Background
We examined the birth experience of immigrant and minority women and how CenteringPregnancy (Centering), a model of group prenatal care and childbirth education, influenced that experience.
Methods
In-depth interviews and surveys were conducted with a sample of poor, racially diverse Centering participants about their birth experiences. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically.
Results
Study participants (n=34) were primarily low-income, Spanish-speaking immigrants with an average age of 29.7. On a scale from 1 (not satisfied) to 10 (very satisfied), women reported high satisfaction with birth (9.0) and care (9.3). In interviews, they appreciated the choice to labor with minimal medical intervention. Difficulties with communication arose from fragmented care by multiple providers. Centering provided women with pain coping skills, a familiar birth attendant, and knowledge to advocate for themselves.
Discussion
High reported satisfaction may obscure challenges to childbirth care for marginalized women. Further study should examine the potential of Centering to positively impact women’s birth experiences.
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