages rapport
ies have shown that women who participate in Centering
and strong relationships between the nurse-midwives
are more informed and less anxious,” she said, pointing
and their patients because they get to know each other
to a study by the Oregon Health & Science University
on a highly personal level, creating a bond that may not
School of Medicine. The certified nurse-midwives at Cen-
typically develop in the office setting. Women in the Cen-
tra Medical Group Women’s Center have been providing
tering groups create new friendships and provide
Centering groups for almost two years and recently
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Mental Health Matters
