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Post by nlewis on Jun 9, 2017 10:30:20 GMT -5
All next week, we'll be celebrating fabulous Centering dads and sharing their stories and photos. Be sure to follow along on our social media pages and by checking back here, June 9th-16th.  |
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Post by nlewis on Jun 12, 2017 8:22:54 GMT -5
Kicking off this week's Father's Day celebration of Centering dads is Max. Max is the son-in-law of one of our fabulous consultants, genierotundo . He and his wife have recently participated in Centering. Here's Max's story: Being the ONLY man in the Centering group, I initially was intimidated and a little uncomfortable. I was extremely nervous after the first week, but right away the women in the group and the instructors made me feel comfortable. I was also concerned that the other women in the group would not feel as comfortable having a man (they didn’t know) in the room. I was mostly concerned they wouldn't want to openly share their experiences since I was in the room. Wow, could I have been more wrong! Not only were the women comfortable having me there, I soon realized we have some things in common, too. Sure, I am not able to necessarily relate to the body changes, but we can all relate to the GAS issues. LOL.
Humor aside, there are many aspects of Centering I enjoy. I appreciate being around other people, who can understand exactly what is going on with my wife's moods. I enjoy the people within the group and the group has become friends over these past few months.
I also truly value the information I am receiving at Centering. I believe it is definitely making me more equipped to handle this new adventure. I have learned quite a lot. I find myself sharing what I am learning with other friends of mine who are also fathers. Centering has not only prepared me better for being a father, I believe it has prepared me to be a better husband. I now have a better understanding of what my wife is going through physically as well as emotionally.
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Post by Tanya Munroe on Jun 12, 2017 9:35:14 GMT -5
Oh my goodness I LOVE this! How wonderful to hear from the ONLY guy in the room, thank you for sharing Max!
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Post by nlewis on Jun 13, 2017 5:18:44 GMT -5
We put together this video to celebrate all our Centering dads. Thank you paulagreer for sharing some of your wonderful photos with us and to the following sites for letting us capture these moments: Einstein Medical Dimock Community Health Center Complex Bronx-Lebanon Health and Wellness Center University of Maryland Medical Center SaveSave |
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Post by nlewis on Jun 14, 2017 8:02:03 GMT -5
Lawrence shares his perspective of Centering in this insightful narrative. He was a participant from Kaiser Bellevue Medical in Washington state and is proud dad of Maddox. Thank you Lawrence for your story and to amydonaldson63 for your connection to Lawrence! This was my first experience being a part of a Centering and it was more valuable than I thought it would be. The information, relationships with fellow participants and the interactive lessons surpassed my expectations by far. I enjoyed the interactive lessons, the reliability of others in the group that may be experiencing something you and your wife are experiencing, and our facilitator Karen was awesome. She was a fantastic resource and gave us the best advice to guide us in the right direction.
Before starting Centering, I thought it would be more for the women who were pregnant but little did I know how much I would get out of it! Being able to understand the process, the importance in supporting your significant other, and the relationships with others in the group were things I had a misconception of going in. Centering has been able to prepare me as a father. I understand that our baby is going to need his mom more than what I can provide for him, but that it's important for me to be an emotional support to my significant other. It's motivated me to work hard in continually learning about our sons development, as well as helping around the house as much as I can. Those are just a couple ways that I can contribute value in supporting both my wife and son.
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Post by Tanya Munroe on Jun 14, 2017 10:45:14 GMT -5
That photo is breathtakingly beautiful!
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Post by nlewis on Jun 15, 2017 9:23:45 GMT -5
Today's Centering dad story comes from Cory. I love this story because the couple decided to continue with Centering even after receiving some surprising news at week 20. To get into the story, this is our first baby (or so we thought!!). We found out my wife Katie had become pregnant late in in 2016 and we started Centering shortly after we had our first visit with a mid-wife around the 8 or 10 week mark. It looked like a good way to get some education and also a group experience. We were initially on fence as to whether we should participate or not but ultimately decided to jump in feet first. We moved to Washington from Colorado, and always found it a little hard to connect with people in the NW. We thought this might be a good way to meet some new people.
The Centering sessions were always entertaining, educational and engaging. It really allowed for questions to be posed that you might not really want to ask a health professional in a one on one setting. My favorite exercise was a “Dear Abby” type Q and A for any and all questions related to sex during pregnancy. It was perfectly entertaining and allowed for some serious questions to be addressed for EVERYONE! The result was bonding in the group and information on a sensitive subject.
At about 20 weeks, my wife and I had our growth scan, and I will never forget the situation. Ultra-sound tech (Brenda, she was great!), “So, what exactly to do you know about the pregnancy?” Wife and I, “Uhhh, it is a boy and there is only one….”. Brenda, “Well, actually, there are two!” As you would expect, my wife and I simultaneously shared a 4 letter word of joy. The shock was tremendous and in the long run we realize how blessed we really are.
