The Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI) changes the paradigm of prenatal care by creating a model of group health care delivery that delivers significantly better prenatal and infant outcomes. Prenatal healthcare is delivered to women at the same gestational age in groups of eight to twelve in sessions that are facilitated rather than taught, by a doctor or midwife. The model creates a climate of support, learning and confidence among women, dramatically increasing the time and learning for soon to be mothers at the same cost to the health care system.
CHI’s group care model has demonstrated significant reductions of preterm birth rates, low birth weights and rapid repeat pregnancies, while increasing breastfeeding rates and patient satisfaction among low income women. This group model of practice provides significantly more time with healthcare professionals than conventional prenatal models at the same cost and much better outcomes.