Pregnancy is more than a series of appointments. It’s a time of growth, preparation, and connection. At Amplify Health, our CenteringPregnancy program brings together expectant mothers with similar due dates to receive prenatal care, share experiences, and build a supportive community throughout pregnancy. We spoke with Stephanie Rodman Agbejule, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner, to learn more about the benefits of CenteringPregnancy and how the program supports mothers and families.
For someone who has never heard of CenteringPregnancy, what is the program and how does it differ from traditional prenatal care?
Centering group prenatal care is an enhanced model that consists of 10 scheduled prenatal visits. Visits last 90 minutes to 2 hours, allowing participants to have additional time with their provider. During each session, moms are more involved with their own health by obtaining their weight and blood pressure before having one-on-one time for belly checks and addressing personal concerns.
What are the biggest benefits of participating in CenteringPregnancy for expectant mothers?
Building connections with other mothers, gaining confidence during their pregnancy, and having additional time with a provider are the biggest benefits.
How does the group setting allow mothers to receive more education, support, and connection throughout their pregnancy?
Visits last longer than a traditional visit, allowing us to discuss nutrition, preterm and labor signs, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum health.
What topics and resources are covered during CenteringPregnancy sessions that can help mothers to feel more prepared for birth and parenthood?
We discuss signs of labor, delivery plans, postpartum care, and birth control options. They also receive information on nutrition, preterm labor, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum health/appointments. Education includes handouts, activities, and demonstrations.
How does connecting with other mothers who have similar due dates benefit expectant mothers during pregnancy?
It can decrease anxiety by having a support system that is experiencing similar symptoms, challenges, and fears. It’s our hope that the relationships can last after the Centering program is completed.
What kind of support can mothers receive through the program beyond their routine prenatal care?
They can build lasting friendships and assistance/trust with their providers, which may expand to the next pregnancy.
How does CenteringPregnancy create a space where mothers can ask questions, share concerns, and learn from one another?
We create an environment that allows mothers to address topics that are important to their daily lives, and we allow the mothers to bring their partners. The goal is that they truly feel empowered during their pregnancy.
What would you say to an expectant mother who is deciding between traditional prenatal care and joining a CenteringPregnancy group?
I would say give it a try for 1-2 sessions. It has proven to be beneficial for healthy outcomes for mothers and babies. They receive more in-depth education and resources without additional cost.
Why should an expectant mother consider joining CenteringPregnancy at Amplify Health, and what do you hope she takes away from the experience?
They should join to experience an enhanced care model that equips them with tools to thrive during the most important times in their lives. We are here as advocates to prevent the risk of preterm births and most importantly, to reduce the risk of maternal mortality for Black women, as they are three times as likely to die from pregnancy—related causes during childbirth. Most of the causes are preventable. We want to do our part by improving health outcomes by reducing disparities within our communities.
At the end of the program, what do you hope every mother takes away from her CenteringPregnancy experience?
I hope they are able to build confidence, establish tools to help support their journey and care for the newborn, and share knowledge with others.
