The Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital

THE COOMBE WOMEN & INFANTS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

maternity
THE ULTIMATE PREGNANCY GUIDE 2012/2013
INFORMATION GUIDE 2012/2013
ASHVILLE MEDIA GROUP

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 The Coombe Women
& Infants University Hospital
Excellence in the Care of Women and Babies.

HOSPITAL VISITING ARRANGEMENTS
The staff of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital wish to ensure
that every patient’s stay with us is as comfortable as possible. The hospital
undertook a survey of patients to determine their visiting preferences. We are
delighted to advise patients, staff and visitors that as a result of this survey a
revised visiting policy is now in place.
General Visiting
6:30pm – 8:30pm (daily).
During Pandemics and outbreaks of viruses/infections in the community,
the hospital may have to impose visiting restrictions at short notice. Notices to
this effect will be placed in the Hospital Foyer and on the Hospital’s website
www.coombe.ie
Please ensure that family and friends are aware of visiting times
by giving them the Visiting Times telephone number
(01) 408 5555 or www.coombe.ie
to use for up-to-date visiting information.

Children Visiting* APPOINTMENTS

3:00pm – 4:00pm (daily). All appointments should be made between 9.30am and 4.00pm,
Monday to Friday.
Pink Visiting Card:
The Pink Visiting Card previously referred to as the Nominated Visitor Maternity and Gynaecology Public Outpatient Appointments
Card/Pink Card will now be issued in the name of the patient and become (01) 408 5463 and (01) 408 5464
transferable. The person in possession of this Pink Visiting Card may visit
between 9:00am and 8:30pm, however we request that they leave ward areas Alternatively, you can email us for your booking appointment on: opd@
during Meal/Rest Times. coombe.ie (you will be sent a registration form which you can complete online
and email back, or you may prefer to download a hard copy, complete and post
* Children Visiting: it back to us).
Children of the patient may visit the patient between 3pm and 4pm while
accompanied and supervised by the adult in possession of the patient’s Pink To book an antenatal appointment for the following community
Visitor Card. We request that only children of patients visit and that no more midwife clinics:
than two children visit at any one time. In terms of infection control we also
request that small babies or toddlers do not visit. Clondalkin and Lucan Areas
086 780 9354 or (01) 408 5364
Meal/Rest Times:
There are two Meal/Rest Times during the course of the day. They are as follows: Tallaght Area
11:45am – 1:15pm 086 780 9354 or (01) 408 5364
4:00pm – 6:30pm
Naas Area
General Visiting: 087 797 7159 or (01) 408 5742
From 6:30pm – 8:30pm daily, those wishing to visit a patient have to obtain an
Evening Visiting Card from the Security Desk in the Hospital Foyer. There is Baby Public Outpatient Appointments
one of these cards allocated to each patient during the General Visiting time. (01) 408 5326
Additional visitors will not be able to visit the patient until the previous visitor
returns their card to the Security Staff in the Hospital Foyer. Private Clinic Appointments
See Telephone Directory
These arrangements will ensure that there are no more than two persons at a
bedside between 6.30pm and 8.30pm and will allow for the privacy and dignity Semi-Private Clinic Appointments
of all women to be respected and protected. (01) 408 5683

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Parent Education Classes

Separate visiting policy in place for this area and is subject to change on (01) 408 5214
clinical grounds. Email: parenteducation@coombe.ie

Special Circumstances (e.g. Bereavement): Physiotherapy Classes

The hospital recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances whereby (01) 408 5319
the normal visiting policy will be relaxed to accommodate individual patients,
for example where a bereavement has occurred.

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 Welcome

Dr Christopher Fitzpatrick Patrick Donohue Patricia Hughes

Master of the Coombe Women & Secretary Manager Director of Midwifery & Nursing
Infants University Hospital

Welcome to the Coombe Women &

Infants University Hospital
Congratulations! You are pregnant. We believe that every baby deserves the best start in life and that means that
every woman also needs the best healthcare. Each member of our staff is committed to excellence in the care of
women and babies – you and yours.

We hope this guide will give you the general information you need about the hospital, as well as covering many
areas before and after childbirth, which may be of interest to you and your family. If you are unclear about
anything, or you would like more information, please do not hesitate to ask any member of our staff. You can also
email us at info@coombe.ie.

We are dedicated to the continued improvement in the services we offer to women and infants. We wish a safe
and healthy pregnancy, birth and postnatal period for you, your baby and your family.

 Email us at info@coombe.ie

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 TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Main Hospital: (01) 408 5200
Outpatient Appointments:
(01) 408 5463 or (01) 408 5464

The Coombe Women

& Infants University Hospital
Contents
Welcome ii
Foreword iv
DISCLAIMER:
This brochure and contributions made herein have Important Information v
been carefully researched and are intended to
Maternity Care Options v-vi
act only as a guide for new parents. Independent
medical advice should always be sought should Frequently Asked Questions vi
you have concerns during, or after, your pregnancy.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure Hospital Facilities –
that the information contained in this brochure is Looking After You and Your Unborn Baby vii
accurate at the time of going to press, the publisher,
maternity hospital, and the editor cannot take General Information viii-x
responsibility for inaccuracies or errors.
Admissions, Labour and Delivery x-xi
The opinions expressed in the various contributions
are the personal opinions of the contributors and After Your Baby is Born xii
are not necessarily the views or opinions of the
publishers, the hospital nor the editor. The material Services for Mothers and Babies xii-xiii
contained in this brochure is not intended to
constitute medical advice and all problems of a
Going Home xiii-xiv
medical nature must be referred to medical staff at Postnatal Information xiv-xv
the hospital or other qualified medical practitioners.
Advertisements within the publication are not People Matter –
endorsed by the hospital or the publisher. Any
Listening to You and Learning xv-xvi
claims made within the advertisements are not
endorsed by the hospital or the publisher. Friends of the Coombe xvi

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 Foreword
We would like to welcome you to the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital. Thank you for choosing our
hospital for your care.

Since 1826 this hospital has provided care for women, mothers and infants in the Greater Dublin Area and at
regional and national levels. We are proud of our long tradition of excellence and we are committed to provide the
highest standards of multidisciplinary, evidence-based, patient/client-centred care in association with the latest
advances in 21st Century medical therapeutics and technology.

In 2008 the hospital changed its name to the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital in order to reflect the
breadth, depth and complexity of clinical and academic activity on the hospital campus. In addition to providing
patient/client-centred midwifery care, the hospital also provides tertiary maternal-fetal, neonatal, gynaecology and
anaesthetic services at both network and national levels. The hospital hosts the Centre for Midwifery Education
for the Greater Dublin Area, the National Clinical Skills Centre (Women and Infants Health), and the UCD Centre
for Human Reproduction. The TCD Molecular Medicine Research Laboratory, also based on the campus of the
hospital, has an international reputation for excellence in advanced reproductive and cancer research.

The newly-opened Perinatal Ultrasound Department and the infrastructural redevelopment of the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit has increased our capacity to provide the highest standards of complex care for our highest-
risk mothers and infants.

The increasing number of midwifery-led, community-based antenatal clinics.and the expansion of the Early Transfer
Home Scheme after delivery has greatly facilitated the provision of care to mothers and infants both closer to
home and in the home. In addition to this, the community midwife service based at the hospital commenced a
Domino scheme in July 2011. This scheme provides a new service for low-risk mothers whereby mothers may
book care with a team of midwives who will provide continuity of care during the antenatal period, in labour and
after delivery, with early transfer home at 12 to 24 hours after birth and follow-up in the community.

The opening of the new, state-of-the-art Colposcopy Unit on the campus of the hospital in October 2011
has significantly advanced the provision of women’s health services as part of the National Cervical Screening
Programme.

The hospital is working closely with the HSE on an exciting project to redevelop our Delivery Suite. It is hoped that
this project will be completed in 2013.

The ethos of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital is one of multidisciplinary teamwork and patient/
client-centred care. We would, once again, like to thank you for choosing our hospital for your care.

Dr. Chris Fitzpatrick Ms Patricia Hughes

Master/CEO Director of Midwifery/Nursing

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History of the Coombe
Women & Infants
University Hospital
The Coombe Women & Infants
University Hospital has celebrated
nearly 200 years of caring for
women and newborns. The
Coombe Women & Infants
University Hospital is a non-
denominational voluntary hospital
established in 1826 by Mrs
Margaret Boyle. In 1867, a Royal
Charter of Incorporation was
granted to the Coombe Lying-In
Hospital and the hospital is still
governed under this legal charter.
To accommodate the expanding
services, the hospital moved
in 1967 from the Coombe area
to a new purpose-built hospital
on its present site. In 1993, the
hospital was renamed the Coombe
Women’s Hospital to reflect the
large gynaecological services
provided in addition to the long-
established maternity services. In
2008, the hospital was renamed
the Coombe Women & Infants
University Hospital to reflect its
emphasis on care of the infant and,
especially, the sick or premature
infant, as well as its major
academic links.
The hospital takes medical students
from both UCD and TCD medical
schools and is also host to the Hub
Centre for Midwifery Education for
Midwives throughout the Greater
Dublin Area. The hospital has a
recognised international reputation
for clinical research.
coombe_front_16pp.indd v
Important Information
Useful Telephone Numbers
Admissions Office (01) 408 5298
Baby Clinic (01) 408 5244
Breastfeeding Advice (01) 408 5200 bleep 182
Clondalkin Antenatal Clinic 086 780 9354
Dublin 8 & 12 Antenatal Clinic 086 780 9354
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (01) 408 5732
Lucan Antenatal Clinic 086 780 9354
Naas Antenatal Clinic 087 797 7159
Parent Education Classes (01) 408 5214
Patient Accounts (01) 408 5297/408 5764
Public Outpatients (01) 408 5263/408 5264
Semi Private Clinic (01) 408 5275
Tallaght Antenatal Clinic 086 780 9354
Visiting Times Information (01) 408 5555
Main Switchboard (01) 408 5200
Beginning Your Pregnancy
At the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, we encourage women to attend for
antenatal care as soon as possible after pregnancy is confirmed and before the 12th week of
pregnancy, if feasible. Early booking is important in order to establish your history and your
baseline observations. This then helps to ensure that you get all the right care at the right time
which is important for you and your baby. Because of the high numbers of women giving birth in
Dublin, it is important for you to book early so that your first appointment is not delayed.
Maternity Care Options
Public Care
Once you have had your first visit, you can discuss with your care team whether you are
suitable for:
• Midwifery-led care, where your midwife is the lead professional caring for you.
• Shared care, where your care is shared between your midwife, GP and consultant.
• Consultant-led care, where your care is either predominantly provided by your consultant
or in conjunction with his/her team of doctors. You will also be advised if our staff hold any
antenatal clinics in your locality, thus making it easier for you to attend for your care. At
present, we hold clinics in Naas Hospital, Lucan, Clondalkin, and Tallaght Hospital, as well as
at the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital.
Semi-Private Care
Fees for attendance at the Semi-Private Clinic are charged. The Accounts Department will
be happy to provide you with the fee structure and any other information you require, simply
telephone (01) 408 5297.
When you register, you will be asked what day of the week suits you to attend. Each visit
thereafter to the Semi-Private Clinic will be on the same day of the week.
Whilst every attempt will be made to ensure that you are seen by the same doctor, your doctor
may be called to an emergency, or another doctor may stand in. Sometimes delays in seeing
you may occur if an emergency patient has to be seen. We ask for your patience if this happens
to you.
If you attend the Semi-Private Clinic, you will be staying in semi-private accommodation after
your baby is born. Women booking for semi-private care cannot book a public or a private bed.
However, as the number of semi-private mothers delivering on any day cannot be predicted
in advance, semi-private accommodation cannot be guaranteed on admission. You will be
accommodated in whatever bed is free until a semi-private bed becomes available. Semi-private
beds are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
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 Private Care
Women attending a consultant privately are liable for all antenatal and hospital
charges for their care and accommodation. Appointment times may vary, depending
on the consultant.

If you attend a consultant privately, you will normally be accommodated in a private bed
after your baby is born. Women opting for private care will not be accommodated in a
public bed except in an emergency, until a private bed becomes available. As the number
of mothers under private care delivering on any one day cannot be predicted in advance,
private accommodation cannot be guaranteed on admission. Please note that private beds
are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

 www.coombe.ie Frequently Asked Questions

Who Will I See?
On your first visit, you will meet a midwife who will take your medical history, as well
as bloods and any other tests that are necessary. You should set aside a full morning for
this visit. Unless you are attending a Midwife’s Clinic, you will either see the consultant
or another doctor on his/her team. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to ask your midwife or doctor

Will I Be Seen on Time?

We do our best not to keep you waiting. However, delays are sometimes unavoidable, so
we ask for your understanding. Emergencies can occasionally occur requiring the doctor to
attend to a woman in theatre or the delivery suite. We will do our best to tell you if there
is likely to be a delay.

Problems in Early Pregnancy

The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) is a service for women who have
experienced pain or bleeding in early pregnancy (up to 14 weeks). This service provides
reassurance to women who have symptoms usually associated with pregnancy loss, but
also allows for the diagnosis of miscarriage, or a pregnancy developing outside the womb.

