Group Prenatal Visits Create Connections, Improve Outcomes June 7, 2023 Pregnant patients have the option of group prenatal visits at Samaritan Obstetrics & Gynecology in Corvallis. With group visits lasting about two hours, parents-to-be will have more time with their care teams and can benefit from the experiences and support of others in their group. “This model of care, known as CenteringPregnancy, has been shown to have a positive impact on people’s pregnancies, birthing experiences and the health of their newborns,” said Certified Nurse Midwife Emily Zeno Yeast, who was instrumental in bringing this program to Samaritan Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2018. “It brings pregnant patients out of the exam room and into a comfortable group setting for their prenatal visits. The supportive group dynamic helps patients and partners develop skills, gain confidence and learn interactively about their pregnancies, labor and delivery and beyond.” The Centering group prenatal visits bring 10 to 12 patients who are due around the same time together for the highest quality of prenatal care. Centering is an innovative, evidence-based model of group care that effectively addresses the complexities of each person’s life that affect their health and well-being, and that of their unborn baby. Each visit is two hours long—giving patients 10 times as much time with their care team, meeting at the same time and with the same care providers at each session. At the beginning of each visit each patient has an individual assessment with their provider in a private area. “Then we explore the topics that matter most in a way that is fun and engaging with the group,” Yeast said. “Everyone benefits from real discussions and learns together as questions are answered. And we know privacy is important, so each person signs a confidentiality agreement, and no one ever is pressured to disclose personal concerns.” The care team is thrilled to restart the program, said Yeast. “All of our midwives and physicians appreciate having this option available for patients,” she said. “CenteringPregnancy is a great way to meet others and have fun learning and talking about all the things that come up during pregnancy!” For more information on Centering group prenatal care, visit centeringhealthcare.org.
