Aloha … from BetheHospital gives birth to new prenatal care model
RANDOLPH, Feb. 11, 2009 – Many women still remember the families they met in birthing class, where bonds formed and knowledge was gained from common circumstance, worry and joy.
Now hospitals like Gifford Medical Center in Randolph are bringing that method of care to mothers-to-be even earlier in pregnancy through group prenatal care.
Beginning next month, Gifford will join a national trend and offer what is known as “Centering,” or Centering Pregnancy.
The program joins interested women with similar due dates in a small group setting for their prenatal care. Participants each start with a traditional office visit and then ideally join the group around 14-16 weeks of pregnancy.
Early group meetings are monthly for two hours and then increase to twice monthly later in pregnancy. Each group session includes time for private assessment, snacks and socializing, and discussing topics important to participants.
“Women have opportunities to discuss their experiences and challenges and to work together with their health care provider to find solutions,” says Gifford ob/gyn Dr. Gailyn Thomas, noting the method has a proven record of success. “Studies comparing group prenatal care to traditional prenatal care have shown a decrease in premature delivery as well as higher satisfaction among participants.”
Dr. Ellamarie Russo-DeMara, Gifford Ob/Gyn and Midwifery associate medical director and chairwoman, first began exploring the idea of Centering at Gifford in 2006.
“When we learned about the Centering concept, we felt it was a meaningful way for our patients to form bonds and foster relationships while obtaining quality care,” Dr. Russo-DeMara says.
Gifford is a critical access hospital in a rural region of Vermont. Its Birthing Center is known throughout the state for its pioneering approach to low-intervention, hospital-based births.
“Often moms can feel isolated, particularly in the rural areas we serve,” Dr. Russo-DeMara says. “Centering works well with Gifford’s philosophy of low intervention, collaboration of staff and engaging patients to advocate for themselves. The patients will learn about their pregnancy and engage in their care while having an opportunity to meet and interact with many of the providers and birth center team.”
Gifford’s Centering program will be co-facilitated by Nancy Clark, a lactation consultant and certified childbirth educator, and by Gifford’s four certified nurse midwives. The program will introduce women to what the Gifford birthing team calls its “family-centered care” philosophy.
“Centering is a great way to highlight the team members involved in providing prenatal labor and birth care. It’s a way to include midwives, physicians, nurses, pediatricians and lactation consultants in a very tangible and cohesive fashion,” says Tanya Waters, a Gifford certified nurse midwife.
Ob/gyns, pediatricians, a dietitian and experts such as Clark are slated to interact with the group during the prenatal care sessions. The beauty of that, says Waters, is “they’re a part of your care from the very beginning.”
Breastfeeding, which might not be discussed until later in pregnancy or just following a baby’s birth, for example, will be part of each group meeting, says Clark, and pediatric care will become seamless with pregnancy.
Mothers-to-be will also get “really good and consistent information,” Clark says, and questions asked by one will provide answers to all.
“I think it’s absolutely building that support network in a small group, so that there will be a chance for relationships to be developed all through the pregnancy,” Clark says.
It’s a method she’s seen work time and time again. She teaches childbirth classes at Gifford and leads a weekly New Parents Group for parents (mostly mothers) and infants that’s so popular participants show up no matter what the weather and frequently want to stay with the group long after their children have left infancy.
“I know what people get out of childbirth classes and I know what people get out of the New Parents Group,” Clark says, “and this is just carrying this down the road of getting this support earlier.”
Gifford’s program is the only like it in the central Vermont and Upper Valley regions. According to the Connecticut-based Centering Healthcare Institute, only two other sites in Vermont, both in the northern part of the state, and three southern New Hampshire sites offer CenteringPregnancy.
Gifford’s program begins in March for women with August due dates. Sessions then follow for women due in September, October and November. All sessions are currently planned on Mondays at the hospital in Randolph. Call Gifford Ob/Gyn and Midwifery at 728-2401 to sign-up.
Learn lots more about Centering online at centeringhealthcare.org.
Go to the Birthing Center page >>