What is Combined Antenatal Care?

This is where your antenatal care is provided in conjunction with your family doctor, who
will ultimately be caring for you and your baby on an ongoing basis. Under the Maternity &
Infant Care Scheme, all mothers resident in Ireland are entitled to a designated number of
free antenatal visits with your GP and hospital doctor, a free check-up of your baby at two
weeks old by your GP, and a free six-week postnatal check-up with your GP. You must
register with your GP in order to avail of this scheme. In a minority of cases (for example,
where there are complications from a previous pregnancy, or issues arising from this),
it may be necessary for you to attend the hospital clinics either in the hospital, or in the
designated community antenatal clinics (e.g. Naas), for all of your antenatal care. Women
should attend their GP as soon as possible and the first visit to the hospital antenatal clinic
should take place by the 12th week. Subsequently, care alternates between the hospital
and GP.

Are There any Local Antenatal Clinics?

More and more women are using their local antenatal clinic. For full details call:

Clondalkin Tel: 086 780 9354

Naas Tel: 087 797 7159
Tallaght Tel: 086 780 9354
Lucan Tel: 086 780 9354

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  Ultrasound Scans for Fetal Sex
The Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital does not
provide ultrasound examinations for the purpose of identifying a
baby’s sex. The requirement to use ultrasound during pregnancy
is decided upon by a doctor and is a medical procedure.

Hospital Facilities – Looking After You and Your Unborn Baby

Fetal Assessment and Ultrasound
Fetal assessment includes a series of tests to help make sure your baby is healthy. These range from tests that you
carry out yourself at home, such as keeping a kick-chart, to procedures like scans and fetal heart rate monitoring,
which are performed in hospital. Fetal assessment forms a significant part of antenatal care and is carried out in
some form or another each time you are seen by your midwife, GP or obstetrician. Almost all assessments are
completed on an outpatient basis, although sometimes women are asked to come into the Perinatal Day Centre for
tests. There are fetal monitors, also known as CTG monitors, available on each antenatal ward and the hospital has
several mobile ultrasound scanners, so scans may be carried out in the ward, in the Outpatients or the Ultrasound
Departments. Scanners enable your doctor or Midwife to look at your baby and, for example, check its size and
position, fetal activity and blood flow, all of which help in assessing your baby’s health.

Parent Education Department

Parent education classes are available for mothers and cover the following areas of interest:
• Caring for yourself during pregnancy
• Work
• Preparation for the birth
• When to come to hospital
• How to get through labour
• Getting to know your new baby
• Caring for yourself in the days, weeks
and months after the birth
• Visiting, and more.
• Nutrition
• Exercise and rest
• Recognising the signs of labour
• What to bring
• Different types of birth
• Caring for and feeding your baby

For classes and booking details, call (01) 408 5214, or email parenteducation@coombe.ie with your name,
address, telephone number and hospital chart number. We run couples classes and one-day classes for parents
who are booked at the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital.Early booking is advisable.

Physiotherapy Antenatal Classes

If you are having your first baby you can attend physiotherapy classes in the hospital. Spaces are limited, so early
booking is recommended. Once you have had your first hospital visit, call (01) 408 5319 and leave your details
(name, expected date of delivery and telephone number), or book directly with the Physiotherapy Receptionist.
Classes run once a week for three consecutive weeks and last for two hours. Refresher classes are also available
for mothers who have previously had a baby.

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Hospital Shop
The hospital shop is located on the
ground floor near the main entrance.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday:
8.30am to 8.15pm
Saturday and Sunday:
9.30am to 8.15pm
Coffee Dock Café
at the Coombe
Sometimes you just need a break.
The Coffee Dock Café provides a
high-quality contemporary menu
in a relaxed setting. Choose from
a variety of sandwiches, paninis,
pastries, soups, teas, and
Starbucks coffees.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday:
7.30am to to 8:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays
12.00pm to 8:00pm
Public Holidays: Closed
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General Information
A Clean Environment
We strive to keep the hospital and its grounds clean and free of litter. We respectfully request
that you, your family and your visitors help us to keep this hospital and its grounds clean and
tidy for all by making sure you remove all of your property (including newspapers, magazines,
flowers, etc.) on leaving the hospital, or dispose of it in the approved domestic waste bins.
We request that smokers smoke only in the designated area (in the gazebo to the front of
the hospital) and that you dispose of cigarette butts in the correct bins. Please do not stamp
out butts on the ground, or place them in the flowerpots. This hospital has also increased its
recycling efforts over the last year and we aim to recycle glass, paper and cardboard.
Infection Control
Good hand hygiene is recognised as the single most important factor in controlling infection
because our hands can very easily pick up and spread infection. Dispensers have been placed
around the hospital to allow you to decontaminate your hands upon entering or leaving a ward
or department. Please use them in order to minimise the risk of infection to yourself and others.
If you find any dispenser empty, please do not hesitate to inform the midwife in charge of that
area and she will organise for it to be replenished.
Mobile Phones
As most mothers are very tired in the days following the birth of a new baby, you are asked
to respect the need for privacy and quietness in order for mothers to rest as much as possible
during the day and the night. We therefore request that you and your visitors refrain from using
your mobile phone in the ward areas and instead you should go into the grounds or the Coffee
Dock Café if you need to use it. Similarly, please turn off your mobile phone when you enter the
hospital building. If you must keep your mobile on, please put it on ‘silent’ or ‘vibrate’ mode. All
mobiles must be on ‘silent’ mode from 10.00pm at night until 9.00am the following morning in
order to create a restful environment for mothers and babies.
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 Personal Property
We are providing care for up to 10,000 mothers who choose the Coombe Women & Infants Important
University Hospital as the hospital in which to give birth to their new baby. Our present building
was built almost 50 years ago and, although we are continually working to improve the facilities Information
here, it has its limitations. We want to ensure that your stay in hospital both before, during and
after the birth is safe and memorable for all of the right reasons. We really need your help and Visiting Times
co-operation in order to help us to provide all mothers, babies and their families with a safe, An outbreak of the Winter Vomiting
clean and pleasant environment. Over the next few pages you will find information around what Virus or other may result in
to bring in and what not to bring in. We thank you in advance for your help in this regard. restricted visiting at very short
notice. Please ensure that family
Luggage and friends are aware of visiting
Space is extremely limited in the hospital, therefore you are respectfully requested to bring times by giving them the Visiting
in only the essential goods you need. Please send any extra items home with your family Times telephone number,
members. Personal property of value such as mobile phones, cash, jewellery, valuable (01) 408 5555, or website address
handbags, and radios/CDs should not be brought into hospital. The hospital cannot accept any www.coombe.ie to use for
claims for the loss of patients’ personal property, including items of clothing. The contents up-to-date visiting information.
of your luggage bag should be stored in your bedside locker and any excess, including your
luggage bag/case, be sent home until you need it as there is no space to store it. We request Prescribed Medication
that luggage is not stored on the floor or under the bed as this severely restricts access to If you are taking prescribed
household staff in their work to maintain a clean and safe environment for women and babies. medication or have special dietary
needs, please bring these in on
Flowers admission and inform your midwife.
We advise all mothers to ask family and friends to send flowers to your home rather than to
the hospital. Only flowers presented in an oasis can be retained in the hospital. Free-standing Appointment Card
bouquets in water or bouquets requiring vases will be returned to the florist. and Chart
Remember to bring your chart (if
Balloons you have your own chart) and your
No more than one helium balloon can be kept by each bedside therefore please advise family hospital antenatal appointment card
and friends of such restrictions in advance of your labour where possible. It is important to keep with you when coming into hospital.
the area around your bed clear of obstacles at all times in the interests of hospital hygiene and
health and safety. We therefore request your co-operation on these matters. Clothing
Select and set aside clothes for
Curtains returning home that can be brought
Curtains are supplied around each bed with the sole purpose of providing women with some privacy in on the day of your discharge.
and dignity during clinical examinations. Outside of clinical examinations, curtains must remain open
at all times in order for midwives to monitor safety and welfare of women and babies.

Mealtimes
Breakfast 8.15am
Lunch 12.30pm
Evening Meal 5.00pm

If you need a special diet, please tell your midwife on admission. You may also request to
see the dietician before admission so that arrangements can be made with the Catering
Department. Women should be aware that under Health and Safety regulations,we are unable
to arrange for food to be brought in from home or for food to be reheated.

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 What you will need
whilst in Hospital
Space is very limited in the hospital
so do not bring any additional
items with you. However ,you will
need the following items and you
should place these in a small bag,
no larger than a cabin case that
you would bring on a short-haul
flight. You are also asked to place
the contents of the bag in your
bedside locker and send home your
case/holdall until the day of your
discharge as there is no room to
store luggage in the hospital and,
when it is kept at the bedside, it
is an obstacle to effective daily
cleaning of your ward/room.
For You
 Four night-dresses (wide
opening for breastfeeding if not
in a t-shirt material) or pyjamas
 One support/nursing bra
 Breast pads
 Two packets of maternity /
Southalls No. 2 sanitary towels
 Two towels and two face cloths
 Dressing gown, slippers and non
slip flip-flops for the shower
 Disposable underwear or old
underwear that you don’t mind
throwing out (at least six pairs)
Toiletries
Your partner can bring in ‘going
home clothes’ for you and baby at
a later stage.
For Baby
 Six long-sleeved babygros
 Six vests
 Two cardigans
 Two towels
 Disposable nappies (7lbs-9lbs)
(six to eight nappies per day)
 Three blankets
 Three cot sheets/pram sheets
 One roll of hospital cotton wool
 A hat/cap
 You must have a car seat to
bring your baby home safely
in (your partner can bring this
in on the day you and your baby
are going home)
All baby clothes and towels should
be prewashed before packing.
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coombe_front_16pp.indd x
 Please ensure that family and friends
are aware of visiting times by giving
them the Visiting Times telephone
number, (01) 408 5555, to use for
up-to-date visiting information.
Television
Women in wards are asked to respect the need for privacy and quietness by other new mothers.
It may be necessary on some occasions to turn off the TV, radios etc to enable some mothers to
get the rest they need. This also applies to the use of mobile phones.
Telephones
Card telephones are available on each floor and in private rooms.
Security
For your security and peace of mind, we have extensive closed-circuit television, 24-hour
security personnel and an electronic infant tagging system in place. We hope this will help to
reduce anxiety and reassure women who have their babies in the hospital. Video recordings
are stored to assist in the identification of anyone acting illegally. If you are concerned about
anything, please do not hesitate to tell your midwife.
Identity Badges
All hospital staff are issued with identity badges and are requested to wear them at all times. If
you are in any doubt about someone claiming to represent the hospital, whether in the hospital
or at home, always ask to see their ID badge or seek immediate advice from other hospital staff.
We strongly advise you not to give your baby to anyone you cannot identify as a hospital staff
member. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure the safety of babies and older children, so
always be vigilant. For your own welfare, if you are leaving your ward or room, please let your
midwife know where you are going and how long you will be away.
Fire Safety and Infant Tagging Alarms
An alarm will sound in the event of a fire drill or fire, and also if someone tries to take a tagged
baby out of the hospital.
Admissions, Labour and Delivery
Admissions Office
The Admissions Office is located on the ground floor, close to the Accounts Office, and it is
open 24 hours a day. When you are admitted, your details will be rechecked so that we have
up-to-date information on the computer. In particular, please let us know of any changes to your
address or contact telephone number.
Planned Admission
Antenatal mothers will usually be given a date and time for admission if you are being booked
in for induction or an elective Caesarean section. Once you arrive, go directly to the Admissions
Office. Arriving at the arranged time helps to avoid possible delays in starting treatment.
If You Think You Are in Labour
If you start labour, you should come to the hospital. It is not necessary to telephone in advance
unless you require advice. If you do not have access to a phone, please come into hospital to be
assessed. If your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, or if you do not feel the baby moving
as usual, you must come in for assessment. As a guide, we would expect that you should feel
your baby kick at least ten times in a 12-hour period, even in late pregnancy. If you are worried,
do not wait until the next day, contact us for advice immediately.
19/06/2012 09:57:18
 Assessment Unit
The Assessment Unit, provides a user-friendly facility to pregnant women (over 24 weeks) who
arrive at the hospital with signs of oncoming labour. Here you will be met by a midwife who will
assess you in comfortable surroundings before a decision is made as to whether you can go Your bag for the labour
home and await events, be admitted to the antenatal ward or be admitted to the delivery suite. ward should contain the
following:
Signs of Labour
It is possible that you are in labour when you experience regular painful contractions, particularly  Hospital maternity notes
when the contractions increase in frequency. The pain may be associated with a ‘show’, a  Birth plan (optional)
sticky or blood-stained mucous plug discharged vaginally, which is not caused by a vaginal  A loose t-shirt or old night-shirt
examination. The pain may also be associated with the ‘breaking of the waters’, that is, the
 Pair of comfy bed socks (feet can
leakage of fluid from your vagina.
become cold during labour)
Coping with Labour Pain  A natural sponge or face cloth
There are several different methods of coping with labour pain. Your midwife can assist you  Disposable camera
in choosing the right one for you. Generally speaking, there is psychoprophylaxis, i.e. using  Night-dress, underwear and bra
relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy (having a bath), keeping mobile and receiving massage from to change into after birth
your partner; entonox, also known as gas and air; an injection, such as pethidine; or an epidural.  Towel, toiletries and tissues
Epidural is available on request but subject to a clinical decision. An epidural must be carried out  Hair tie
by an anaesthetist, and is therefore dependent on an anaesthetist being available at the time.  Mineral water spray to cool
In certain circumstances, an epidural may not be possible – for example, if a woman has a very you down
low platelet count – although this is uncommon.  Lip balm
 Light snack
Who Can Stay with Me During the Birth?  Magazine/newspaper
Labour is an intense period of time, both physically and emotionally, for a woman. As well as her
 Details of prescribed medication
midwife, a woman may have one birth partner of her choice to accompany her during labour. A
birth partner of her choice can provide tremendous support and encouragement during labour..
During this time, no other visitors are normally permitted to visit the Delivery Suite. Further Requirements
(Mother):
The Delivery Suite
We try to ensure that the same team of midwives attend to you in the Delivery Suite. Invariably,  Copy of Breastfed is Best Fed
in a long labour, some changes to staff will occur with the end of one staff shift and the  Pillow (for breastfeeding) in own
beginning of the next. For mothers who are low-risk and who book their care with a small team of coloured pillow case
community midwives, they will be cared for by one of their team midwives. insofar as is possible.  Pen and notepaper

