by Allison Koch, CNM

  Why Group Prenatal Care?

 Perhaps one of the best reasons is that for the family planning a birth center birth, Group offers the opportunity to meet with like-minded women who have made the same choice.  The cultural model of birth in the US is one of fear: fear of pain and your ability to cope with it.  This includes a lack of confidence in the body’s knowledge and wisdom, the current love affair with technology which undermines women’s knowledge and confidence, and the belief that “experts” know more about you and your baby than you do. 

Having a forum for discussing questions, concerns about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting provide you with a supportive community which will enhance your experience and build your confidence in your ability to birth,  breastfeed your baby, and parent. 

What happens at Group?

Several women with similar due dates meet with a midwife and a nurse in an informal setting. The usual measurements (weight, blood pressure, baby’s heartbeat, etc) are obtained, but the majority of the session is spent in conversation with others, learning about pregnancy, birth, and parenting concerns.  And we serve snacks.

Is there an additional charge?

No. This is your prenatal care.  If you have health insurance, it is covered.  If you are self-pay, it is included in the fees you are paying for your care.

Why is it a two -hour time commitment each session?

Discussions get pretty lively when moms get together to talk about pregnancy and birth!  The commitment we make to Group participants is that we will start and end ON TIME – so instead of sitting in the waiting room when the office is busy or your midwife is running behind, you will start your visit as soon as you arrive and be learning and interacting the entire time.  I have found that once women get to know each other, the 2 hours go by very quickly.

 Have other questions or want to join the Group? 

Groups are now forming for September and October due dates.  Call Layne at (919)933-3301 to sign up or ask your questions!

For moms due in November who are interested in joining the Group:
I am doing a quick survey to find out what time would be best for the upcoming Group.  We would meet on Thursdays, at either 9 AM-11 AM or 4 PM-6 PM. Which  would work better for you?  Email me at allison@ncbirthcenter.org or leave a comment on the blog.  We’ll go with whichever time is convenient to the most people.