Expecting a baby can be an exciting time in a woman's life. For active-duty military members and Family Members, that joy can sometimes be overshadowed by being far away from home or having a deployed spouse.
But with CenteringPregnancy, a program offered by the Fort Drum OB/GYN, expectant moms don't have to go through the process alone.
CenteringPregnancy offers traditional prenatal care, which includes routine health check-ups, but it also includes additional time in a group setting. During this time, women meet with their provider and about eight to 10 other women whose babies are due around the same time. Groups meet 10 times during a pregnancy and cover a different topic during each session.
The group covers topics such as nutrition; common pregnancy discomforts, birth control options, breast feeding, a tour of labor and delivery, newborn care and post-partum depression, according to Maj. Deborah Kaiser, Fort Drum OB/GYN midwife and CenteringPregnancy facilitator.
"This is a great option, because sometimes we have single moms who have no Family or support here, and we also have moms whose husbands are deployed," Kaiser said. "So this gives them an opportunity to meet other people in the area going through the same thing."
Danielle Mielke, expectant mom and spouse of an active-duty service member, chose CenteringPregnancy for that very reason.
"I was told it was a very supportive environment, and I thought that would be great," Mielke said. "Being a military Family, I am far from everyone I know back home, so that was a big plus for me."
She added that as a nursing student studying labor and delivery, she had a desire to learn as much as she could about the birthing process. CenteringPregnancy provided that option as it is a class-like environment, where she can ask a lot of questions and not feel rushed.
While a typical prenatal appointment lasts about 20 minutes, CenteringPregnancy sessions last two hours on average. In addition, women see the same provider for their entire pregnancy with CenteringPregnancy.
"Having the same provider for the whole pregnancy provides cohesive care for the woman," Kaiser said. "If she has a problem, I know about it, and she doesn't have to explain it a bunch of times to different people."
CenteringPregnancy isn't for everyone, but Kaiser recommends expectant moms give the program a try before ruling it out.
"Just give it a try," she said. "If you realize it isn't for you, then you can choose to go back to regular appointments."
Kaiser stressed that this program provides an opportunity for expectant mothers to learn more about what they are going through.
"You can learn more when you are in this kind of environment, because we have more time to teach. As a midwife, my job is to teach," Kaiser said. "Sometimes in regular appointments we don't have that extra time."
Women can still expect some one-on-one time during CenteringPregnancy. During each visit, each baby's heartbeat is checked and additional screening is conducted as needed throughout the pregnancy.
"Sometimes people feel that when they are in a group setting they won't get any individual time, but they do," Kaiser said. "When they are in the room and have something personal tell me, they can do it during the time I am checking the baby's heartbeat or they can ask me to stay after the class to talk to them. So you still get your individual time, with the extra benefit of getting the education."
"I was concerned about the group setting at first, because I am a little modest," Mielke said. "But once I got in here, (I) saw how welcoming it was and how great (Maj. Kaiser) is -- she really puts you at ease."
CenteringPregnancy provides a way for women to be more involved with their health care. During each visit, the women take their own blood pressure and weight.
"When you're more involved, you're more apt to make more changes and keep yourself focused," Kaiser said.
Mielke said she would recommend this program to other women.
"I would absolutely recommend this program to someone. It's a comforting environment, it is very nurturing and very family-oriented," she said.
If you think you are pregnant, you must see your primary care manager at Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic before making an appointment at OB/GYN. To make an appointment, call the appointment line at 772-2778, or visit TRICARE Online.
For more additional information on the CenteringPregnancy program, contact Fort Drum OB/GYN at 785-4624.
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