Eating and Drinking During Labour

All mothers are encouraged, where possible to keep well hydrated during labour and you will be
provided with jugs of water or ice cubes as required. You can choose to bring a small supply of your
own isotonic drinks with you. In a small number of cases, your doctor may request that you fast during
labour. Mothers who are low risk can avail of a low fat, low residue diet during labour to includes black
tea and toast with jam or honey ( no butter), energy bars or glucose sweets.

Special Facilities for Patients with Mobility Difficulties

A room is available on St Patrick’s Ward for patients who have mobility difficulties and who may
be confined to a wheelchair. The room has been designed under the guidance of a mother with
experience of mobility difficulties, and wardrobes and the en-suite bathroom have been specially
adapted to cater for wheelchair-bound women.

Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital - 2012/2013 xi

coombe_front_16pp.indd xi 19/06/2012 09:57:18

 Informed Consent
for an Emergency
Caesarean Section
Most mothers will plan for a
normal birth; however, there are
occasions when, in the opinion of
your doctor, your own health or
that of your baby may require that
an emergency Caesarean section is
performed. Whilst consent will be
sought beforehand, it is always best
if this is considered and discussed
before you go into labour to ensure
that you are making an informed
decision. Therefore, do take the time
during your antenatal visits to raise
any queries or concerns you may have
with your midwife or doctor in the
event that your birth plan may have to
be changed at short notice.
Metabolic Screening
(National Newborn
Screening Test)
We encourage all parents to allow
babies who are 72 hours old or older
to have a blood test taken, also known
at the heel prick test. This test is
carried out to look for uncommon but
preventable or treatable disorders, such
as thyroid or other metabolic disorders.
These disorders, whilst uncommon, are
entirely treatable if identified in the first
few weeks of life. The blood test will
be carried out by your midwife or your
public health nurse usually between
day three and day five and the blood
from the heel prick will be collected
on a small pre-printed card of blotting
paper, also known as the PKU card.
From July 2011, this test can also be
used to screen babies for cystic fibrosis
with your consent. If you have any
questions on this, do not hesitate to
ask your midwife or doctor.
If your baby is well and of an
appropriate size, he/she may receive
BCG immunisation before going home,
if the service is available. However, if
your baby is in the Neonatal Centre he/
she will not be eligible for this before
discharge home. Otherwise, you should
speak to your public health nurse about
getting this in your community clinic.
xii Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital - 2012/2013
coombe_front_16pp.indd Sec1:xii
 Incubabes
Incubabes is a support group for the
parents of premature or pre-term
babies. For further information, write to
Incubabes at: 105A Old County Road,
Dublin 12 or telephone 1850 421 428.
After Your Baby Is Born
Examining Your Baby
Your baby will be examined by your midwife shortly after the birth and may require special
supervision for example, of feeds and monitoring of the blood sugar. Vitamin K is routinely
offered for all babies to reduce the risk of bleeding, with parental consent. Newborn babies
usually go the postnatal ward with their mothers. Over the next couple of days your baby may
develop normal physiological jaundice and he/she will be monitored and may have blood tests if
necessary. Before going home, your baby will have a final examination and assessment. This will
be carried out by a member of the paediatric team of doctors.
Neonatal Centre
Between 10 and 15 per cent of newborn infants may need to be admitted to the Neonatal
Centre. Many are small and/or premature and require special attention for their breathing and/
or feeding. Depending on the reason(s) for the admission to the Neonatal Centre, your baby may
be admitted to the centre for a period of hours, days or weeks. Mothers at risk of delivering
prematurely are encouraged to ask for further information about the likely treatment their baby
may have while under our care. We provide a Neonatal Transition Home Service for families
whose babies have spent a long time in the Neonatal Centre. Ask your nurse or midwife for
more details of this service, which is designed to support parents when going home with their
baby after a prolonged stay in hospital.
* Please note that if you book for private care and your baby needs to be transferred to the
Neonatal Centre, your baby will also be considered a private patient unless you indicate otherwise.
Services for Mothers and Babies
Breastfeeding
The Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital is a member of the World Health Organisation
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative whereby we seek to inform all women of the benefits of
breastfeeding their babies and encourage and support continuous breastfeeding until the age
of six months where possible. Additional information and support in relation to breastfeeding
can be obtained from your midwife or doctor. We also have two Clinical Midwife Specialists in
Lactation on our staff. Telephone (01) 408 5200 and ask for bleep 199 or 225.
Physiotherapy Department
The Physiotherapy Department provides a range of postnatal physiotherapy services for women
and babies. Some babies may require physiotherapy and your baby may be referred, either in
the hospital or at the six-week check. The physiotherapist will assess your baby and advise you
on positioning and handling your baby and may show you exercises to correct any problems and
encourage your baby’s development.
Postnatal physiotherapy for mothers includes:
• Treatments for pregnancy-related backache and other musculoskeletal conditions.
• Assessment and treatment of pelvic floor and bladder problems.
• Postnatal classes where women are taught how to avoid these problems and encouraged to
do gentle exercises.
19/06/2012 09:57:21
 Reflexology
Reflexology is a natural, drug-free healing treatment based upon the stimulation of reflexes in the feet. There
are reflexes in the feet that correspond with every gland, organ and part of the body, and reflexology has been
used effectively for many years to improve or normalise blood circulation, reduce stress/tension, stimulate the
body’s natural healing powers and promote general wellbeing. For gift vouchers or an appointment with Catherine
Chambers, call 087 235 1077 and leave your name, ward and room details.

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

Proper diet and nutrition are especially important during and after pregnancy, both for yourself and your baby. For
this reason our dietician is available to women as either inpatients or outpatients, offering a range of information on
your dietary needs during this time. To contact the dietician, please telephone (01) 408 5200 and ask for bleep 122.

Medical Social Worker

If you are worried about difficulties relating to your pregnancy, family or other personal problems, it may help to
discuss them with one of our social workers. For an appointment, contact the receptionist on the ground floor or
telephone (01) 408 5617, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.00pm. Due to the volume of requests to see a social
worker, we regret that patients or their relatives will not be seen without an appointment.

Pharmacy
You can have prescriptions filled in the pharmacy, which is located in the Outpatients Department. Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 9.40am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

Chaplaincy Service
The Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital offers all women, babies and their relatives the spiritual support
of their respective faiths and traditions. The Chaplaincy Department is staffed by Roman Catholic staff, and clergy
of other denominations are available on request. To contact the chaplain, telephone (01) 408 5200 and ask for
bleep 175. The Oratory on the fourth floor is open for women and their families who wish to visit during visiting
hours and attend services.

Going Home
Early Transfer Scheme
Many mothers wonder how soon can they go home or how long can they stay in hospital. We try to ensure that
all mothers are enabled to go home as soon as possible after the birth of their baby, as long as mother and baby
are fit for discharge. Some mothers and babies have complications which require extended hospital stay and
treatment.

As it can be difficult to relax in a hospital, and hospitals, out of necessity, carry several restrictions, we do
encourage women to plan to go home as soon as they are fit to do so where they can relax in their own beds,
have use of their own toilet facilities and have meals of their choice in their own time surrounded by the family
and friends that they want present. Therefore, we have developed an Early Transfer Home Scheme.

If you booked for public or semi-private care and are interested in availing of this service, and live in one of the
applicable areas (Dublin 8, Dublin 10, Dublin 12, Dublin 20, Dublin 22, Dublin 24, Lucan, Naas – urban, Sallins,
Newbridge, Johnstown and Kill, Co. Kildare), you and your baby must be assessed as suitable by your midwife
and paediatrician respectively. If these conditions are met, you can avail of the option to be transferred home from
12 to 24 hours following the birth of your baby and to have a midwife visit you at home, up to and including day
five, instead of staying in hospital. If you have had a Caesarean section, you can avail of the early transfer home
from 72 hours, if you and your baby are well. For further details, telephone (01) 408 5616. You can leave the
hospital from 12 hours after the birth or, if delivered at night, after 9.00am the next morning. There is no charge
for this community midwife service.

 Car Seat
Make sure you have a car seat
for your baby’s travel home.

Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital - 2012/2013 xiii

coombe_front_16pp.indd Sec1:xiii 19/06/2012 09:57:21

 Before you go home you will have a full assessment in the hospital to make sure that
you and your baby are ready for transfer home. A paediatrician will complete a full
examination of your baby before you go home. A midwife from the Coombe Women &
Infants University Hospital will visit you as appropriate, up to and including, day five. Your
public health nurse will make contact to visit you after that.

Please note that we are continuously expanding this service to a greater area each
year but it is wise to check with your midwife in advance to ensure that you live in an
area served by community midwives. For mothers who live in an area where there is no
community midwife service currently available but have health insurance, please check
with your insurance provider as you may be able to avail of payment towards hiring your
own midwife or nurse in certain circumstances.

For all other mothers who do not avail of the early transfer home scheme, the standard
hospital stay is as follows:
• First-time mothers (vaginal birth) where mother and baby are well: 48-hour stay.
• Second-time or subsequent mothers (vaginal births) where mother and baby are well:
24-hour stay.
• All mothers who have had a Caesarean section: 48 to 96-hour stay (three to five days).

All mothers and babies availing of the standard hospital stay will be visited at home by
their public health nurse within a few days of discharge home. Do contact your local
health centre if you need more information on who may visit and when that visit is likely
to take place.

Day of Discharge
Beds and rooms should be vacated by 10.00am on the day of discharge to facilitate
cleaning in advance of the next new mother occupying the bed.

Health Insurers
Women should be aware that they are liable for all costs in respect of their stay in
hospital. The hospital cannot advise women on the likelihood of a health insurer agreeing
to cover extra costs or accommodation. Please make sure you contact your insurer if
you have any queries on your health insurance cover. Please check with your insurance
provider as you may be able to avail of payment towards hiring your own midwife or nurse
in certain circumstances after the birth of your baby if you do not have access to the
hospital community midwife service.

Settlement of Accounts
Hospital accommodation charges and inpatient levies are set by the Department of Health
and Children, and not the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital. However, the
hospital management has a statutory responsibility to recover all costs associated with a
patient’s care. For women with private health insurance, it is important for you to ensure
that your cover will pay for all aspects of care of you and your baby. If there is a shortfall,
you will be required to pay the hospital.

Postnatal Information
Six-Week Postnatal Check-Up
Women who have opted for combined antenatal care are encouraged to attend their GP
for the free two-week visit for their baby and for the free six-week postnatal visit. The
hospital encourages new mothers to see their GP as this is an opportunity to discuss how
they are getting on following the birth, infant feeding, contraception, and any other issues
a woman and her baby may have. It is a good idea to write down questions or concerns in
advance so you can ask your doctor about them.

All women are encouraged to register for Cervical Check, the national cervical screening
service which is free to all woman aged 25 to 60, If you have any questions you can call
Cervical Check on Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

xiv Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital - 2012/2013

coombe_front_16pp.indd Sec1:xiv 19/06/2012 09:57:23

 Baby Clinic
The hospital also runs a Baby Clinic (Monday to Friday). Some babies – particularly those who have been in the Neonatal
Centre – may need to return to the hospital for a six-week check-up by appointment. Further appointments may be made after
this examination as required.

People Matter – Listening to You and Learning

Pay Us a Compliment
If you feel someone has gone the extra mile for you, let us know by emailing admin@coombe.ie or writing to the
Communications Office.

Complaints
If you are not happy about some aspect of our service, please let us – the staff on the ward or in the clinic – know
immediately. We will try and put things right for you on the spot. If we can’t resolve the matter, or you are unhappy with the
outcome, then you should write to the Patient Advocacy Co-ordinator who will look into the matter for you.

