Twitter
Facebook
Overseas, a deployed spouse and tons of questions can be a daunting challenge for any expectant mother. A support group can make all the difference, and that is what Landstuhl Regional Medical Center soon will bring.
Already gaining popularity stateside, the “Centering Pregnancy” program brings soon-to-be mothers together to bounce ideas off of and talk to each other about their concerns. Has this happened to you? Is that stomach pain normal? Is it wrong to put whipped cream on pickles?
“Any expectant mother, especially those having their first baby, can benefit from this group,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Mary Wahl. “Sometimes, expectant mothers have a lot of anxiety and this offers them that extra bit of support.”
The initial appointment will be one-on-one with the provider, but after that as many as 12 women enrolled in the program can attend the 90-minute group sessions for the remainder of their pregnancies. Sessions will begin in early March for women expecting in September. Groups will meet monthly for 90 minutes until the final month, when it will increase to weekly meetings.
Designed about five years ago in a civilian hospital, the group dynamic was originally intended to target women considered to be high social risks – single teen moms, for example. But it did not take long for the group’s successes – studies showed that babies had higher birth weights and mothers had less postpartum depression – to catch on with the mainstream, said Colonel Wahl.
Aside from the education expectant mothers receive, just the simple act of having someone there to talk with and buoy the spirit helps.
“Pregnant women love to talk to other pregnant women to trade notes and dispel myths,” she said.
Having someone to talk to should not be a problem. LRMC sees about 70 newly expectant moms per month.
Participation in the group is open to all beneficiaries and is done on a voluntary basis. Women who need or just feel more comfortable with one-on-one appointments will have that option. For more information on the program, call the OBGYN Clinic at 486-8124 or 06371-86-8124.
