Centering Friends

Being pregnant comes with numerous doctor appointments. With Owen, those appointments started to get old as they increased in frequency. So this time around, we joined a Centering Group. Our Centering Group consisted of other parents-to-be due around when we were.

We would meet monthly as a group - then weekly in the third trimester - with a midwife and nurse for two hours on Tuesdays. The meeting consisted of a quick check-in with the midwife then as a group we would discuss a topic of pregnancy or parenthood and have the opportunity to bring up concerns or questions.

While at times it was a little tiring to essentially have a two hour doctor appointment versus a 15-minute appointment, I am so happy we joined and stuck with it. Through the process, we met some wonderful people. Our group had a whole mix of personalities, but they all blended well and the vibe was always positive/humorous/supportive.

Considering we started out as 20 strangers, the process did exactly what it was designed to do: create bonds with people who are going through the same thing you are. The most wonderful part is that I have kept in contact with the majority of the moms since giving birth. We have a text chain we started after the class ended that is about a mile long now and anyone can chime in at any time day or night with anything on their mind and will find a supportive voice immediately. It's pretty impressive.

We recently had a playdate where we brought (almost) all of the babies together. Seen above, left to right and in birth order, is Woody, Benji, Wyatt, Harrison, and Auri. Ed and I had an amazing group of friends in Arizona to have playdates with and rehash the joy and struggle of parenting. I'm so appreciative that we found a group here in Tacoma too.