Comments and Feedback

We regularly carry out surveys to check that our service is meeting your needs and we are also keen to hear suggestions for
improvements to our services. You may therefore be invited to answer a few questions about an aspect of your visit or stay in
the hospital. This can happen whilst you are here, or once you have returned home.

What Information Do You Keep About Me?

Like all hospitals, we aim to keep accurate and up-to-date information about women and babies, including details of all
treatment. This is known as your Medical Record. This allows health professionals to have everything they need in order to give
you the best possible treatment. We take great care to look after your medical record properly, and anyone who has access
to your notes is obliged to keep them confidential. As we hold information about you on computer, we are registered with the
Data Protection Commissioner’s office.

Coombe Care
Coombe Care is the name of the voluntary group of dynamic and enthusiastic women who provide their time freely and who
are always in need of donations and help. If you would like to help, please contact the Friends of the Coombe office on (01)
408 5539. Some mothers arrive in hospital without basic provisions. Coombe Care, founded in 1986 by Mrs Geraldine Davy,
provides these mothers with essentials such as night-dresses, babywear, toiletries and, at Christmas time, food vouchers to
help the family. In short, Coombe Care enables these mothers to give birth with dignity.

Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital - 2012/2013 xv

coombe_front_16pp.indd Sec1:xv 19/06/2012 09:57:26

 Friends of the Coombe
Friends of the Coombe is a registered charity organisation established in 1982
(www.friendsofthecoombe.ie) to help raise funds to assist the development of the
Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, and support its vital research programmes.

How are the Funds Raised by the Friends Used?

The hospital provides care for almost 10,000 mothers and their babies each year. It is a
national referral centre for pregnant women who have complex pregnancies. The hospital
ensures that all mothers have the best care available. To maintain its position at the
forefront of maternity, neonatal and gynaecology care, the hospital must continually invest
in education, research and new technology.

The paediatric service at the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital is one of
our greatest strengths. The Neonatal Intensive Care unit seeks to acquire the latest
technology and equipment for the care of sick babies, particularly those infants who are
very small and premature.

Our Wish List

• Omnibed Giraffe Incubator
Our very young, small and often premature infants need gentle care and an environment
in which their individual requirements can be met. The Giraffe Omnibed provides an
advanced user-friendly and developmentally supportive micro-environment for the
intensively ill infant. The elevating hood provides instant and uncompromised access to
perform necessary procedures, and eliminates the need to move the infant.
• Neonatal Monitoring System
When life is most fragile, needs can change in a heartbeat and, in those precious
moments, decisions are critical and the right information is vital. The solar monitor is
specifically designed to meet the high acuity needs of our patients in the NICU.
• Instant Flow Sipap Machine
The instant flow system provides a non-invasive form of respiratory support for the
compromised infant, with clinically proven benefits and optimal comfort for the infant.
• Cosytherm Neonatal Warming System
The Cosytherm Neonatal Warming System provides active warming therapy for
use in the treatment or prevention of hypothermia, thus reducing the need for
incubator nursing.

Making a Donation
Donations can be accepted in the form of cheques, postal orders or bank drafts and should
be made payable to Friends of the Coombe and sent to: Friends of the Coombe, Coombe
Women & Infants University Hospital, Cork Street, Dublin 8. You can also donate online,
please visit www.friendsofthecoombe.ie.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We do hope that you will be impressed with the
care we can provide for you and your baby. If you have any questions on any matter, ask
your midwife or doctor for more information.

 Freedom of Information
We believe in openness and transparency and will endeavour
to make personal information available to the women who
use our services.

xvi Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital - 2012/2013

coombe_front_16pp.indd Sec1:xvi 19/06/2012 09:57:31

 Letter from the Editor

EDITOR:
LAURA BURY

DESIGNER:
MARIA O’ROURKE

PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE:
Letter from
REBECCA MCNAMEE

PRODUCTION MANAGER:
LEN WILSON
the Editor
SALES DIRECTOR:
PAUL CLEMENSON Congratulations on your pregnancy!
SINCERE THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO You are beginning a magical journey. Pregnancy is the most wonderful
EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ISSUE. experience of a woman’s life, and although you are likely to be feeling
PARTICULAR THANKS GO TO THE FOLLOWING FOR
a heady mix of emotions – from utter joy to anticipation and from
THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT:
DOLORES BOOTH, UNA CARR, NORMA DEASY,
excitement to apprehension and worry – try to relax and enjoy this time.
GERALDINE DUFFY, THERESE GALLAGHER, MARY
HOLDEN, PATRICIA HUGHES, COLETTE MCCANN, Your body is changing to accommodate your baby and to help him grow
OONAGH MCDERMOTT, CONCEPTA MCDONAGH, safely and healthily. Your natural instincts, just like your body’s, will kick
HELEN MCLOUGHLIN, CATRIONA MORIARTY, in and you will learn to care for the little person (or people!) inside you.
MARGARET MULVANY, MAUREEN NOLAN, SARAH
O’BUACHALLA, MARGARET PHILBIN MAY QUIRKE,
EVELYN SMITH, RITA SPELMAN. Nine months will go by in a heartbeat so make sure you use your time
wisely and prepare, both physically and emotionally, for the wonderful
ILLUSTRATIONS & PHOTOGRAPHY: changes that your little bundle will bring.
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
maternity has been guiding mothers through their pregnancy, birth and
PRINTED BY:
WYNDEHAM GROUP
beyond for over 15 years now and we hope to continue long into the
future. We have advice from a wide panel of experts in areas such as
maternity is published by exercise and nutrition, common pregnancy discomforts, breastfeeding,
Ashville Media Group, Old Stone Building, weaning your little one (we like to plan ahead!) and how to care for your
Blackhall Green, Dublin 7. baby in those first days and weeks. Our essential guide to labour and
Tel: (01) 432 2200; Fax: (01) 672 7100
birth brings you through everything from birth plans and pain relief to
Email: info@ashville.com
Web: www.ashville.com positions and the stages of labour. This comprehensive guide is a must-
read for any expectant mum.
All rights reserved. Every care has been taken
to ensure accuracy in the completion of We also have plenty of fun and helpful features, including financial
this guide. The publishers cannot, however,
advice, top tips on decorating your nursery, car seat safety and your first
accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
family holiday.
Reproduction by any means in whole or in
part without the permission of the publisher is
prohibited. ©Ashville Media Group, 2012 Prepare as much as you can before your little one arrives into the world,
but know that, just like your mum and her mum before her, you too will
All discounts, promotions and competitions learn as you go. Remember to relax and enjoy your pregnancy – those 40
contained in this magazine are run
weeks will go by in the blink of an eye.
independently of maternity. The promoter/
advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize.

The information contained in this book is not a

Laura Bury
substitution for the examination, diagnosis and Laura Bury
treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Editor

maternity 1

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Women’s Health Check

LATE LATE Specialised Women’s Health Clinic available
at McCabes Pharmacy
PHARMACY MENOPAUSE TEST
Dundrum Town Centre 25% OFF
WAS €30.00 NOW €22.50
& Pavilions Shopping Centre HAEMOGLOBIN & FERRITIN TEST
25% OFF
Now Open WAS €30.00 NOW €22.50

Until 11pm every night THYROID CHECK

25% OFF
WAS €30.00 NOW €22.50
All Year Around CHOLESTEROL
25% OFF
Dundrum & Pavilions now open late. WAS €30.00 NOW €22.50
BONE DENSITY SCAN
(Osteoporosis screening)
25% OFF
WAS €50.00 NOW €37.50

www.mccabespharmacy.com/healthcheck

Our locations:
■ The Blanchardstown Centre ■ Glasnevin Avenue ■ Ballymun ■ Pavilions S.C. Swords ■ Ridgewood ■ Rathbeale ■ Malahide S.C. ■ Clarehall S.C. ■The Diamond,
Malahide Village ■ Yellow Walls, Malahide ■ Clery’s Department Store, O’Connell Street ■ Dundrum Town Centre ■ Citywest S.C. ■ Griffeen, Lucan ■ Kimmage
■ Sandyford Hall ■ Carroll Village ■ Lis Na Dara, Carrick Road, Dundalk ■ The Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick
Also Available At: ■ Paddy McCauley’s Pharmacy, Gorey ■ Sherwood’s Pharmacy, Wexford Town

Maternity_1_68.indd 5 28/06/2012 12:39:02

 Advertorial

Addresses the needs

of sensitive skin

Rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy, the legend started in a

small town, Avène, located in the south west of France, Languedoc
Roussillon region. Since 1743, when the first Hydrotherapy Centre
was built near the Sainte-Odile spring, the vocation of Avène has
never changed and the Hydrotherapy Centre is entirely dedicated to
dermatology. The therapeutic properties of Avène Thermal spring
water has been used at the Hydrotherapy Centre to address a variety
of dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis,
eczema and burns. Launched in 1990, the Avène skincare brand was
created to capture the same healing benefits to soothe sensitive skins
worldwide. Formulated with Avène Thermal spring water and bottled
directly from the source of the spring, the Avène skincare brand
addresses the needs of all types of sensitive skin.

Maternity_1_68.indd 6 28/06/2012 12:39:04

 Advertorial

Avène Spring Water

Thermal Spray
Whether you are looking to freshen Eau Thermale
up or help your little one to cool down
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray is the
Avène Antibacterial
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Containing 100% Avène Thermal
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with nourishing goodies at the ready. ones cuts, burns and rashes, use Avène
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goes to work immediately to soothe, protect against germs and infections,
relieve and treat nappy rash, irritations, but actually places a protective layer on
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skin. W it while the healing goes on beneath.
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a Eau Thermale
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Eau Thermale Avène

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gentle enough to treat and protect even less so for their families. But help
eczema prone skin, Avène’s Trixéra+ is at hand, Trixera+ Emollient Balm
cleansing gel contains Selectiose, helps to gently nurture even severely
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skin this cleansing gel contains glycocol and hydrates thirsty skin. This child
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it from further drying delicate by calming any inflammation. On the skins
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Avène Trixéra+ kids soothed and smiling… streng
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offering protection from
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and locks in moisture.
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Emollient Balm smooth and supple
€20.33 200ml without stickiness.

Maternity_1_68.indd 7 28/06/2012 12:39:29

 W
E NO ST
A
OR LF
ST N BE
W I
NE PEN
O

FOR ALL YOUR BABIES NEEDS

• Irish Owned Family Business
• Expert advice from a well trained sales team
• Irelands largest selection of prams, car seats
and bedroom furniture
• Free personal Consultation
• Established in the 1960s
• No parking problems at any store
• Car seat installation experts always
on hand to check that your car seat
safely fits your car
• 25% deposit secures product
• Will not be beaten on price and will
price match any shop in Ireland
• Gift Vouchers available
• Open 7 days a week

We look forward to seeing you in one of our stores.

Northside Retail Park 9-11 Walkinstown Green South Ring Business Park 61-63 Boucher Crescent
Coolock Drive Walkinstown Kinsale Road Belfast
(Off Kinsale Road Roundabout)
Dublin 17 Dublin 12 Cork BT12 6HU
Ph: 01 867 2757 Ph: 01 450 3966 Ph: 021 500 5500 PH: 028 9068 2118

www.tonykealys.com
Maternity_1_68.indd 8 28/06/2012 12:39:41
 maternity 2012/2013

Contents
Regulars 35 Dinner for Two 54 Get Comfortable
1 Editor’s Letter Laura Harrington outlines what Margaret Fanagan helps you
13 Small Talk you need to know about nutrition to combat those pesky
Hot topics for mums-to-be. during pregnancy. pregnancy complaints.
19 Magic Words 42 Get Active 57 Top to Toe
The best pregancy and parenting Lesley-Anne Ross guides you Trisha Doyle shows you
books on the market. through exercising when pregnant. how to look and feel great
184 Mummy Wide Web 47 Warning Signs during pregnancy.
The pick of the bunch for online Serious symptoms that should not 63 Beauty Treats
shopping and advice. be ignored during pregnancy. Laura Bury looks at the top
188 Support & Advice Directory 50 Weighing In beauty products to keep mum
Support and information services. Derek Owens asks what expectant looking yum.
192 I Wish I Knew mums can do to tackle the growing
Advice from mums, for mums. problem of maternal
mat obesity.

Pregnancy
22 Womb to Grow 22
maternity brings you step-by-step
ep
through those 40 magical weeks.s.

42

35
50
DISCLAIMER:
This brochure and contributions made herein have been carefully researched and are intended to act only as a
guide for new parents. Independent medical advice should always be sought should you have concerns during,
or after, your pregnancy. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this
brochure is accurate at the time of going to press, the publisher, maternity hospital, and the editor cannot take
responsibility for inaccuracies or errors.

