Virtual Centering Visits via Webex

Hi! We were going to use Adobe Connect, but now we will use WebEx. (Just need to get the green light from management.) However, we will not have an actual group visit at this time. Providers are pretty busy managing other tasks. But when things settle some that would be the goal. Until then, I am hoping to facilitate a peer group for Centering groups that have been suspended, and even hopefully for a PP Reunion. Patients have requested this and have been excited about the idea when I have presented it to them. I am hoping to do it on the days and times when the groups were scheduled for. Hope this all makes sense. I am so thrilled to see this, and feel less alone in my endeavor!

@jokoumouitzes thanks for the idea of WebEx, maybe this can be something I can propose to my manager while we're in the social distancing.   

Jo, have you started to use Webex yet?  Has anyone else used Webex for virtual Centering?

Hello!

Our Midwifery Division was able to implement 1 hour virtual "touching base" Centering meetings beginning in March via WebEx, as well as a PP reunion! These are hosted by me, but the facilitator and co-facilitator are running the groups. The midwives are busy with all these schedule changes, so they are holding these meeting either over their lunch or during admin time.

When I initially reached out to the groups, the majority responded with a resounding YES! Connections are so vital at this time!

The reunion was wonderful! They all showed up with their babies. They shared labor and breastfeeding stories. They all gave wonderful feedback and decided to do another virtual reunion in 2 weeks on their account.

After attending last week's CHI Webinar "Guidance to Virtual Centering", I am considering moving meetings to Zoom and was able to share my notes with our facilitators and co-facilitators.

My administration wants me to use Webex for Centering.

I chair the Steering Committee, and plan to set up our scheduled meeting for April with Webex to try it out and discuss how we might continue to provide the support and educational components virtually.

Laurie that is awful, I'm so sorry! 

At duke, you are encouraged to use Webex (security is good). However, I think zoom is more user friendly and if you use a profesisonal account, is secure, and can be used on the phone, tablet or laptop. both can allow you to share laptop images, video. Google hangouts can work, and so can What's App, but i am not sure how many can work on What's App at once. I have facilitated groups of 12 on zoom with good success. Keep using the format of Opening, session, break, session, Closing. It really works. I ask someone in the group to think about a closing in case they want to do one. Also, when we do the five minute bathroom break, I ask them to come back with "Show and Tell" where they bring something from their home/current location back to the group. Could be food, their favorite bracelet, their dog/child/partner, whatever. Facilitator needs to do the same, and I've found I have to 'go first' with alot of the online groups, which is likely because it's new format. Music is really helpful for different reason/occasions, but I am having some trouble getting the volume right. If i play something (or they do), everyone needs to mute in order to hear it well. Will keep playing with that.
this is a bandaid for now, and helpful, but getting to in person groups will be better! Elbow bumps to all in the Centering world! Kathy T