Centering Pregnancy comes to USAHC-SB

By 1st Lt. Jason Kilgore, USAHC-SB Public AffairsMarch 21, 2017

Centering Pregnancy
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII -- To better serve the community, The United States Health Clinic at Schofield Barracks (USAHC-SB) is excited to announce that the "Centering Pregnancy" program is now at Schofield Barracks.

After the first trimester, centering allows women to go through appointments together. Centering helps pregnant women to build a network and support system that lasts through the entire pregnancy. Not only will the patients establish a support system and network, they get ten times the amount of time with the provider when compared to the traditional one-on-one patient to provider visits.

"Patients overwhelmingly express they are glad they opted for centering, saying that this model is more personal than traditional care," said Christine Host, a registered nurse and Centering Pregnancy coordinator.

Overall, we are finding that the women "appreciate the time spent focusing on the pregnancy," added Host. For those that are hesitant from switching from the traditional form of prenatal care to Centering, Host suggests that "a safe option would be to try out the first session and then decide."

Enrollment usually occurs prior to 24 weeks and patients may discontinue the program any time. The program is open to both, military and dependents, who have routine, low risk pregnancies. Each group visit lasts 2 hours with the health care provider guiding the session.

Although this is a group session, patients will still have private time with their provider up to the birth. Patients will be responsible to track their weight and blood pressure. For patients who are looking for a great support system, and close network, throughout their pregnancy, there is no better option. There will always be someone to help throughout the pregnancy. To learn more about Centering Pregnancy, ask about it at your next appointment.

USAHC-SB also offers a large selection of child support services postpartum. Programs such as "breastfeeding basics" and "play mornings" are offered for all military families. There are also programs directed towards new parents. One of the more popular programs is "daddy boot camp".

This program is designed to prepare the new dad for the arrival of their newborn. It is a class taught by dads, for dads. The class covers caring for mom, teamwork, crying babies, dad's bag of tricks, safety, postpartum adjustments, dad's role as the "protector" and much more.

The U.S. Air Force Center of Excellence for Medical Multimedia's website, "Pregnancy A to Z", at http://www.pregnancyatoz.org, as well as associated apps also provide great resources for expecting parents.

To see what other classes and programs are offered, visit the USAHC-SB Community Resource Guide at: crg.amedd.army.mil/guides/usarpac/hawaii/Pages/default.aspx

The USAHC-SB is continually looking to improve its system for health. The clinic achieved scores indicating the highest level of quality in the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for our Patient Center Medical Home and the Soldier Center Medical Home. USAHC-SB has also relocated clinics to better serve our patients.