You and others in your group will sign a confidentiality agreement when it is emphasized that particular concerns should not be discussed outside the group setting. Ground rules are agreed upon and posted in the group space. The decision to share information with the group is made by each participant; no one is ever pressured to disclose personal concerns. Individual time with your provider will be conducted in a private area of the Centering room. Should you require an exam or have issues that require additional privacy, you will be seen in an exam room outside the Centering appointment.

We believe anyone can enjoy and benefit from Centering Pregnancy. Talk with your provider if you have any further questions about whether this is right for you.

Centering Pregnancy is your prenatal care. Your provider is responsible to see your care meets all the standards for prenatal care. Labs, prescriptions and ultrasounds are ordered for you. Results of the lab tests and ultrasounds are shared privately with you. Women in Centering tell us they better understand lab testing and medications prescribed during pregnancy after the group conversations.

At the start of a Centering Pregnancy session, you will complete your self-care and have an individual assessment and time with your provider. You may complete a “Conversation Starter” in your Centering notebook about a topic you’ll discuss later, enjoy snacks and chat with other group participants while other patients meet with their provider individually. When the group “circles up” together, there are discussions and activities. There is time to practice skills, such as breathing and relaxing, or holding and comforting a baby.   Groups are lively, interactive, focused on the topics that are most important to you and FUN!

This is a common concern. You will never be pressured to share anything with the group that you are not comfortable speaking about. However, most participants group feel like they’re interacting with a group of friends who are all going through similar things, and the benefits they receive from sharing their experiences are tremendous.

Yes, in fact we encourage you to bring your partner or support person as they will benefit from being a part of the group too! We ask that you bring the same person to each session for continuity and confidentiality. Support people sit in the circle and fully participate in all activities and discussions.

Absolutely.  In most cases, patients and providers find they get to know one another better through Centering groups because they spend so much more time together! You get both private time to ask questions and talk with your provider, as well as group time.

No, this is strongly discouraged. Most children will be bored in a two hour group and can become a distraction for their moms and other group participants. Also, children do not sign confidentially agreements and the group’s privacy is something we take very seriously.  Since the schedule of visits will be known well in advance, it should be easier for you to make child care arrangements.

Your charges and/or copays for Centering Pregnancy care are the same as traditional care and are determined by your insurance coverage. If you have any questions, speak with the healthcare practice administrator.

• Complete all forms
• Complete a background check
  • Please note it takes generally 1 – 2 weeks, but all cases vary especially if you are from another state
• Complete an SBH volunteer orientation
• One you have completed the above documentation (medical and background) an SBH ID badge will be issued and you may begin volunteering

You may volunteer for up to 35 hours per week

You may submit all forms via email to Yrobles@sbhny.org or via fax to 718-960-3033. Please address it to the attention of Ms. Yvonne Robles.

You must be 14 and older to volunteer at the hospital. If you are under 18 then you need working papers and a completed consent form.

If you are under 18 then you will need working papers and a completed parental consent form.

A completed medical form and when submitting the medical form all attached copies of lab work (titers) must be attached.

If you are 17 and older, then you must complete a background check; however if you are under 16 and under you DO NOT need to complete a background check.

If you do not have a SSN, you unfortunately will not be able to apply at this time.

If you are an international volunteer please note that all documents need to be in English.

No

Please note that all positions are non-paid.

There are no weekend positions available at this time.