Centering Session Ideas and Contents

CenteringPregnancy®: Essential Elements

Below are what are considered to be the “Essential Elements” of CenteringPregnancy, with a brief description of the significance of each element.  These function as the guiding precepts that make prenatal care conducted in a group setting “Centering”. 

1.         Health assessment occurs within the group space

             Normalizes pregnancy and prenatal care

2.         Participants are involved in self-care activities

            Promotes sense of self-efficacy

3.         A facilitative leadership style is used

             Promotes sense of self-efficacy, supports community building

4.         The group is conducted in a circle

             Supports open, non-hierarchical communications

5.         Each session has an overall plan

             There is an agenda for each session

6.         Attention is given to the core content, although emphasis may vary

              The facilitative leadership model supports flexibility in discussion content, as        dictated by the needs of the group

7.         There is stability of group leadership

            Group leaders (a provider/non-provider team) become trusted members of the group

8.         Group conduct honors the contributions of each member

             Creating a safe group environment supports group cohesion and learning

9.         The composition of the group is stable, but not rigid

           Supports community-building and development of trust among participants

10.       Group size is optimal to promote the process

           8-12 pregnant participants are recommended; supports optimal engagement by participants, sustainable use of staff

11.       Involvement of family support people is optional

           Support people included as determined by site

12.       Opportunity for socializing within the group is provided

             Supports community-building

13.       There is ongoing evaluation of outcomes

             Given challenges inherent in prenatal care system redesign, supports sustainability

Adapted from materials developed by the Centering Healthcare Institute (used with permission).