Is It More Dangerous to Drive During Your Second Trimester?

Is it true that women are more likely to get in a car crash during their second trimester? In this recent Canadian Medical Association Journal study, a group of doctors concluded that the second trimester is associated with a substantial risk of a serious motor vehicle crash - a risk that, they say, merits the attention of prenatal caregivers. In cases like this, we think it’s important to point out that pregnant women know to exercise common sense, and that …

How to Communicate Effectively With Your Midwives

When it comes to working with your midwives, there’s a lot to think about. Are they qualified? Are they hearing your emotional and physical concerns? Will they handle an emergency situation like you’d hope? Will they create a loving, meaningful experience around the birth of your child? As with any relationship, it’s important that your communication methods are effective. But, how can you ensure this is happening? Below, we detail out several ways to effectively communicate with your midwives: Ask …

Just Ask

Lynn Corritori

For the past 10 years, I have been a part of Full Circle Women’s Health. My position as Center Manager has allowed me to interact with our teens, new moms, dads, partners and grandparents on a level that most people would underestimate as a “perk” of the job. Did I forget to mention that the best part of my job is to hold these beautiful babies and give their moms a break if they want to look around in our …

New Moms: Decisions, Decisions

Layne Prosperi Raskin

Today, we are inundated with information from our family members, friends, medical providers, and various media outlets all seeming to know what’s best for you, your child, and your family. There are multiple decisions to be made regarding child rearing and no one decision is right or wrong. The only ‘right’ decision is what is best for you and your family.

Raising Baby from the Internet

Robin Bradley

Each generation since World War II has seemed to have its “expert” on childrearing. First there were Drs. Spock and Gessell, then Dr. Brazelton, and now there’s the internet. The books talked globally about discipline and toilet training and feeding practices and sleep. This generation of parents has grown up with “experts” everywhere. Go online and you can find out anything. Type in your symptoms and you can self-diagnose almost anything. Fears about germs and poor choices and peer pressure …

The Little Leaks Your Mother Never Told You About: Pregnancy and the Pelvic Floor

Melissa Keras-Donaghy

By Choicesinchildbirth It’s the elephant in the room: pregnancy-induced stress incontinence (SI). Did you know that 1 in 3 new moms experience light bladder leaks for at least 5 years after giving birth? Stress incontinence refers to the accidental loss of urine during physical stress such as laughing, sneezing, or exercising. Many women experience stress incontinence during pregnancy, and the severity and duration can vary greatly. So will it happen to you? The incidence of SI is low in the …

Fertility: How Acupuncture Helps

Jaesun Yoo

The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing. Studies reported by The American Pregnancy Association suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions. However, conception does sometimes occur without traditional medical interventions when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used alone. Researchers from …