Healthy Births for Healthy Babies: Deferred Cord Clamping

During pregnancy, labour, and birth there are many choices to make which can affect the health of ourselves and our babies. You might feel that all the ‘big decisions’ to make are over once your baby is born…. Read More

No Epidural? Pain management alternatives and tips

In a previous article, we explored the epidural and other medical pain relief interventions for labour. You can read it here: Epidural, Is it right for You? Your experience of labour and birth should be just that — yours…. Read More

Did you know: You can have your first baby at home?

Lots of people (all of whom have never had a home birth or attended one) are very fond of telling the world that women are not “allowed” have their first baby at home. Has someone said this to… Read More

Dispelling Myths: Birth Experience Doesn’t Matter (All that Matters is a Healthy Baby)

Dispelling Myths: Birth Experience Doesn’t Matter (All that Matters is a Healthy Baby) From the moment you get a positive pregnancy test, your mind begins racing. These early hours and days are spent trying to organise where you will… Read More

Epidural – Is it right for you?

Epidural Anaesthesia is an effective and popular form of pain relief for women during labour and childbirth. The epidural is an injection which is inserted into your spine in the lower back into an area called the ‘epidural… Read More

New HSE birth statistics show a continuing high level of interventions including C-sections, instrumental deliveries and episiotomies

First time mothers struggle to avoid an intervention in labour  Figures show a lack of support nationally for mothers planning vaginal birthsafter Caesareans The HSE has released detailed figures of birth statistics from Ireland’s 19 public maternity units for… Read More

Detailed statistics on Ireland’s 19 public maternity units published for the first time

(Monday, 6 January 2014) The Association of Improvements in Maternity Services, Ireland (AIMS Ireland) has today welcomed the publication by the HSE of detailed statistics from Ireland’s 19 public maternity units. The 2011 data includes information on C-section rates… Read More

AIMS Ireland response to the ‘home versus hospital birth’ debate

(Tuesday, 17 September 2013) AIMS Ireland today expressed their continued support of women making informed decisions on where and how they give birth in Ireland. In recent weeks, the media have given the topic of ‘home versus hospital… Read More

Doula Support

Research has shown that the presence of a doula is extremely beneficial for the labouring woman. According to some research, midwives and nurses are only able to give 10% of their time in ‘supportive roles’ in labour and… Read More

Informed Decision Making: “No Thank You” – A Guide to Informed Decison Making

Your experience of labour and birth should be exactly that – YOURS. Every birth is unique as each woman will approach childbirth in her own way. It is important that you have the information you need to decide… Read More