Perinatal Services

Early pregnancy assessments are done on a referral basis only from your primary care provider. This includes an intake appointment with our Midwives, ultrasound surveillance  in our clinic, consultation with Dr. MacDonald, and options for genetic screening and further consultation. This enables early confirmation of pregnancy and viability through the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

If you have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or need pre-conception counselling due to history of recurrent loss, previous pregnancy complications or adverse outcomes Full Circle Perinatal can provide assessments and  preconception planning. This can include healthcare planning, blood work and/or genetic investigations, and ultrasound. The appointments can be done remotely.

Consultation is available for gender diverse and/or queer people and families who are looking to conceive or plan a pregnancy. This consultation can include care planning and healthcare navigation throughout the perinatal period, and/or pre-conception counselling. People can self-refer for this care.

Our team manages early pregnancy loss, to help guide families through the clinical and emotional process of pregnancy loss.

Full Circle Perinatal Care provides in-person Perinatal Loss Health Navigator (PLHN) support for patients who are patients of Victoria General Hospital and are experiencing pregnancy loss after 14 weeks, stillbirth, or a termination for medical reasons. The Perinatal Loss Health Navigator also provides in-person support and end-of-life care to families who experience an infant death in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

How we support you

The Perinatal Loss Health Navigators are skilled at supportive, whole-person, emotionally-focused care. Ideally you will meet one of us prior to your birth. We will follow you through your healthcare journey to walk with you each step of the way.

In hospital

When you are admitted to the hospital we will provide bedside supportive care, review care options, and provide you with information about the ongoing process. Once your baby has arrived, we can offer: supportive care and memory making; Provide you with a memory box and important mementos and keepsakes of your baby; do hand and footprints; organize one of our volunteer photographers to take professional photos of your family or your baby; support the medical staff to provide care for your family; create a safe space for you to meet with and connect to your baby.

If you are meeting one of us in the NICU, you may wish to have us there to provide support in decision-making, organize photography, and provide emotional support and connection during this emotional time.

After leaving the hospital

Many families find themselves feeling adrift or disconnected once they are discharged home from the hospital after the death of their baby. We provide phone or text check-ins or home visits during the first week once you are discharged home and then regular check-ins, connection to resources, grief and loss counselling, and other supports, and follow up care for as long as you and your family require it. This can be vital in feeling held during the grief process.

This service is covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Experiencing infertility or pregnancy loss can lead to profound emotional distress, including grief, anxiety, and isolation. Studies have shown that Mindfulness practices can help manage stress and anxiety, develop self compassion and foster emotional resilience.

Full Circle Perinatal Care offers mindfulness-based programs for people experiencing reproductive challenges.  These groups are led by a certified MBSR instructor and Mindfulness Educator, Stephanie Curran. Join our community to find resources, support, and guidance on your journey towards healing and emotional well-being.

General programming (everyone welcome / no fertility focus)

• Weekly practice group
• Mini retreats (3hrs)
• One day retreat
• Three day retreat

Fertility & Early Pregnancy Loss programming

• Fertility Well-Being Series

The Fertility Well-Being Series is a 6-week program that provides evidence-based information, tools and practices to help move through the roller coaster of emotions while trying to conceive.  Learn new ways to meet the challenges you are facing with more gentleness through:

•         Stress management techniques
•         Self-care tools for well-being
•         Mindfulness-based strategies and practices
•         Ways to regulate challenging emotions

Classes are online with others who have a shared experience, creating a supportive environment of belonging through being together in community.  Partners are warmly welcome to register as well.

Note – We will not be sharing personal details about our fertility journeys in class.  Our discussions will centre around the common challenges experienced and how to work with them, regardless of the circumstances.

REGISTER HERE

Acupuncture is a proven method of healing that involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body in order to rebalance the body’s energy and restore health.

Backed by evidence-based studies, acupuncture is a safe effective treatment that can be utilized while trying to conceive, during early pregnancy, and throughout the perinatal period.  Whether you’re facing infertility, pregnancy loss, or undergoing fertility treatments, acupuncture can support your physical health and help you cope with emotional challenges. Our compassionate, personalized care focuses on your well-being, offering a holistic approach to healing and hope on your path to parenthood.

Stephanie Curran is a board-certified acupuncturist who understands the stress, anxiety and sometimes heartache of this journey.  She provides compassionate support, listens deeply, and is known for her calming presence and caring nature.

Stephanie is a long-time practitioner of meditation.  She threads discussion about mindfulness-based tools, strategies and practices into her acupuncture sessions to help support well-being.  She leads a variety of classes and retreats, click here for more info.

To schedule an appointment with Stephanie, please contact the Elements of Health Centre.

Phone: 250-383-2626
Email: scurran@elementscentre.ca