Centering

Today I went to my first pregnancy centering class. The clinic I'm going to because of the insurance I have runs a very different program than what I've been used to. I went in a couple weeks ago for the typical first visit: labs, full physical, and answering a million questions about my life style and family history. The next six appointments are in a class room style group setting conducted by a midwife.  There were 6 expectant mothers in my session, including 2 first time moms. We charted our own weight and blood pressure, then each had a private meeting with the midwife who checked our numbers, asked a few questions, and listened to the baby's heartbeat. We then had a group discussion about nutrition. A lot of it was review, but I did learn a few things and came home with some tools to help me further improve my eating habits. Afterwards they handed out lab orders and assigned ultrasound appointments. There were snacks and I thought everyone was very friendly. I admit that at first I was quite apprehensive about a two hour class with a bunch of strangers and considered it a downgrade from the quick and easy 15 minute monthly check-up I'm accustomed to. It turned out, however, to be a very positive experience. The midwife explained how research has shown an increase in positive birth experiences (fewer pre-term labors, fewer C-sections, healthier moms and babies, less postpartum depression, etc.) by those who participate in a centering program rather than the traditional one on one short nurse/doctor visits. I can totally see why. Knowledge is power, and the amount of information imparted in these classes is by far above and beyond what I received over the course of my first two pregnancies. Granted, I've done this before, so there's obviously less for me to learn than a first-timer, but there's always something to be gained and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have this experience.

And because I don't really have a picture that goes with this topic, here's a shot of my baby, who is so not a baby anymore, taken several weeks ago that never found its way into a post.