After learning we are having twins, we had the option to opt out of Centering but decided to stay with the group. It was the right decision for us and it has been a very valuable experience. I will tell you first hand there is something different that comes from care in a group setting that you don’t get from a 1:1 setting with providers.
Is Centering worth it? Yes, I could have googled everything in book, but the value really is in the connections that we have made with the providers and with the group that made it more effective. That said, I could totally see how someone might initially be apprehensive about it. It can come down to the group you are with (are they open to group learning), and how effective the providers are at getting people to open up. Fortunately, we had providers like amydonaldson63 , the MA for the who consistently went above and beyond in our care (too many times to count!!!) and our midwife Karen has been great too!
I definitely connected with other dads as well. It seemed like there was always an opportunity to swap notes and experiences on what was to come and what we thought we knew.
Am I ready to be a father? Yes...at least I think so. As of the time I am writing this, my wife is about a week out from the big day, and we are so excited to meet them both (a boy and a girl!) and to see what they are like.
Cory & Katie
  
Cory attempting the baby carrier Getting a little help from CNM, Karen Voila!
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Post by nlewis on Jun 15, 2017 10:29:39 GMT -5
Couldn't resist sharing this Centering story today. Ryan and his wife Tina were in the same group as Cory (see previous post) and are expecting a girl soon. The self proclaimed "proud dad to be" is excited and ready to meet his daughter. Before coming to Centering, I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect but I was also excited to learn. Now I feel so much more prepared and a lot of my anxiety is at ease. I also feel like it gave me strength as we became a part of a group that will all be going through the same thing and have the tools to get through it. It has taken the unknown and fear out. It allowed me to learn how to be supportive to my wife and how I can be their for her.
Coming into Centering I was already prepared to be a dad because it was something I have always wanted but it gave me the opportunity to learn how to be supportive in a new way. It was great talking about future situations and how we would all handle them. I liked sharing with the group and hearing everyone's feedback, it makes you feel like you are not alone. l liked the information about the phases of labor so that I feel more prepared about a critical situation.
I also really liked learning about all the different baby carries and how to use them. One of the dads in our group was willing to step up and try on one of the baby carries to demo for the class. It was funny. I know it will be as challenging for me as it was for him putting a carrier on for the first time.
Another cool experience was one class Dads and Moms split into groups. We talked about fatherhood and our thoughts about how we will be. It was awesome talking with a group of guys that are all in the same place.
Overall it was just a really great experience. A comfortable environment and a great resource for information. I am really glad we decided to do Centering, I think we would have missed out otherwise.
  "Proud dad to be" painting baby's room Ryan & Tina |
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Post by Tanya Munroe on Jun 15, 2017 12:44:05 GMT -5
Nicole I think this is my favorite thread EVER! "Four letter word of joy" LOL !! Go Dads!
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Post by nlewis on Jun 15, 2017 13:10:32 GMT -5
Jon is CHI’s super-duper IT manager. We thought it would be fun to have him share a little bit about being a dad since he’s part of Centering from behind the scenes. He loves Centering because it’s evidence based and he’s a fan of facts. Jon explains what it’s like being a dad to the fabulous and spunky, Lily. The last several months have been a period in which Lily has really begun using her imagination. Whether she's baking cupcakes in her play room, pretending to be her dancing instructor or hosting a tea (water) party, I really enjoy playing along or even just observing. My favorite thing about being a dad is the unlimited love, hugs and kisses. I love watching Lily learn and grow but my favorite thing about being a dad is the huge hugs I get when I walk in the door from work or her cuddling up to me on the couch before bed. There can't be a better feeling than the love given from your child.
 Lily striking a pose & representing team Centering |
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Post by Tanya Munroe on Jun 15, 2017 15:57:33 GMT -5
Aaaaah Lily is the best!! (And so is her Dad.)
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Post by nlewis on Jun 15, 2017 19:02:11 GMT -5
Nicole I think this is my favorite thread EVER! "Four letter word of joy" LOL !! Go Dads! I think this is my favorite thread, too! SaveSave |
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alisont
OH - Ohio Centering Network
Posts: 21 
I work at a: Healthcare Facility
My job role is: Administrator
I am interested in Centering because: I am the Centering Pregnancy and Parenting Manager and Midwifery Program Manager. I am also the Centering Community Coordinator for Cuyahoga County.
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Post by alisont on Jun 16, 2017 10:13:26 GMT -5
This is such a great thread! Groups with dads are so much fun!
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smerrell
CHI Staff 
Posts: 243
My job role is: Staff
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Post by smerrell on Jun 16, 2017 10:36:37 GMT -5
All these stories are so wonderful! nlewis Thank you so much for compiling and sharing these beautiful stories. And thanks to the dads for their wonderful perspectives! |
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Post by Margie on Jun 26, 2017 5:53:25 GMT -5
Well, I am a day late, But loved reading these posts.
Go Dads!
Thank you all...
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