- With Mayo Clinic certified nurse-midwife
Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
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Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
Mary Murry is a certified nurse-midwife in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Murry, a Cincinnati native, has been a nurse-midwife practitioner for more than 20 years and is an instructor at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. She was a contributing reviewer and writer of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book.
Her research interests include adult female survivors of sexual abuse, women's perception of pain in labor, and obesity in pregnancy.
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Pregnancy and you blog
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June 17, 2010
Group prenatal care: Consider the options
By Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
I've been a practicing nurse midwife for more than 25 years. Each of my deliveries is unique, and I'm grateful each time I'm invited to participate in such a special time in people's lives. I'm also continually looking for new research and innovative ideas, including nontraditional ways to provide prenatal care.
In my practice at Mayo Clinic, we offer an option for group prenatal care called Centering Pregnancy. We assemble a group of women who have similar due dates, whether they're having their first baby or their fourth, and then meet regularly throughout pregnancy. Partners are welcome, too.
At each Centering Pregnancy meeting, participants measure their weight and blood pressure. Then each participant gets what we call tummy time — one-on-one time with the nurse midwife or other health care provider — to address any personal questions or concerns, check the baby's growth and listen to the baby's heartbeat. After tummy time, we sit together in a circle. Sometimes there's a prepared topic for the group to discuss, and other times we invite a guest speaker. The primary focus of each meeting, however, is interaction with other participants. It's one thing for me to tell you that your back pain is normal — but it's another thing for four other pregnant women to tell you that their backs hurt, too.
Unlike traditional classes or lectures, group prenatal care helps provide a sense of community among women who have similar issues, problems and fears. After the babies are born, we host a reunion to exchange birth stories, admire each other's babies and share in the joy of the group.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about group prenatal care or other approaches to prenatal care. Please share!
10 comments posted
May 1, 2012 10:07 a.m.
I was part of a centering group with our second child. LOVED it. We initially signed up because of the timing. (out group met in the evening, so it was easy for both my husband and I to come...since we work during the day). After joining, I realized that it was more then just convenient, it was great. It is so nice to be with other woman who are experiencing the same things. I am still in contact with many of the other mom's from our group.
- Anne
March 1, 2011 6:28 p.m.
I think the concept is fabulous, particularly for women that have difficulty bonding with other women. The group atmosphere you describe would be, I think, of great benefit. Comparative statistics regarding children born to woman who have had prenatal care versus those that haven't clearly demonstrate the need. So many women don't understand that prenatal care means more than simply doubling up on the vitamins. Anything that can be done to make receiving prenatal care more attractive to expectant mothers is well worth the effort. Bravo!
- InterestedinMedicine
March 1, 2011 6:17 a.m.
the concept of group parenting is quite new.It is a good idea having the group of same stage women and spending the time together. this will help them to discus there problems,feelings and quires.
- Pregnancy Care
November 22, 2010 10:02 a.m.
We are currently starting a new group every 6 weeks. That makes about 12 a year. Centering is offered to all women whether they see the midwives or not. We have some MDs that are trained and have led groups. We have full administrative support. I wouldn't call it fringe, just growing.
- Mary @ Mayo
November 19, 2010 3:32 p.m.
Mary, How many Centering groups does Mayo have per year? I'm interested in hearing if Centering at Mayo is a mainstream care model or just a fringe activity. We are deciding on how to invest in a group care model here at my clinic. Thanks
- No name given
September 3, 2010 10:34 a.m.
Amanda, I would go to the Centering web page. There you will find the information you need about what is required, how to get the training and how to talk to providers about the program. You may even be able to meet with people in your area who are doing Centering. I wish you good luck. It is a great way to provide care to women.
- Mary @mayo
September 2, 2010 7:59 p.m.
I am a childbirth educator student and I have been intreasted in starting a centering pregnancy group for a long time how would i even begin to get started. How do I find a doctor who would have time to even want to talk to me about it without thinking i'm trying to sell them something? I am in phoenix az
- amanda
July 20, 2010 5:26 p.m.
Mary, I checked with our high risk doctors or perinatologists for the answer to your question. Your chances of having a healthy baby with your A1C is about 92 %. The greater risk is when it is over 10. I would suggest you make an appointment with a perinatologists as soon as possible. They will be the most knowledgable about how to have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
- Mary @ mayo.com
July 13, 2010 3:55 p.m.
I am 34 yrs old, type 1 diabetes, insulin pump dependent and A1C of 8.9 ;(, but that is not my mayor concern right now. My concern is that I think I am pregnant but I have to wait one more week to confirm that. As soon I start my suspicious I obviously check my sugar every 1 or 2 hr. The reason I think I am pregnant is because I have a very regular cycle so the pms symtoms are early, I have cramps and I always suffer of constipation but now I have lose stool and obviously when I check my calendar. How fast I can lower my A1C? I know I took a huge risk but what are the chances to have a healthy baby if I control my blood sugar even if I conceive with an A1C of 8.9? Please advise - Mary
- Mary
June 21, 2010 5:10 p.m.
Mary- I loved that I able to be apart of the first centering group offered at Mayo! I loved every part of it. The information was so helpful and i awlays looked forward to going and sharing the latest with the other women! I definately think every hospital should have these classes!! Keep up the good work Mary and other midwives!!!
- Alex
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