Choices in Pregnancy and Birth in Ireland

Period late? Feeling tired? Sore breasts? Over emotional? These are all signs of pregnancy. Most mothers choose to further confirm such physical symptoms with a pregnancy test. Once you have a positive pregnancy test then a world of… Read More

Healthy Births for Healthy Mothers and Babies

Becoming a parent is full of new, exciting and sometimes difficult experiences and decisions. You may already have an idea of the kind of pregnancy and birth experience you would like, or you may not even know where… Read More

The ten best things about having a home birth

Krysia Lynch, home birth mum gives us her top ten reasons why home birth rocks! You get to know your carer and you get continuity of care from the first visit in early pregnancy to the last visit… Read More

How and Where your baby is born – Who gets to decide?

Today, a landmark case will be heard in the Four Courts in Dublin. Aja Teehan vs HSE is a High Court challenge against the HSE and the Department of Health seeking judicial review of the refusal to grant… Read More

The Mysterious Placenta and the Third Stage of Labour

Did you know, the placenta has always been thought of as a mysterious and powerful organ?  Since ancient times, the placenta has been a great source of mystery and importance. Many cultures have viewed the placenta as a… Read More

“May I break your waters?” Information on Artificial Rupture of Membranes

One of the most common forms of routine interference in labour is an artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) – sometimes referred to as ‘breaking’ or ‘releasing’ your waters. Protecting your baby – the important job of amniotic fluid… Read More

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

The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is a common test performed in pregnancy. The GTT may be suggested to you if your health care provider thinks you fall into risk groups for developing gestational diabetes or if you are… Read More

Ultrasound scans Part 3: Key Questions to Consider

In our third and final part of our ultrasound series, we’ll look at key questions to consider when planning or attending for an ultrasound. Ultrasounds in pregnancy have become so routine, that we rarely question their use. However here… Read More

Ultrasound scans Part 2: Types of scans

In our first post on ultrasound scans we looked at how scans can help you and your baby. Today, we’re going to take a more in-depth look at the types of scans and scanners including when or why… Read More