Centering Pregnancy
You can choose the type of maternity care that suits you best: “individual care”, where you come in on your own (or with your partner) for a short check-up, or a combination with more extensive group care, “Centering Pregnancy”.
Vivre has been offering Centering Pregnancy since mid-2023. The groups are led by midwife Annelies or Nicole, together with a second facilitator. They have completed additional training specifically for this programme. The pregnant women who have received their maternity care in this way have been very enthusiastic about the experience, and so are we!
What is Centering Pregnancy?
Centering Pregnancy is a programme that combines medical check-ups with information about pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences with women who are due to give birth around the same time.
You will form a group with a number of other pregnant women, with a maximum of 10 participants. Since you are all at roughly the same stage of pregnancy, you will often have a lot in common. You can share experiences, support one another and exchange tips.
Your initial consultation, ultrasound scans and weekly check-ups towards the end of your pregnancy will still take place individually with a midwife. In between these appointments, there are 10 group sessions according to a set schedule: 9 during pregnancy and 1 after the birth. The sessions always take place on the same day of the week and at the same time, so you will know well in advance when they are scheduled. The first 3 sessions take place every 4 weeks, followed by sessions every 2 weeks.
You will form a group with a number of other pregnant women, with a maximum of 10 participants. Since you are all at roughly the same stage of pregnancy, you will often have a lot in common. You can share experiences, support one another and exchange tips.
Your initial consultation, ultrasound scans and weekly check-ups towards the end of your pregnancy will still take place individually with a midwife. In between these appointments, there are 10 group sessions according to a set schedule: 9 during pregnancy and 1 after the birth. The sessions always take place on the same day of the week and at the same time, so you will know well in advance when they are scheduled. The first 3 sessions take place every 4 weeks, followed by sessions every 2 weeks.
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Session
Each session lasts 2 hours. During the first 30 minutes, you measure your own blood pressure, weigh yourself and record the results in your personal file. The midwife performs an abdominal examination on each pregnant woman and listens to the baby’s heartbeat. These checks take place privately in the same room, and if you wish, your partner or another person accompanying you may be present. Once we begin the rest of the session, however, it is just the pregnant women and facilitators.
Each session focuses on a specific topic, which is explored in greater depth. There is also plenty of room for input from the group. Together, you decide which topics you would like to explore further, so you have an active role. Listening to other people’s questions can also be very informative! The sessions are not just about talking; there are also various exercises and activities that make them lively and engaging.
The very last session takes place after everyone in the group has given birth, and of course all the babies are welcome to come along. How lovely is that – all the women together with their babies!
Each session focuses on a specific topic, which is explored in greater depth. There is also plenty of room for input from the group. Together, you decide which topics you would like to explore further, so you have an active role. Listening to other people’s questions can also be very informative! The sessions are not just about talking; there are also various exercises and activities that make them lively and engaging.
The very last session takes place after everyone in the group has given birth, and of course all the babies are welcome to come along. How lovely is that – all the women together with their babies!
Scientific research
Research in the United States shows that Centering Pregnancy leads to better outcomes. For example, fewer babies are born prematurely. Pregnancy outcomes in the Netherlands are also better. For example, we have seen:
less need for interventions to stimulate labour
less use of pain medication during labour
more women starting breastfeeding
fewer referrals during pregnancy.
Research also shows that most women greatly appreciate this type of care. The person who developed Centering Care has already received several awards for this work.
Would you like to learn more about Centering and its scientifically proven benefits? Take a look here and here.
If you are interested or have any questions, please let us know as soon as possible, as places are limited!
Research in the United States shows that Centering Pregnancy leads to better outcomes. For example, fewer babies are born prematurely. Pregnancy outcomes in the Netherlands are also better. For example, we have seen:
less need for interventions to stimulate labour
less use of pain medication during labour
more women starting breastfeeding
fewer referrals during pregnancy.
Research also shows that most women greatly appreciate this type of care. The person who developed Centering Care has already received several awards for this work.
Would you like to learn more about Centering and its scientifically proven benefits? Take a look here and here.
If you are interested or have any questions, please let us know as soon as possible, as places are limited!
Frequently asked questions about Centering Pregnancy
1. How do I arrange this with my employer? By law, you are entitled to take time off work for pregnancy-related care.
2. Will what I share remain confidential within the group? Of course, the midwives leading the group are bound by professional confidentiality. The participants also agree among themselves what can and cannot be shared outside the group. You are, of course, free to share only what you feel comfortable sharing. If you would like to discuss something privately with your midwife, we can schedule an additional appointment during regular clinic hours.
3. Can my partner attend the sessions? Your partner and other people accompanying you are very welcome, but only during the first 30 minutes when the check-ups take place. There is a special session for partners and support persons focusing on labour and the postpartum period. In addition to these group sessions, the initial consultation, ultrasound scans and check-ups during the final weeks of pregnancy remain individual appointments. Your partner or another support person is very welcome to attend these individual appointments.
4. Are there any additional costs for this type of care? No. Centering Pregnancy care is covered as standard by the basic health insurance.
1. How do I arrange this with my employer? By law, you are entitled to take time off work for pregnancy-related care.
2. Will what I share remain confidential within the group? Of course, the midwives leading the group are bound by professional confidentiality. The participants also agree among themselves what can and cannot be shared outside the group. You are, of course, free to share only what you feel comfortable sharing. If you would like to discuss something privately with your midwife, we can schedule an additional appointment during regular clinic hours.
3. Can my partner attend the sessions? Your partner and other people accompanying you are very welcome, but only during the first 30 minutes when the check-ups take place. There is a special session for partners and support persons focusing on labour and the postpartum period. In addition to these group sessions, the initial consultation, ultrasound scans and check-ups during the final weeks of pregnancy remain individual appointments. Your partner or another support person is very welcome to attend these individual appointments.
4. Are there any additional costs for this type of care? No. Centering Pregnancy care is covered as standard by the basic health insurance.
In brief: the benefits
In brief
Benefits of Centering Pregnancy
- Individual initial consultation, ultrasound scans and check-ups during the final weeks of pregnancy
- Midwifery care in a group of pregnant women who are due to give birth around the same time (maximum 10 participants)
- 10 two-hour sessions instead of 15-minute check-ups, including one session after the birth
- Partners are welcome during the first 30 minutes of each session
- Individual contact with the midwife during the abdominal examination
- A different topic is explored interactively during each session
- Sharing experiences and learning from one another
Benefits of Centering Pregnancy
- 17 hours more care compared to individual midwifery care
- A fixed day and time, known in advance until the end of your pregnancy
- More active involvement in your own care
- More topics covered in greater depth
- Plenty of time and space for all your questions and concerns
- Learn from other women while also sharing your own knowledge and experiences with the group
- Support one another and build connections with women going through the same stage of life
- Better pregnancy outcomes, as demonstrated by scientific research
