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

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

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

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

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

As you approach the end of your pregnancy, it is normal to think about and even worry about giving birth. It is normal to have some apprehension in these last few days, even if you have given birth before or… Read More

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

 What is induction? An induction of labour is when a doctor or midwife uses various methods to artificially initiate or accelerate labour. such as: a membrane stretch and sweep a pessary or gel artificial rupture of membranes (ARM)… Read More

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