“The only thing as consistent as birth pain has been the search to eradicate it, pharmaceutically” – Tina Cassidy, Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born Pain medications in childbirth have been sought for millennia. Egyptians… Read More

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

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

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

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

Part 1: How can a scan help you and your baby? Dating Scans A scan can date the time of conception if you are uncertain of when your baby was conceived. Examples include if you have irregular menstrual cycles or long… Read More

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

When we think about birth choices we rarely think about the effects that these can have on breastfeeding outcomes or on long-term breastfeeding success. In general our choices surrounding birth tend to be made in order to get us… Read More

Electronic Foetal Monitoring Electronic foetal monitoring is a commonly used practice in Irish maternity units. Electronic foetal monitoring (EFM or CTG) measures your baby’s heartbeat in frequency and strength and measures your contractions. Electronic Foetal Monitoring can be… Read More

What is an episiotomy? An episiotomy is the surgical procedure that enlarges the opening of the vagina through the cutting of the perineum, the skin and the muscles between the vulva and the anus. How did this procedure… Read More