Centering Pregnancy

Group-based Prenatal Care

You can choose between individual check-ups with the midwife or group-based prenatal care. This means you will have group meetings with other pregnant women who are about the same stage in their pregnancy as you. During these group meetings, medical check-ups are performed (in a separate room), followed by group discussions on topics that are important to you. These topics can include questions about nutrition during pregnancy, pregnancy discomforts, labor, your thoughts on parenting, things causing you stress, and how you plan to approach parenthood together. During the meeting, your needs and preferences are central. You can ask any questions and share knowledge and experiences with the midwife and other pregnant women. All information related to pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and parenting will be discussed during these meetings.

Research on the effects of the Centering method has been ongoing for years, and all the findings are positive. Studies have shown that Centering Pregnancy, compared to individual care during the first pregnancy, leads to:

• Less induction during labor
• Less pain medication during labor
• More breastfeeding initiation
• Fewer referrals during pregnancy

Women who participated in Centering care also reported:

• More support
• Feeling better prepared for the future
• Feeling more involved in their care
• That their pain management preferences were better discussed.

By choosing Centering Pregnancy, you receive 17 extra hours of care compared to individual check-ups with a midwife.

What does Centering Pregnancy look like?

If you choose Centering Pregnancy, group meetings will take place at a fixed time, agreed upon at the start of your pregnancy. There are 8 group meetings during the pregnancy and one meeting 6 weeks after childbirth. There will also be one meeting with partners to discuss labor. Each meeting lasts two hours. The group consists of 6-8 pregnant women, all at a similar stage of pregnancy. During the first half-hour, medical check-ups will be conducted for you and the baby (in a separate room), and you are welcome to bring someone along to listen to the heartbeat. Afterward, the group meeting continues. (Fun) ultrasounds will take place separately from the group meetings.

Did you know that by law, your employer must give you time off for these meetings?

Meetings are held at our location on Rembrandtlaan 137, 3117VH in Schiedam. Interested? Sign up at: info@verloskundigcentrumschiedam.nl.

Get to know us first?

We understand that you want to know who you choose as your midwifery care provider during this life changing event. You are therefore very welcome for a no-obligation introduction! Contact us.