The opinions expressed in the various contributions are the personal opinions of the contributors and are not
necessarily the views or opinions of the publishers, the hospital nor the editor. The material contained in this
brochure is not intended to constitute medical advice and all problems of a medical nature must be referred to
medical staff at the hospital or other qualified medical practitioners. Advertisements within the publication are
not endorsed by the hospital or the publisher. Any claims made within the advertisements are not endorsed by
the hospital or the publisher.

maternity 9

Maternity_1_68.indd 9 28/06/2012 12:40:02

 171 139

152
64 Leave on a High
116
What you need to
know about your 159 Choosing your Childcare
maternity leave We explore the childcare options
and entitlements. available to you and your little one.
66 Get Packed!
Laura Bury looks Feature
at what you need for your 53 Up in the Air
hospital bag and when you the many contraceptive methods Arlene Harris gives some helpful
should start packing. available to help you decide the travel tips for new families.
69 maternity’s Guide to Labour & Birth most appropriate for you. 116 Your First Family Car
Your essential guide to labour and Trisha Doyle gives some top tips on
giving birth. The Baby Years buying your first family car.
122 Coming to your Senses 118 Baby on Board
After the Birth Brenda Collins explains how your The Road Safety Authority
86 Baby’s First Forms little bundle is developing in the explain why your baby should be
Information on registering your first year. restrained in an appropriate car
baby’s birth. 133 Sleeping Beauties seat for every journey.
89 Special Care Jo Middleton offers some tips on 128 Say Cheese!
Why getting the correct support is creating an enjoyable bedtime The experts give their top
essential for special care babies. routine. photography tips for those all-
94 A Caring Hand 139 Yummy, Mummy important family photos.
Proper hand hygiene is the first Roberty McCarthy guides you 165 Money Matters
step in keeping your little one free through introducing spoon-feeds to We help you to prepare for the
from infection. your baby. costs of bringing up baby.
96 Breast for Baby 145 Bring on the Sunshine 171 Baby’s Nursery
Lorraine O’Hagan and Denise Gaye Godkin explains the Arlene Harris explains how you can
McGuinness advise on making implementation of a national policy prepare the perfect space for your
breastfeeding enjoyable for you on vitamin D supplementation. new arrival.
and your little one. 152 Back to Work 177 Coping with Miscarriage
105 Caring for your Little One Trisha Doyle explains how you Johanna Payton talks to mothers
Sylvia McShane guides you through can make your return to work as who miscarried and tells you where
caring for your little one in those stress-free as possible. to find help and support.
first few weeks.
111 Informed & Immunised
Dr Brenda Corcoran and Dr Fiona
Ryan outline all you need to know
to make an informed decision on 105
immunisation for your little one.
147 Coping with Postnatal Depression
Madge Fogarty of Postnatal
Depression Ireland explains how
you can recognise, and beat,
postnatal depression.
181 Family Planning
Margaret Merrigan-Feenan outlines

10 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 10 28/06/2012 12:41:17

 FOR ALL YOUR BABIES NEEDS

We look forward to seeing you in one of our stores.

Northside Retail Park 9-11 Walkinstown Green South Ring Business Park 61-63 Boucher Crescent
Coolock Drive Walkinstown Kinsale Road Belfast
(Off Kinsale Road Roundabout)
Dublin 17 Dublin 12 Cork BT12 6HU
Ph: 01 867 2757 Ph: 01 450 3966 Ph: 021 500 5500 PH: 028 9068 2118

www.tonykealys.com
Maternity_1_68.indd 11 28/06/2012 12:41:57
 AWARDS 2011/12

emature B
Pr
ab
h
Ir i s

ie
s

Maternity_1_68.indd 12 28/06/2012 12:42:10


Small Talk
Hot topics for mums-to-be...
Wakey wakey baby
Recent research has suggested that mums may
disturb their babies’ sleep – and not the other
way around.
Researchers from Pennsylvania State
University have found that anxiety and worry led
mums who were feeling depressed to disturb
their babies when they were sleeping to pick
them up, feed them and take them into their
own bed or cuddle them because they needed
the emotional comfort.
The authors suggested that mothers who
worry excessively about their babies' wellbeing
at night were quicker to respond to slight
sounds the baby made even if the infant was
not upset or in need of attention.
"Although most mothers implemented a
calming bedtime routine, ignored non-distressed
vocalisations, and had children who sleep
through the night (aside from expected night
feedings for younger infants), mothers reporting
more depressive symptoms displayed much
more variability in nighttime interactions with
their infants, intervened with their infants
when there did not appear to a clear need for
intervention (e.g., going to the infant when the
infant was awake but not distressed, or when
the infant was sound asleep), and had difficulty
setting limits with their infants during bedtime
and at night," stated the research.
Maternity_1_68.indd 13
Small Talk Regulars
What’s up Mum?
A brand new website, www.whatsupmum.ie, has launched giving
pregnant women and new parents free expert advice from midwives,
gynaecologists, paediatricians and other healthcare professionals.
On the website expectant and new parents will be able to find
short instructive videos on topics such as antenatal care, and bathing
and feeding your little one. It is the first HSE-supported multimedia
information resource for mums, dads, and mums-to-be. All of the various
apps are available to download from iTunes free of charge.
According to Sheila Sugrue, HSE National Office of Nursing and
Midwifery: “The HSE is pleased to support this exciting new resource.
This technology is the way forward for all expectant mums especially
those who are juggling very busy lives.”
Happy Birthday
Murphy’s Pram and Nursery Stores!
This year Murphy’s Pram and Nursery Stores celebrate 70 years in
business. They have been the tried and trusted name in prams and
nursery shopping since 1942, offering impartial advice, superior
service and value, and a large range of brands and budgets to suit
all parents. Their stores in Dublin and Wexford have fully-trained
staff and parking to ensure car seats are fitted correctly and are
suitable. See www.murphysprams.ie for more information, or
call Dublin on 01 4586793 or Wexford on 053 9483714.
Bottoms Up!
Mumsnet, the online parenting Soft &
community, voted Lidl’s Toujours nappies
their number one disposable nappy in
Breathable
Mumsnet Best Awards 2011. Beating Keep your babies
well-known brands such as Huggies and bottom as soft as
Pampers, the supermarket brand scored it should be with
top marks as they were rated for comfort, Eau Thermale
reliability and value for money. Avène Cicalfate
Aoife Clarke, Lidl spokesperson, said: barrier cream
“Naturally we are delighted to have been for quick, gentle
awarded the title of Best Disposable and easy relief of
Nappies from Mumsnet reviewers as nappy rash that
they are all parents who have tried and will have them
tested the Toujours nappies on their own smiling with
children. It just goes to show that you can comfort. €13.21
find better than brand quality nappies at from selected
the lowest prices that will ensure your pharmacies.
child is kept dry and comfortable.”
maternity 13
28/06/2012 12:42:15
 Regulars Small Talk

Baby Organic
Daniel Galvin Juniors Organic Lavender Baby Range ange
contains only the mildest, natural and organic
aagents, plant and sugar extracts, vitamins and d
llavender Essential Oils known for their calmingg
eeffect. The collection will leave your baby’s skin,
in,
ffresh, clean and gently moisturised ‘the organic
ic
way’ and your baby calmed and relaxed readyy for
w
a good night’s sleep.
The range includes Organic Lavender Baby Bath and Body Wash 150ml €4.99,
Organic Lavender Baby Shampoo 150ml €4.99 and Organic Lavender Baby Body
Baby Bee
Moisturiser 150ml €4.99 Available at www.cloud10beauty.com Especially created for babies,
Baby Bee Multipurpose Ointment
is a non-irritating, petroleum

Fit it!
Bella Baby are offering
free ointment that provides an
effective barrier to help protect
your baby’s skin, using only
a unique free six-month all-natural ingredients like,
health check on your car nourishing beeswax and coconut
seat. Simply call Bella oil to fight dryness, while jojoba
Baby Oranmore Galway and shea butters gently soothe
(091 483718 ) or Bella the baby’s delicate skin. Burt’s
Baby Dundrum Bees® Baby Bee, Multipurpose
Town Centre Ointment is €10.95.
(01 299 0009) and
book in your safety check
with one of their qualified Breastfed
staff members. babies are
51%
less likely to be
Babybay Markets obese at age 9
We all know how quickly our babies can grow. Now Babybay.ie are
now running indoor Baby Markets where parents can buy a stall
for just €20 or a clothes rail for €5 and sell those items their
baby has grown out of to expectant and new parents. Events will
take place around the country and admission to the event is just
€3 with €1 donated to Barnardos. For more information log onto
www.BabyBayMarket.ie.
Breastfeeding Battles Obesity
According to research, breastfed babies who are
weaned on to solid foods later have a far lower
risk of obesity by age nine.
Research published in the journal of Social
Science and Medicine used data from a
Government-funded study following almost
20,000 children and their families, called
'Growing Up in Ireland'.
The study was carried out by Dr Cathal
McCrory and Prof Richard Layte of the Economic
and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and found
that children who had been breastfed for three
to six months were 38 per cent less likely to
be obese at nine years of age compared to
exclusively formula-fed children, while those
breastfed for six months or more were 51 per
cent less likely to be obese.

14 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 14 28/06/2012 12:42:22

Maternity_1_68.indd 15 28/06/2012 12:42:38
 Regulars Small Talk

©thinkstockphotos.com/ Hemera
Did you know…
Breastfeeding your baby reduces risks of breast
and ovarian cancer later in life, helps women
return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, and
lowers rates of obesity.
*Source WHO

Help
is on hand…
Help is on hand from
the moment your baby
arrives with the Ameda
Did you know…
On average
Lactaline hospital approved
95% of mothers who
breastpump. From helping
birth at home go on
with engorgement or simply
to breastfeed their
increasing milk supply, the
babies successfully.
medically-approved pump has *Source: The Home
been developed to fit into any new mother’s busy Birth Association
lifestyle. The Ameda Lactaline gives you the flexibility to
Reilly Ready for Home Births
pump occasionally or regularly with the option to single Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, has stated that more women
or double pump; allowing you to express your milk in Ireland should be offered the chance to birth at home. While
more efficiently. Approved by medical professionals the numbers of women who have home births in Ireland is still
and mothers alike; the breastpump can help you to quite low, the numbers of women seeking to have home births is
breastfeed with ease and confidence. For help and growing every year. Based on the queries accrued by the Home Birth
support with breastfeeding, visit the Ameda website Association it is estimated that for every mother who births at home
www.ameda.co.uk. a further 10 would like to, but do not have the option to do so.

There’s an app for that… Baby-friendly

It’s hard to recall what we did before museum
smartphones; but luckily we don’t need to. Here The National Museum of Decorative
are our top three free apps for mum and baby. Arts and History, Collins Barracks is
1) The Pregnancy Tracker from Whattoexpect. inviting parents to come along with
com is the perfect companion to bestseller (and their children for a guided tour of
now movie) What to Expect When You’re Expecting the museum. Taking place on the
by Heidi Murkoff. This free app will give you week last Thursday of every month from
by week details of what is going on with your 11.30am to 12.15pm. The tour is
little one, updates on body changes to expect, especially for adults with toddlers
countdown to your due date and more! and babies - buggies are welcome.
2) It’s all go when you’re a parent, especially It is free of charge and no
a new parent, and it’s hard to keep track of booking is necessary. Just turn up
everything that needs to be remembered, be it with your children on the day and
feeds, vaccinations, check-ups. With Evernote you enjoy the tour which exhibits a
no longer have to rely solely on your brain to wide range of artefacts and objects
remember! This app lets you take notes, create steeped in Irish culture, heritage
to-do lists, search through images, take images and natural history.
and file them away (super handy for recipes). It’s like having a filing cabinet. Bramble café, situated in the
In your handbag! grounds of the museum, is
3) With parenting guides from newborn through school years, the Ages & offering 20% off lunch for adults
Stages app provides the most targeted information on child development on the Babies on Board tour. For
and parenting milestones. Perfect for mums and dads who want a techie more information please visit
alternative to the baby scrapbook. www.museum.ie.

16 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 16 28/06/2012 12:42:38

 CdiZkZgndcZ
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For the science bit go to:

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Always read the label Available from supermarkets & pharmacies nationwide

Maternity_1_68.indd 17 28/06/2012 12:42:47

 bronchiolitis.

