Background:
Lifelong Medical Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center serving women at risk for domestic violence, social isolation, chemical dependency, mental illness and homelessness.
For 8 years, West Berkeley Family Practice (WBFP), a Lifelong community health center, has provided prenatal care through Centering Pregnancy Groups, (centeringpregnancy.org). Since 2005, WBFP has piloted Centering Parenting, which uses a group model to serve mother-infant dyads through an infant's first year. Centering Parenting Groups offer complete primary care for mother and infant, interactive health education emphasizing peer information exchange, screening and treatment for postpartum depression, support, and case management to obtain health insurance and community resources. A family medicine physician and a clinical social worker lead groups.
In addition to supporting healthy outcomes for infants, this model provides enhanced care for mothers. As well as the usual 2 and 6-week postpartum visits, dyad care gives women the opportunity for care at monthly groups with ongoing dialogue around women's health issues. Participants share opinions around family size, spacing of children, plus favorite contraceptive methods. Regular group allows an opportunity for timely provision of the chosen contraceptive method when a woman is ready. Of 92 families served in the first 18 months we have had only 4 repeat pregnancies, 1 unplanned. Another benefit has been the ongoing detection of postpartum depression. Signs and symptoms are discussed in group, peer support provided, and individual treatment and/or medication offered where necessary. Clinic providers caring for women after they have graduated from Centering Parenting have reported noticing increased health awareness and improved health practices


Objectives:
By the end of the presentation, participants will have an understanding of how group care can beneficially impact preconception health.

Methods:
Any primary health care setting can utilize group care to achieve preconception goals

Results:
Better physical and mental health outcomes for women in communities with health disparities, improved family planning and infant health, increased capacity in at-risk populations

Conclusion and implications for practice:
The Centering Parenting model has the potential to improve preconception health by providing integrated care, decreasing rapid repeat pregnancy, and increasing health-promoting behaviors.