What is Group Prenatal Care? 

Group prenatal care offers an alternative to traditional prenatal care, where pregnant mothers expecting to deliver around the same time gather in a group setting throughout their pregnancy. They receive prenatal care with extra support, education, and have extended time with their provider. These groups typically consist of 8 to 12 moms, meeting every 2 to 4 weeks, and replace conventional prenatal care appointments. With group prenatal care, participants have no wait time for appointments and have ample time to address questions and concerns about pregnancy, childbirth, infant care, and more. 

 Enhancements for Better Support of Black Maternal Health 

WIN Network: Detroit’s model of group prenatal care is enhanced with additional support from a Community Health Worker and a focus on addressing the social determinants of health. 

Participants in group prenatal care receive dedicated private time with their provider, a Certified Nurse Midwife. During each session, moms listen to their baby’s heartbeat, undergo private examinations by the midwife, and can ask questions privately. 

During group sessions, participants engage in activities and discussions aimed at preparing them and their support partners for pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn. Guest speakers also join sessions to inform participants about local resources. Topics covered include breastfeeding, birth plans, common pregnancy discomforts, healthy eating, and more. Moms’ support persons/partners are encouraged to attend group prenatal care sessions. 

In addition to a Certified Nurse Midwife, WIN Network: Detroit participants receive support from a Community Health Worker (CHW) for personalized assistance throughout pregnancy. The CHW co-leads group prenatal care sessions with the Certified Nurse Midwife and meets with moms outside group sessions to ensure they have access to all necessary resources and information. CHWs help moms manage stress, connect with resources for social needs, answer questions, and provide additional support during pregnancy and up to one year after the baby is born. 

Recent Outcomes from WIN Network Group Prenatal Care 

410 babies delivered 

Average gestational age at birth: 36.7 weeks (approximately 8 and a half months) 

Average birthweight: 6.91 pounds 

94% of babies born full-term 

96% of moms initiated breastfeeding 

 WIN Network: Detroit Testimony: April and Ava 

In April’s previous pregnancy before joining WIN Network: Detroit, she delivered her son prematurely at 30 weeks, and he fought for his life in the NICU. April joined WIN Network: Detroit during her most recent pregnancy with her daughter, Ava, and had a full-term delivery at 38 weeks, after receiving the care and support she deserved. Ava was April’s fourth pregnancy and the first she was able to carry to full-term. 

 WIN Network Expansions 

WIN Network is expanding to other cities, aiming to foster community support for pregnant mothers and address their social determinants of health. Key partnerships have been formed with the Center for Family Health in Jackson and CHASS Center in Detroit. The expansion is scheduled for summer 2024. 

 Who Can Join WIN Network: Detroit Group Prenatal Care? 

Any birthing person who meets the eligibility criteria (receiving care from a Certified Nurse Midwife and planning to deliver at Henry Ford Detroit Hospital) can join! WIN Network: Detroit targets African American women aged 18-45 for group prenatal care and additional support from a Community Health Worker. Call us today; we have a group waiting for you at 313-916-2454. Ask to schedule your OB intake appointment and mention that you want to join group prenatal care.