Orlando – The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) recently was the host site for a national award winning program known for its innovative approach to give pregnant mothers and babies better birth outcomes. Nurses, midwives, and several physicians from around the country received hands on training during a two day workshop at the health department provided by the Centering Healthcare Institute. The Institute teaches skills necessary for conducting Centering group care.

Centering involves pregnant mothers who meet with their health care provider and other expectant mothers on a regular schedule. The Centering sessions begin when a mother is between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. The Centering visits include private time with a health care provider. When the group “circles up” together, there is facilitated discussion about a health topic with an exchange of shared wisdom on health experiences. The visits are unique for their comprehensive interactive two hour duration. Groups are lively, patient-centered, and promote individual health empowerment.

The Orange County Health Department’s has been offering the Centering program for pregnant women for more than 5 years in English and Spanish. It has been recognized nationally as a best practice. If you are interested in participating in this program, call 407-296-5177 x147.