Maternity_1_68.indd 18 28/06/2012 12:42:48

 Magic Words Regulars

Magic
Words
{maternity looks at the best in books for pregnancy, birth and beyond.}
The Irish Pregnancy Book Recovering from Postnatal
(third edition), Dr Peter Boylan, A&A Farmar, Depression, Madge Fogarty and
€16.99 Bernie Kealey, Ashville Media Group,
Now in its third edition, The €9.99
Irish Pregnancy Book is the Childbirth is a wonderful event
essential guide to having a baby in a woman’s life, but sometimes
in Ireland by one of Ireland’s this experience can be followed by
best known obstetricians. Based postnatal depression (PND); a condition
on 30 years’ experience helping that has affected women from all
mothers at the National Maternity backgrounds. Awareness of PND is
Hospital, Holles Street, and crucial in order to be able to recognise
in his clinics, Dr Peter Boylan the symptoms and, as with any other
explains clearly what happens illness, the sooner it is spotted, the
in pregnancy, how mother and better. Madge Fogarty, chairperson of
baby’s health develops, and what Postnatal Depression Ireland (www.pnd.
to expect in labour and delivery. ie) and Bernie Kealey, founder of the
Comprehensive chapters with Postnatal Distress Association Ireland
reliable up-to-date information, collaborated on this book, which was
case studies from Irish mums, released in November 2010, in order to
and an outstanding Q&A section, highlight PND among expectant mothers
Boylan’s clear, concise and in Ireland. The book includes a number
reassuring style makes this a of encouraging stories from real women
must-read for all expectant mums. who suffered from, and overcame, PND.
All proceeds from sales of the book will
go to Postnatal Depression Ireland.
Let’s Play and Learn Together
Dr Roni Cohen Leiderman and
Dr Wendy Masi, Fair Winds Press,
€17.15
Playing with your baby is more
than
t fun and games: it’s the key
to
t building a strong relationship
and
a providing important
stimulation
s that promotes
learning and development. Let’s
Play
P and Learn Together has 100
games,
g activities and exercises
that
t parents can do with their
baby to foster cognitive, motor
and
a language skills as well as
creativity
c and relational skills.

maternity 19

Maternity_1_68.indd 19 28/06/2012 12:42:50

 Regulars Magic Words

I Love You Baby –

The Irish Dad’s Survival Guide to
Pregnancy (& Beyond…)
David Caren, The O’Brien Press, €14.99
It’s not all about mums you know! New dads
need just as much help and encouragement
as the ladies in their lives when it comes
to dealing with the birth of their very own
bundle of joy. Luckily, founder of Dad.ie and
experienced dad-of-three David Caren has just
the book to see ‘Daddy’ through from finding
out he’s going to become a father to the birth
and the many sleepless nights that come
after. Caren’s practical and easy-to-follow
chapters detail everything an expectant dad
will need to know.
Meeting the Emotional
Needs of Children
Jonathan Hall, Matador,
€15.85
Most parents take care of
their children’s physical
needs very well, especially
when they are babies and
those needs are simple.
But often when it comes
to the emotional needs of
their children, parents feel
completely overwhelmed. I
Love You Baby shows
parents how they can help
their children grow into
well-balanced adults, with
information on providing
affirmation, addressing
problems and imposing
proper discipline.
Top 100 Baby & Toddler Meals in Minutes,
Annabel Karmel, Ebury Press, €13.60
The quintessential queen of cooking for kids has the perfect solution for time-poor
mums who still want to give the best to their children. Top 100 Meals in Minutes brings
nutritious and delicious recipes to your table. The easy-to-follow instructions will ensure
even the most hopeless cook will be seem like a culinary whizz. This is the go-to book
for any parent who wants the best for their children while having to juggle their time.

Pilates for
Pregnancy
Lynne
Robinson,
Kyle Books,
€21.75

Let’s face it: we’re all on much tighter

budgets now than we were five years ago,
particularly when it comes to spending
on ourselves during pregnancy. But
that doesn’t mean we have to give up
all of the things we love. In Pilates for
Pregnancy, Pilates guru Lynne Robinson
offers over 60 gentle exercises divided
into early pregnancy, later pregnancy and
post-pregnancy. An excellent guide for
mums on a budget who don’t want to
shell out for classes.

20 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 20 28/06/2012 12:42:59

Maternity_1_68.indd 21 28/06/2012 12:43:07
 Pregnancy Week by Week

WombtoGrow

{ }
From conception to contractions, maternity
guides you through those 40 magical weeks.

22 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 22 28/06/2012 12:43:08


The First Trimester
Pregnancy is divided into three phases,
or trimesters. The first covers the time
from conception to week 12 and is a
vital stage in your baby’s development
when all of the major organs begin to
form. It is also a period when your baby
is most vulnerable to harm, so it is
important to look after your health, eat
well and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Weeks 3-6
Once the egg has been fertilised by the
sperm, it travels along the fallopian
tube towards the uterus where it
implants itself. This process triggers
the release of hormones, which in turn
spark changes in your body to prepare
for pregnancy. By week four, the
fertilised egg, which is now a cluster of
living cells, will separate into two. One
part will form the embryo and amniotic
sac and the other part will form the
placenta, which will supply your growing
baby with nutrients and oxygen via the
umbilical cord.
While some women are aware that
they’re pregnant almost from the
moment of conception, most don’t
suspect pregnancy until they miss
a period in week five. By then, your
baby’s nervous system is already
beginning to develop and, to minimise
the risk of spina bifida and neural tube
defects, it is recommended that you
take folic acid supplements from 14
weeks before conception until week e
12 of pregnancy. If you haven’t begun
taking folic acid, start to take it as soon
as your pregnancy is confirmed.
The development of blood and d blood
vessels, bones, muscles and major ajor
internal organs has also begun.. Some
blood vessels will form the umbilical
bilical
cord and connect to the placenta,nta,
providing a vital link between you
and your baby. As well as food d and
nutrients, drugs and nicotine can
also be passed through to your ur baby.
Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol andnd other
drugs is vital during this crucial
cial time in
your baby’s development.
Week 6
BABY: Although only the sizee of a coffee
bean, your baby is recognisable
able as a
human being even at this early stage.
The cluster of living cells has
as now
developed into an embryo. Your baby
has a neck and head, a brainain and a
heart that is already beating,
ng, although
it has only two chambers rather than
Maternity_1_68.indd 23
the four that will soon develop. An
ultrasound scan may even be able to
pick up a heartbeat at this early stage.
Tiny buds that will become arms and
legs are already in place. The beginnings
of a digestive system, kidneys and a
liver have all started.
MUM: Your period is two weeks late.
You may have had a test at this stage
or made a visit to your GP. You may be
feeling nauseous and your breasts might
feel tender. You may be feeling tired
and might need to pass urine more
often, especially at night.
Week 8
BABY: Your baby is now about the size
of a grape. She will probably make her
first movements this week, though you
won’t feel them. Her features, especially
her eyes and mouth, are becoming more
distinct. The eyes are covered by an
intact skin, which will eventually split
to become eyelids. The limbs elongate
and elbows and knees begin to appear.
The internal organs are continuing their
development – the heart has started its
vigorous pumping. Your baby will now
be about 2.5cm long.
MUM: You may find you have lost
a taste for some foods while you
are craving others. You may also be
suffering from nausea. Having some
toast or crackers before you get out
of bed to raise blood sugar levels and
eating small frequent meals
me can help,
as nausea is often worse when your
stomach is empty. Extreme tiredness
Week by Week Pregnancy
can also occur, so early nights are
advised. If you are having difficulty
sleeping at night, take naps during the
day whenever possible. Tiredness will
subside as your pregnancy progresses.
You may also feel faint due to a
hormone imbalance which will settle
after a little while. Try to avoid hot,
stuffy areas.
Week 10
BABY: Your baby is now about the size
of an apricot. Development is now
well underway with fingers and toes
becoming more distinct and the facial
features developing more. Your baby
will be moving around and is about
4.5cm long and weighs about 5g.
MUM: Although not yet visibly
pregnant, your uterus is by now the
size of an orange. Now is a good time
to invest in a well-fitting support
bra, as your breasts will have already
started to increase in size. Some women
experience headaches that may be
caused by dehydration and not eating
enough due to morning sickness. Try
eating small amounts often and drinking
plenty of water at regular intervals.
The Second Trimester
The second trimester (weeks 13 to
28) is often the most enjoyable
phase, with many of the discomforts
of early pregnancy having now passed.
During the latter part of this phase
you will first feel your baby move –
most exciting moments of
one of the mos
your pregnancy.
©iStockphoto.com/Ceneri
maternity 23
28/06/2012 12:43:12
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Maternity_1_68.indd 24 28/06/2012 12:43:18


Week 12
BABY: Your baby’s head is now fully
formed. Eyes and eyelids are complete.
Fingers and toes are fully formed; arms
have grown and nails have started to
grow. Your child’s ovaries or testicles are
distinguishable but not fully developed
so a scan at this stage cannot determine
the sex of the baby. The ribs and spine
are beginning to harden into bone. Baby’s
length is now about 6.5cm, but she
weighs only 18g.
MUM: By now you will start to feel a
bulge above your pelvis and your uterus
is the size of a grapefruit. At your first
antenatal visit your doctor or midwife
will be able to feel the uterus by external
examination. On this visit your medical
history will be taken, blood and urine
tests are carried out, blood pressure is
checked and you will be given some
nutritional advice. A scan should take
about ten minutes and is taken by a
radiographer or specialist sonographer.
Week 14
BABY: Eyebrows and a little hair
have grown. All of your baby’s organs,
limbs, muscles, genitalia and bones have
formed and the heartbeat is strong. She is
now drinking some of the amniotic fluid
and receiving all her nourishment through
the placenta. She is now about 8cm long.
Maternity_1_68.indd 25
MUM: Many women who suffer from
morning sickness begin to feel better by
now. You may also feel less tired. A dark
line of pigment, the linea nigra, may
form down the centre of your abdomen.
This will fade after your baby is born.
Your nipples and the area around them
will darken considerably and your uterus
will now be enlarging at a noticeable
rate.
Week 16
BABY: Your baby is now fully formed and
is growing rapidly. The rest of her time
in the uterus will be spent growing and
maturing until she is able to survive
independently. Her eyes are still closed.
Lanugo, a fine down, is starting to form
all over her skin to keep her temperature
stable and she is now about 16cm long.
MUM: For many this is a time of
increased energy. Your bump may be
becoming more noticeable. You are
likely to have more of an appetite,
but don’t worry too much if you
don’t feel like eating a lot – it is the
quality and not the quantity of food that
is important.
Week 18
BABY: By week 18, your baby now
has a firm grip and even
has fingerprints. She will be
Week by Week Pregnancy
increasingly energetic at this time; as
well as kicking she is also sucking, with
some babies beginning to suck their
thumbs before they are even born. She
will now be about 20cm long. Until now,
your baby’s bones had been developing
but were still soft. This week, they begin
to harden, or ossify. Some of the first
bones to ossify are those in the clavicles
and the legs.
MUM: By week 18, many women
feel their baby move around for the
first time. Some women also find that
they feel flushed and perspire more
than usual. This is due to the increased
levels of blood circulating around your
body, which is necessary to meet your
baby’s demands.
Week 20
BABY: Buds for permanent teeth are
forming behind those for baby’s milk
teeth, which have already formed, and
hair continues to grow on her head. A
thick, greasy substance, called vernix,
When do I
need a scan?
Most women will be offered an
ultrasound scan anytime between 12
and 22 weeks, depending on their
hospital’s policy. This scan helps
to check your baby is growing and
developing normally. The baby’s
growth is calculated by measuring
her head, abdomen and legs.
maternity 25
28/06/2012 12:43:22
 Pregnancy Week by Week

will cling to the downy hair on your
baby’s skin, forming a protective barrier
around her. Baby is now about 25cm
long and you could still hold her in the
palm of your hand. Your baby’s sex may
be determined at this stage.
MUM: This is often one of the most
exciting weeks in your pregnancy, when
you may start to feel your baby’s
movements. Some mothers describe
them as ‘butterflies fluttering’.
Week 22
BABY: Your baby is still moving around
a great deal and has probably settled
into a fairly regular pattern of sleep and
activity. Her fingernails are now almost
fully formed.
Week 28
BABY: Your baby has now filled nearly all
the space in your womb. Most babies turn
upside down at this point and seem to fit
more comfortably. Your baby’s heartbeat
speeds up when you speak and she will
recognise your voice at birth. Your baby’s
length is now 38cm.
MUM: A small amount of colostrum
(thin, yellow breast milk) may leak from
your breasts at this time. If your blood
group is Rhesus negative, an antibody
check will be taken. You may feel that
you are putting on weight quite fast at
this point. Swollen feet, legs, and fingers
at the end of the day is common. It is
usually harmless, as long as your blood
pressure is normal and you do not have
protein in your urine. Put your feet up
when you are resting and wear shoes that
are comfortable.
The Third Trimester
By the third trimester, weeks 29 to 40,
your baby’s development is virtually

MUM: You may find you have some

swelling of your gums caused by
the increased levels of hormones in
your system. Week 20-24
Start an intensive moisturising
Week 24 regime on your breasts and
BABY: Your baby would have a chance abdomen now in preparation for
of survival if born prematurely at the rapid period of growth that
this stage. However, she would need will commence in week 24. This
some special care as her lungs are not will make the skin more supple
developed fully enough to cope with life to deal with stretching.
outside the womb without help. This
is a period of very rapid growth and
your baby is now about 32cm long and
weighs over 1lb (2.2lbs = 1kg).

MUM: You will be gaining weight

rapidly at this stage. You may also be
feeling practice contractions for labour
called Braxton Hicks. Week 24 usually
marks another visit to your doctor or
midwife. At this point your baby’s heart
can be heard with a stethoscope. Your
own heart is now doing 40 per cent
more work than usual.

Week 26
BABY: Your baby’s eyes now open for
the first time. At birth, your baby’s eyes
will be blue and if they are going to
change colour they will not do so until
a few weeks after birth. Her body is
covered with fine, downy hair and the
skin is starting to change. Until now it
has been thin and translucent but it is
©iStockphoto.com/ DomenicoGelermo

now becoming more opaque.

