Comox Valley Midwifery has a pilot project offering prenatal and postpartum care delivered in a group setting.
These sessions are loosely based on the very successful and well-received model of care called Centering Pregnancy.
The midwives wish to thank the Success by Six Program and the Perinatal Advisory Committee for their recent approval of funding to assist in the development and launch of what is hoped to be an on-going program.
This model of group care will encourage the women and their chosen support person/partner to take an active role in their own care while building friendships and communications with other families and accessing community resources.
Other benefits for the participants in group perinatal care include empowerment in the birth experience, higher rates of successful breastfeeding, better access to community resources, and educational opportunities that may normally not be accessible to pregnant women.
The program will be bringing in guest speakers and creating activities relevant to the group's needs as they move through the pregnancy, delivery, and into their postpartum care.
This model of care is currently being offered in Campbell River, and in several communities in the lower mainland. These communities have had great success with well-attended sessions.
The families who have accessed this type of care have been appreciative, and feel they have benefited from a fun, stimulating, and interesting prenatal experience.
Anyone interested in learning more about pilot programs starting soon is welcome to contact the Birth Tides Clinic at 343 Third St. in Courtenay. Phone 250-338-4810.
— Birth Tides Clinic