## Consider Getting Your Prenatal Care through CenteringPregnancy 

BMC proudly offers [CenteringPregnancy](https://www.centeringhealthcare.org/what-we-do/centering-pregnancy "Centering Pregnancy: Centering Healthcare Institute (centeringhealthcare.org)"), a group-based model of prenatal care that fosters an interactive environment for individuals at similar stages of pregnancy and their support persons.

Each two-hour session includes one-on-one time with your provider to hear your baby’s heartbeat and address individual concerns. The rest of the visit focuses on discussing and learning about health topics related to pregnancy in a supportive group setting. Participants spend more time with their provider than they would at a traditional visit, and build connections with other expecting parents.

CenteringPregnancy is currently offered in English and Spanish.

 

 

 

       ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/c45fd1ee-dbd8-48ed-8072-23e56cf3530c/shutterstock_141036733?io=transform:fill,width:550,gravity:left&format=webp)  

 

## How Is CenteringPregnancy Different from Traditional Prenatal Care?

- **No waiting:** With Centering, you go straight to the Centering room, and each group starts and ends on time. All visits are mapped out in advance to help with planning.
- **Engaging experience:** Centering is not a class—it’s an interactive way to explore topics that matter most to you in a fun, meaningful way.
- **Built-in support system:** Many participants say their Centering group feels like a close-knit circle of friends, sharing common questions and experiences about pregnancy, birth, and parenting.
- **More time with your provider:** Each Centering session lasts two hours—giving you nearly 10 times more face-to-face time with your provider than traditional one-on-one visits.
- **Privacy and choice:** You will have private one-on-one time with your provider at every visit to check your baby’s heartbeat and ask personal questions. Your health information is always kept private, and you decide what to share with the group.
- **Proven benefits:** Research shows that participants in Centering feel more prepared for labor, birth, and parenting. Studies also indicate a lower risk of preterm birth and healthier birth weights for babies born early.

If you are interested in enrolling in a CenteringPregnancy group, call [617.414.2000](tel:617.414.2000).

 

 [Read More about the Centering Model](https://www.centeringhealthcare.org/what-we-do/centering-pregnancy) 

 



 

 ## Our Team

[**Kristin L. Koo, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM**](/about-us/directory/doctor/kristin-l-koo-msn-whnp-bc-cnm)  
Centering Program Director

**Romira Calderon**  
Centering Program Coordinator and Co-Facilitator

[**Kathryn M. Hartshorne, MSN, CNM**](/about-us/directory/doctor/kathryn-m-hartshorne-msn-cnm-ibclc)  
Certified Nurse-Midwife

[**Lillian B. Siegel, MSN, APRN, CNM**](/about-us/directory/doctor/lillian-b-siegel-msn-cnm)  
Certified Nurse-Midwife

[**Julie P. Thakkar, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM**](/about-us/directory/doctor/julie-p-thakkar-msn-whnp-bc-cnm "Julie (Patel) Thakkar, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")  
Certified Nurse-Midwife

 

 



 

 ## Related Departments and Programs

 

 ###  [Obstetrics and Gynecology](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology) 

A department providing women’s reproductive healthcare and other OBGYN services, including pregnancy, fertility, and menstrual conditions.

 

 

 

 ###  [Obstetrics](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics) 

A department providing women’s reproductive healthcare and pregnancy-related services, including prenatal care and postpartum support.

 

 

 

 ###  [Maternal-Fetal Medicine](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/maternal-fetal-medicine) 

 Care from a perinatologist specializing in maternal fetal medicine for high-risk pregnancies, with advanced monitoring and treatment for parent and baby. 

 

 

 ###  [Family Planning Clinic](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/family-planning-clinic) 

A clinic providing family planning services, including contraception, counseling, and reproductive health care for teens and young adults.

 

 

 

 ###  [Teen and Tot Program](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/teen-and-tot-program) 

A pediatric primary care program supporting teens with teenage pregnancy through prenatal care, parenting support, and mental health services.

 

 

 

 ###  [Refugee Women’s Health Clinic](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/refugee-womens-health-clinic) 

 Our mission is to provide comprehensive, culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health services to refugees, asylum-seekers, and recent immigrants in the greater Boston area. 

 

 

 ###  [Women’s Health Group](/departments/adult-primary-care/womens-health-group) 

A program providing women’s services and female healthcare for adults, including exams, screenings, and reproductive care.