MUM: You may begin to notice stretch

marks on your skin and most will
fade after the birth. Your baby is now
pressing on your bladder, which means
frequent trips to the bathroom.

26 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 26 28/06/2012 12:43:26

 Walk your way

New Quinny Moodd

Maternity_1_68.indd 27 28/06/2012 12:43:33

 Pregnancy Week by Week
complete. This phase can sometimes be
the most uncomfortable as your body
begins to feel the strain and by its end
most women are eagerly awaiting the
birth of their baby.
Week 30
BABY: You may not be aware of Braxton
Hicks contractions, which are now
happening at regular intervals, but your
baby is probably very aware of these.
MUM: Your body is now beginning to
feel the strain and you may find yourself
getting tired and out of breath when
climbing stairs. Try to maintain good
posture when you are standing or sitting.
Week 32
BABY: Your baby is now fully formed.
She is gradually putting on weight and
28 maternity
Maternity_1_68.indd 28
ki
kidneys and this contributes to
Energise the amniotic fluid. Your baby’s
mental processes are speeding
This is a period of
up.
rapid growth, so eat She can now differentiate
small frequent meals between dark and light and is
to keep energy high. bathed in a red glow when
sunlight is on your tummy.
MUM: You may now be feeling a
MUM
bit uncomfortable due to your baby’s
bottom sticking up under your ribs or
by her head bumping into your bladder.
You may also be feeling quite breathless
as your lungs are squashed by your
expanding uterus. This is a period of
rapid growth, so eat small, frequent
meals to keep energy levels high.
Backache is a common symptom of this
stage of pregnancy. Ensure that you
don’t lift anything heavy, get plenty of
rest and wear good support underwear.
Week 36
BABY: You will usually visit your midwife
©thinkstockphoto.com/George Doyle or doctor every week from now until the
birth (please note that some hospitals
encourage you to visit at weeks 37, 39
and 40). If this is your first pregnancy,
the baby’s head will probably descend
into your pelvis. This is known as
‘engaging’ and will be measured by
your midwife. With subsequent births,
the baby’s head will not usually engage
until week 40. Your breathing will
become easier, although you may find
that you need to pass urine more often,
and your sleep will be interrupted. This
is a time of major growth and your
baby’s weight may be increasing by as
much as 28g a day. After the baby has
engaged, its larger body movements
both the vernix and the downy hair tend to be more limited, but you will
have started to disappear. She is now still feel movement – at least ten
about 42cm long. movements in a 12-hour period.
MUM: At each visit with your midwife MUM: All the rapid growth of this
or doctor, they will check your baby’s stage could result in you feeling quite
position as well as checking the baby’s hungry at this time. Because of the
heartbeat and rate of growth. weight of your uterus pushing against
your stomach, it is better to eat small
Week 34 snacks at regular short intervals instead
BABY: You may now be able to of large meals. This will help with
distinguish your baby’s bottom from indigestion and heartburn. Your body
a foot or knee and will feel her will be working extremely hard now, so
movements more as she kicks or you may feel hot and flushed as you
moves around. This is the period when have more blood circulating and you are
your baby moves into the head-down burning more calories.
position with her face towards your
back. She will stay in this position until Week 38
the birth. You may feel more pressure BABY: Your baby’s movements may
on your bladder and your pubic bone. begin to feel different now. Instead
Fluid is passing through your baby’s of whole body movements, you may
28/06/2012 12:43:35
Maternity_1_68.indd 29 28/06/2012 12:45:18
 Pregnancy Week by Week
feel lots of jabs from the feet and
knees. However, you should continue
to have at least ten baby movements
in a 12-hour period. If you have any
lessening of movement, consult your
doctor or midwife immediately. Your
baby continues to put on weight and,
although there is no air present in
the lungs, she may be making shallow
breathing movements in preparation
for life outside the womb. In this way,
amniotic fluid actually passes into the
baby’s windpipe, giving her hiccups.
MUM: If your baby does have
hiccups, you will feel them. Although
you will experience less movement as
your baby becomes more cramped in
the uterus, you will feel a strange
buzzing sensation inside your vagina
30 maternity
Maternity_1_68.indd 30
as the baby’s head moves against you have been waiting for has almost
your pelvic floor muscles. Emotionally, arrived. By this time you are probably
you may begin to feel both excited feeling fed up with being pregnant and
and apprehensive as your due date are eager for the birth. You will feel
approaches. The last weeks can sharp kicks under your ribs at either
sometimes be tedious and tiring as side and the presenting part presses
you are eager for the birth. Your baby through the softened, partially-opened
will be three times as heavy at birth cervix. Your baby is ready to be born;
as it was at 28 weeks and will weigh but remember, some babies come
anything from 5.5lb to 11lb (2.5-5kg). sooner, and more arrive later, than the
due date. Be patient.
Week 40
BABY: Your baby is ready to be born.
She is about 55cm long and weighs
an average of 8lbs (3.6kg). Your
baby’s bowels are filled with
greenish black meconium
that will be her first bowel
movement after birth.
MUM: Finally, the day
28/06/2012 12:45:19
Maternity_1_68.indd 31 28/06/2012 12:45:24
 It 's Sup er M i l k
fo r m u m s - t o - be
During pregnancy it’s important for you
and your baby to get enough vitamins and minerals.
Avonmore Super Milk is a great source of calcium
and Vitamin D. In fact, it is enriched
with added vitamins to help make sure you
meet your extra needs during pregnancy.
It also has Folic Acid which is so important
if you’re planning a pregnancy
or in your first trimester.

Super Milk comes in Whole and

Low Fat variants, so choose your favourite.
Either way it’s a healthy choice for you
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r
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Maternity_1_68.indd 32 28/06/2012 12:45:24


Dairy for Life
{ Avonmore Super Milk – Enriched with vital nutrients and
vitamins, essential for mums to be and kids alike.
A Healthy Diet
Healthy eating during pregnancy and
whilst breastfeeding is one of the most
important lifestyle choices you can
make for your baby’s development,
while also making sure your body feels
up to the big changes it encounters.
During pregnancy your body needs more
nutrients. For example, the recommended
amount of vitamin D during pregnancy
and lactation is 10μg per day compared
to the standard RDA of 5μg. A healthy
varied diet containing adequate amounts
of nutrients such as calcium and folate/
folic acid will help baby to grow and
develop, while also helping you maintain
a healthy body.
Why Dairy During Pregnancy?
Everyone is recommended to have three
portions of dairy a day as it is a great
source of protein and calcium – and
don’t forget your needs increase during
pregnancy. Calcium requirements when
pregnant and breastfeeding increase from
800mg to 1200mg as extra calcium is
needed to support development of your
baby’s bones. Pouring a good serving of
milk onto your breakfast cereal is a great
start to the day – and a good way to
make sure you get enough calcium-
containing dairy products. Drinking milk,
as well as plenty of water, will make sure
you get enough fluids each day.
Get Extra! – Super Milk
Avonmore Super Milk is specially
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and three key vitamins (B,D,E) to help
your family grow healthy and strong.
Calcium helps build and maintain
healthy bones and the extra calcium in
Super Milk is ideal if you are pregnant
or breastfeeding.
Vitamin D is the ‘sunshine vitamin’ and
it’s essential to help our bodies use
calcium to build and maintain strong and
healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D has a
very important role during pregnancy in
promoting the development of healthy
Maternity_1_68.indd 33
bones in baby and contributes to the
proper functioning of the immune system.
However, due to Ireland’s northerly
latitude (51-55°N) very little UV light
reaches the country during the six month
period between October and March,
resulting in very little skin production of
vitamin D. Almost three-quarters of Irish
adults have, on average, less than half
the recommended daily vitamin D intake.
That’s why the added vitamin D in
Avonmore Super milk is so important.
Folic acid also contributes to healthy
blood and the normal functioning of the
immune system. Folic acid has an
established role in the normal growth of
baby. All women of child bearing age
who are trying to become pregnant are
advised to take a daily supplement of
400μg of folic acid as it is difficult to
achieve this extra folate through diet alone.
Avonmore Super Milk is a great source
of vitamins B2 and B12, both of which
are needed to release energy from
food and, like folic acid, also help to
ensure healthy blood and a healthy
immune system. The vitamins B2 and
E in Avonmore Super Milk also act as
an antioxidant to help protect our body
cells. With the health and development
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{
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of baby in mind we have also taken
vitamin A out of Avonmore Super Milk.
It’s Super Milk for Mums-to-be!
If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding
mother the recommended daily amount
(RDA) of vitamin D is 10 micrograms per
day. A great way to help get enough
vitamin D from your foods is to use
Avonmore Super Milk – a 250ml glass
provides you with 50% of your RDA of
vitamin D when pregnant (100% of RDA
when not pregnant). We have recently
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Irish diet. Super Milk comes in Whole
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growing family.
28/06/2012 12:45:26
 energy for the
new arrival
Iron is a vital mineral which enables red blood cells
to transport oxygen to all parts of the body and
it is required by everyone to maintain physical
well-being. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a
woman's demand for iron becomes even greater
than normal, as it is essential for the healthy growth
and development of the baby.
When diet alone cannot satisfy the body's
requirement for iron, it may be necessary to take
a supplement, which is where Floradix or
Floravital, the yeast and gluten-free version,
can help.
• non constipating liquid formula
• highly absorbable iron gluconate
• vitamin C to increase iron absorption
• no preservatives, colourings or
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• suitable for vegetarians
Always consult your Healthcare
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FLORADIX®
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Co.Wicklow Tel: 045-865575 email: sales@naturalmedicine.ie MA 12/13

Maternity_1_68.indd 34 28/06/2012 12:45:29


Dinner
for two
{ Eating a healthy, balanced diet while pregnant is vital for
both you and your baby. Laura Harrington outlines what
you need to know about nutrition during pregnancy.
A healthy diet plays an important role
in pregnancy, even before you conceive!
Good nutrition and a balanced diet
will allow you to achieve a healthy
weight, which can increase your
chances of conceiving and reduce risks
of complications during pregnancy. A
balanced diet will also maximise your
body’s stores of vital nutrients, which in
turn will maintain your energy levels and
overall health during your pregnancy –
and you’ll certainly need your energy!
Folic Acid
Folic acid (folate) is vitally important
while planning pregnancy to prevent
neural tube defects (irreversible defects
of the brain and spinal cord) in the baby.
You need to take a 400mcg tablet of
folic acid every day for three months
before conception and continue
for at least the first 12 weeks of
pregnancy. Be sure to tell your
doctor if you are taking any
Maternity_1_68.indd 35
medications or you have previously had
a baby with a neural tube defect. These
conditions may raise your requirement for
folic acid.
The First Trimester
During the first trimester (about 12
weeks) your baby only grows to be about
8cm long. Such a tiny being does not
need much energy. At this stage you
don’t need extra calories but you do
need a good variety of foods to provide
all the nutrients for baby’s healthy
growth. Follow the guidelines on the
Food Pyramid, take as wide a variety of
foods as possible and continue taking
a 400mcg folic acid tablet daily until at
least week 12.
Nutrition Pregnancy
}
Aim for little weight gain in these early
days. You should gain about 3kg (a half-
stone) or less by week 12, if you are
of normal weight. Aim for a bit more
than 3kg if you are expecting twins, or
no weight gain at this stage if you are
overweight. Your doctor, midwife or
dietitian can guide you toward healthy
weight gain.
If you are gaining too much weight
too quickly, avoid high-calorie foods
that have little nutritional value such as
crisps, sweets, fizzy drinks and deep-
fried, fatty foods. Skipping meals can
lead to roaring hunger and overeating.
Always eat regular meals and snacks
spread evenly throughout the day.
Morning sickness (nausea and
vomiting) is common up to week 16.
It can vary from slight nausea to
vomiting every time you eat. Don’t
worry if you are not able to piece
together a perfect diet while sick. Eat
©iStockphoto.com/TerryJ
maternity 35
maternity
28/06/2012 12:45:39
 Pregnancy Nutrition

