Care, connection and community: GCH Buffalo launches Centering Pregnancy program

Updated: Friday, August 14, 2026 9:39 AM

Care, connection and community: GCH Buffalo launches Centering Pregnancy program

Pregnancy is about more than appointments - it's also about having the knowledge, support and connection to feel prepared for what comes next. That's why Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo (GCH Buffalo) is proud to be launching the Centering Pregnancy® program.

This innovative, evidence-based model of group prenatal care is designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by combining comprehensive prenatal care with education and peer support. Centering Pregnancy creates opportunities for expectant parents to build relationships with their care teams and one another while receiving comprehensive care. Patients participate in guided discussions on topics like pregnancy, labor and birth, infant feeding, postpartum recovery, newborn care, mental health and nutrition, while continuing to receive individual prenatal assessments.

The program was designed to address barriers that can make it difficult for families to access comprehensive prenatal education and support, including transportation, work schedules, childcare, financial concerns and social isolation. The group model also creates opportunities for patients to connect with others experiencing pregnancy at a similar stage.

"We believe every expectant parent deserves access to high-quality prenatal care, meaningful support and the resources needed for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby," Dori Marshall, MD, chief medical officer, GCH Buffalo, said. "Centering Pregnancy reflects that commitment. This nationally recognized model brings prenatal care, education and peer support together in a group setting."

During the program's official launch announcement on August 13, 2026, Julie Szumigala, MD, FACOG, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Centering Pregnancy Physician Champion, highlighted the need for care that addresses not only patients' medical needs, but also the educational and social challenges families can face during pregnancy.

"Today's launch represents something much bigger than a new program," said Szumigala. "It represents our commitment to listening to our community, improving health equity, investing in prevention and ensuring every family has access not only to excellent medical care, but also to education, support and connection."

The Centering Pregnancy program wouldn't be possible without generous philanthropic support from the community. GCH Buffalo received grants from The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for the initial training, obtaining needed accreditation, supplies and ongoing support of the program. Thank you to these organizations for this investment in the health of our community's growing families!