Emergency Contraception: What Options are Available, and When is it Safe to Use?

Michelle Chiafulio

In September, Five Democratic senators introduced legislation that would require any federally-funded hospital to provide emergency contraception to survivors of sexual assault. This bill would not only provide important access to emergency contraception for rape survivors. It could, additionally, help to push the conversation surrounding emergency contraception back where it belongs: as a private discussion between a woman and her healthcare provider. As healthcare providers that care deeply about our patients, our staff at Full Circle would like to take …

Should You Work With a Midwife, a Doula or Both?

Michelle Chiafulio

Your birth process is, perhaps, one of the most monumental experiences of your life. When it comes to making a decision about who will help facilitate your journey, it’s important that you weigh all the factors involved, and choose the type of care that best fits the unique needs of your body, personality and family. If you’re looking for more intimate and individualized care that seeks to limit intervention unless necessary, then a midwife is probably for you. Midwives work in private …

How to Exercise During Each Trimester of Pregnancy

Michelle Chiafulio

Did you know that those who are active throughout their pregnancy have more endurance and flexibility within labor? Below, we share some of our staff’s recommendations for strengthening your core, increasing your flexibility and improving your stamina. Keep in mind that talking to your health care provider is always a good idea, before taking on strenuous activity during pregnancy. Feeling like you’re out of alignment, to begin with? Katy Says is an excellent resource to get you started. Running First trimester: during your first trimester your baby’s major organs are forming, and …

How Will Your Sex Life Change During Pregnancy?

Michelle Chiafulio

Have you heard that sex during pregnancy is potentially harmful for your baby? Nothing could be further from the truth. With amniotic fluid and your cervix safely protecting your baby, your blood volume increasing by about 40%, and yourbreasts growing to about four times their usual size, we recommend that you enjoy (and explore!) your changing body over the coming months. It’s important to remember that sex in pregnancy can be different for everyone, and change at different times throughout the pregnancy. Below, are some of our tried and true recommendations to enjoying this unique shift in sexuality during pregnancy: 1. Your Body …

5 Nutritional Tips During Pregnancy

There is nothing more miraculous than growing another human being inside of you. Now that you’re expecting, one of the easiest ways to support the health of your body (and the tiny one growing inside you!) is to make some basic adjustments to the way that you eat. Just think - the foods you eat are the main source of nutrients for your growing baby! Below, we share 5 key food recommendations to boost the healthy growth of your baby: …