mini meals and as often as you can. her nourishment through the placenta. snacks. This is not as much food as you
You can resume a balanced diet once You will now need to boost your would think – 340 calories is about half
the symptoms ease nutrient intake a bit to support that of a turkey and cheese sandwich and a
growth. You are eating for two, but that medium piece of fruit, or 125ml of fresh
The Second Trimester doesn’t mean eating twice as much! orange juice, two slices of wholemeal
At this point, your baby is growing Add about 340 calories to your daily toast and 125g of low-fat yoghurt.
more rapidly and getting all of his or meal plan by having small, healthy Slow and steady weight gain is the
goal from now until delivery. You should
gain about 0.4kg (just under 1lb) each
week from now on if your weight was
Morning sickness
normal before conception. Aim for
❃ Eat small meals six to eight times daily, or about every two hours, and eat slightly more if you were underweight
something before you get out of bed in the morning. or are carrying more than one baby. If
❃ Choose mainly dry or light, starchy foods such as plain crackers, biscuits, toast, you are overweight, aim to gain 0.2kg
bananas or dry breakfast cereals. to 0.3kg per week. No matter what
❃ Avoid high-fat or overly-rich foods such as butter and oils until your size, you should not attempt to
symptoms ease. lose weight while pregnant. Weight loss
❃ Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks. can mean you are not getting enough
❃ Drink your fluids between meals rather than with food. nutrition for you and your baby.
❃ Avoid strong smells such as cigarette smoke, cooking odours and perfumes. Iron is the star nutrient at this stage
❃ Rest immediately after eating and try to take a nap in the afternoon. of pregnancy. You need extra iron for
❃ Go with your cravings. Eat whatever food you feel you can tolerate – healthy blood to carry oxygen to the
this can change from moment to moment. baby. Take iron-rich foods every day.
Meat, chicken and fish are excellent
sources of iron, while vegetable sources
are beans, peas, pulses, tofu, nuts
and green, leafy vegetables. If you
are vegetarian or vegan, you need to
eat a source of vitamin C (oranges,
orange juice, berries, lemons, limes,
grapefruits, peppers or fresh tomatoes)
with each meal to aid in the absorption
of vegetable-based iron. Ask your
doctor or dietitian if you need an iron
supplement. Tea and coffee contain
substances called tannins that reduce
iron absorption so take these drinks
between your meals rather than with
your meals.
Omega-3 fatty acids are getting a
lot of attention these days. These are
healthy fats that help to build baby’s
brain and nervous system and play
a role in heart health. Oily fish like
salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring
are excellent sources of omega-3.
Aim to eat a portion of oily fish twice
weekly. If you can’t stomach oily fish,
omega-3 can be sourced from seeds,
white fish, linseed, canola (rapeseed)
oil, soy foods, wholegrains and green,
leafy vegetables.
Constipation can trouble most women
in pregnancy due to changes in the
digestive system. Prevent it with high-
fibre cereals, wholegrains and plenty of
fruit and veg. Fluids are crucial to keep
things moving as well, so stay hydrated
by drinking water throughout the
day. Activities such as gentle walking
and swimming can also help relieve
©iStockphoto.com/moncherie a sluggish bowel. However, ask your

36 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 36 28/06/2012 12:45:47

 Tasty favourites
for tiny tums

Mums, as you already know, our Heinz Mum’s Own Recipe range is packed
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Maternity_1_68.indd 37 28/06/2012 12:49:07

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Maternity_1_68.indd 38 28/06/2012 12:49:10

 Nutrition Pregnancy

Food safety
Cut your risk of food poisoning by
handling your food properly:
❃ Wash hands before and after
preparing food.
❃ Keep separate cutting boards
for raw meat versus cooked
meats, and for meat versus fruit
and vegetables.
❃ Make sure your refrigerator
temperature is less than 5˚C and
your freezer is less than -18˚C.
❃ Store raw meat, chicken and
fish on the lower shelves of
your refrigerator to prevent
any juices leaking on to
other foods.
❃ Cook all foods through, especially
eggs, chicken, meat and fish.
Reheat any leftovers until piping
hot throughout.
❃ Always check the best before and
sell by dates on all foods.

doctor’s advice before beginning a new

activity during pregnancy.

The Third Trimester

Week 27 marks the final trimester of
pregnancy. Your baby is growing very
rapidly now and plumping up with
stored nutrients for insurance in early
days of life. You will need another 100
additional calories, which can be easily
achieved by taking another small snack
such as a 125g yoghurt and a piece of
fruit. More than ever, mother and baby
need a balanced diet, including plenty
of calcium and vitamin D for healthy
bones. Be sure you take your three
to five portions of calcium and foods
rich in vitamin D daily. Fortified milks,
fortified soy milks, fortified orange juice
and some breakfast cereals and spreads
can help you meet your needs for both
calcium and vitamin D. Eggs and oily
fish are rich vitamin D sources. You
can take an egg nearly every day and
oily fish up to three times weekly to up
your vitamin D intake. Yoghurts and
cheeses are good sources of calcium
but have little or no vitamin D. Your
skin makes vitamin D when exposed
to the sun’s UV rays. If you are not
able to take at least one pint (500ml)
of vitamin-D-fortified milk or soy milk
Foods you should avoid or limit
Certain foods should be avoided during pregnancy as they can contain bacteria,
too much vitamin A or other toxins that can harm you or your baby.
❃ Avoid raw or undercooked eggs, meats, poultry or fish; homemade mayonnaise
or mousse made with raw eggs; mould-ripened and blue-veined cheeses
(Brie, Camembert, Stilton, blue cheese) and unpasteurised milk products or
juices. These foods can harbour Salmonella, Listeria or E. coli bacteria that
can cause illness.
❃ Avoid certain fish such as shark, swordfish, marlin, tilefish and king mackerel as
they contain too much mercury and other toxins. Limit your tuna intake to one
fresh steak or two medium tins per week (280g total).
❃ Vitamin A in large amounts can cause birth defects. Avoid multivitamins
with vitamin A, unless prescribed by your doctor. Do not take cod liver oil
supplements and avoid liver (beef, pork, poultry, etc.) and liver pâté.
❃ Herbal supplements and multivitamins may not be safe for pregnant women.
Consult your doctor, midwife or dietitian about any supplements you plan
to take.
❃ Caffeine in large amounts may be harmful. Limit regular coffee, tea and cola

daily, eggs and oily fish regularly, or if

you do not spend time outside in the
drinks to four cups per day in total.
❃ Alcohol is best avoided completely throughout the entire pregnancy. Even
sun, talk to your dietitian about vitamin moderate drinking can be harmful to your baby.
D supplements.

maternity 39

Maternity_1_68.indd 39 28/06/2012 12:49:15

 ®

The Natural
Way To Go!
Wh
Whether you’re expecting a Many women are introduced to
new baby or have recently given prune juice during pregnancy and • 100%
birt it can be hard to maintain a
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right amounts of fibre and fluids.
righ
preservatives
• Fluids are important. Water and • High Source of
Red
Reduced or irregular bowel milk are the primary liquids, and Vitamin B6
movements are one warning sign
mo nutritious juices are important
that your diet needs attention.
tha fluids too.
• Source of Iron
Hormonal changes during
Hor • Iron is important and Sunsweet • Source of
pre
pregnancy and iron supplements Prune juice is a source of iron. Potassium
can make you more susceptible • Constipation is common during
to cconstipation, so extra care is pregnancy. After pregnancy,
• Source of
needed to eat well at this time.
nee a woman who has had an Manganese
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adults, children
100
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Maternity_1_68.indd 40 28/06/2012 12:49:26


As your bump takes over, you may not
be able to eat as much at your meals or
you may experience heartburn as the
baby puts pressure on your stomach.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals, wear
comfortable clothes and avoid fatty,
highly spiced foods, chocolate and
caffeine. Try not to eat at bedtime if
heartburn keeps you awake.
This last trimester is a good time to
think about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding
is the best way to ensure your baby is
getting the right balance of nutrients,
protection against certain tummy
Keeping the balance
If you were told that there is
something you could do to help your
baby to grow well, keep your energy
levels up and prevent many problems
in pregnancy, would you do it? If
you were told that it was as simple
as eating a healthy diet, would you
believe it? Believe it! Adequate intake
of calories and nutrients such as
iron can have a dramatic effect on
your energy levels. Research shows
that eating well and taking the right
supplements during pregnancy can
ensure that your baby develops
properly and may even impact
baby’s health for a lifetime. Studies
also show that a balanced diet can
help prevent certain problems in
pregnancy such as anaemia, diabetes,
constipation and premature delivery.
Sounds good, right? Now, where do
you start?
What is a portion?
❃ 1 small bowl of breakfast cereal
❃ 1 slice of bread or 3 crackers
❃ 1 medium potato
❃ 3tbsp of cooked rice or pasta
❃ 1 medium piece of fruit or 125ml of
unsweetened juice
❃ 3tbsp of veg or a small bowl
of salad
❃ 50g lean meat or chicken
❃ 75g cooked fish
❃ 2 eggs (limit to less than 7
per week)
❃ 25g of cheese
❃ 200ml of milk
❃ 125g of yoghurt
❃ 25g of low-fat spread
❃ 12.5g of butter or margarine
Maternity_1_68.indd 41
troubles, ear infections and other
illnesses and provides time for you to
bond with baby. Studies have shown that
breastfed babies have a slightly higher IQ
than those who were not breastfed. There
are benefits for mums as well, including
lower risk of certain cancers and faster
return to pre-pregnancy weight.
Feeding Your Baby
Continue a healthy diet throughout
breastfeeding to keep up your nutrition
stores and milk supply. The HSE
currently recommends that all babies
1. Enjoy at least three meals per
day and small snacks in between
as needed.
2. Choose a wide variety of different
types of foods daily.
3. Choose mainly mono- and
polyunsaturated oils and spreads.
4. Only take small portions of sweets,
desserts, fizzy drinks, fried foods
and takeaways very occasionally.
5. Eat lean meats, chicken, fish,
beans, lentils, nuts or tofu two to
three times daily.
6. Take five servings of low-fat milk,
cheese, yoghurt or fortified soy
milks daily.
7. Eat at least five servings of
different fruit and vegetables
every day.
3-5
Nutrition Pregnancy
should be given vitamin D drops
daily whether breastfed or formula
fed for proper bone growth – ask
your paediatrician or chemist which
supplements are suitable for your
baby. Pregnancy can be a great
motivator for making healthy changes
to your diet that can last a lifetime.
Keep your healthy diet going after
baby is born so you can teach your
child healthy eating habits too!
Laura Harrington is a Senior Dietitian
at The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.
8. Include a starchy food (mainly
wholegrain or high-fibre) at each
meal., such as pasta, rice, bread,
cereals or other grains,
9. Choose foods low in fat, sugar
and salt and limit fried foods to
once weekly.
10. Drink at least eight cups (about
one or two litres) of fluid daily
(mainly water).
maternity 41
28/06/2012 14:40:07
 Pregnancy Exercise

Get
Active!
{ { Taking regular, gentle exercise during
pregnancy not only keeps body and
mind in tip-top condition, it can
also help you to cope better during
labour, explains LESLEY-ANNE ROSS,
chartered physiotherapist.

Exercising while pregnant can help you
to cope better during your pregnancy
and your labour, as well as being a
proven stress reliever, but there are also
many more benefits to keeping yourself
fighting fit during these nine months.
During pregnancy your body is
developing so it is important to
adapt or begin a fitness regime that
accommodates these changes. This
might mean tweaking your existing
programme or swapping it for an
activity that is more appropriate during
pregnancy. Before deciding on a form of
exercise, take account of how your body
will change during pregnancy. Issues to
be aware of include your changing body
shape, weight gain, hormonal changes,
increased joint laxity, tiredness,
a decrease in balance, or even a
propensity for clumsiness. All these
factors will influence your choice.
The Benefits
Exercise, in general, can help to
maintain cardiovascular fitness, posture,
flexibility, muscle strength, balance,

42 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 42 28/06/2012 12:51:09


body awareness and co-ordination. As
a result, stress and the occurrence
of back/pelvic or other pains may be
reduced and relaxation and breathing
control promoted.
Exercise can improve physical wellbeing
and can offer the means to meet other
mums-to-be at the same stage of
pregnancy. Exercising during the antenatal
period may also play a role in managing
gestational diabetes (accompanied by
medication and a healthy diet) and in
assisting postnatal recovery.
When to Start
Listen to your body and trust your
instincts. If you are tired or suffering
from morning sickness then wait until a
time you feel like exercising. If you are
feeling fine in the first trimester and
have been exercising pre-pregnancy,
then, in accordance with your midwife or
doctor’s advice, you can follow a similar
exercise regime during pregnancy, while
bearing in mind the guidelines contained
here. Many pregnancy exercise classes
encourage women to join from 16 to 20
weeks of pregnancy.
Safe Exercise
Approximately 30 minutes or more of
moderate exercise a day on most, if not
all, days of the week is recommended
for pregnant women in the absence
of medical or obstetric complications.
Moderate exercise intensity can be
defined as being able to exercise and talk
at the same time; for example, walking
and holding a conversation.
Things to consider
Remember that whatever is affecting you
during pregnancy is also affecting your
baby. With all forms of exercise, you need
to be aware that:
❃ Your heart rate should not exceed 60
to 70 per cent of maximum heart rate
levels, i.e. approximately 140 beats per
minute (you should be able to exercise
and talk at the same time).
❃ Your body temperature will change
– make sure that you have enough
ventilation and fluid intake when
exercising and do not overheat.
❃ Your nutritional intake increases – if
you are exercising regularly, make sure
you are eating regularly and enough.
From 13 weeks, you will need over 300
extra calories a day, even if you are
not exercising. It is advisable to consult
a dietitian if you are uncertain about
your intake.
Maternity_1_68.indd 43
Exercise Pregnancy
❃ Some movements may cause Gym work
discomfort or pain, depending on This is not necessarily the time to decide
where the baby is lying or your body’s to join a gym. However, if you are already
flexibility. Avoid overstretching and any a member, you could continue with
movements that are painful. