News File Photo MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena is seen in this photo taken in July 2023.

ALPENA – Pregnant patients have a new option for prenatal care at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, according to a Tuesday news release from MyMichigan Health, the Midland-based nonprofit that owns the Alpena hospital.

The CenteringPregnancy program brings together a group of eight to 10 pregnant patients who are all due around the same time, providing routine prenatal care in a group setting.

The program consists of 10 sessions, beginning around the start of a patient’s second trimester. At each session, each patient has time for a one-on-one visit with her obstetrician/gynecologist for a belly check, discussion of any private concerns, and a weight and blood pressure check.

The remaining time is spent in a group setting, discussing issues that are relevant to the group, such as nutrition, exercise, stress, signs of labor, infant care, breastfeeding, and postpartum issues.

“The goal of Centering is to empower women to get involved in their own care, while also equipping them with knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions throughout their pregnancy,” Dr. Anna McKenney, obstetrician/gynecologist and one of the Centering providers, said in a statement. “Patients are able to spend more time with their provider, and form relationships with other parents who are experiencing the same feelings that they are, during an exciting but stressful time of their lives.”

The Alpena hospital is the first in the community to offer the program for its patients, according to the release. All sessions will take place at the Alpena hospital. Program providers are McKenney and nurse practitioner Brittany Matuzak.

Funding for the program is provided by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, a philanthropic foundation that works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents while reducing health care costs.

Those interested in learning more may visit mymichigan.org/centeringpregnancy or call the office at 989-356-5228 to enroll in the program.

The Alpena News newsroom can be reached at 989-354-3111 ext. 617 or newsroom@thealpenanews.com.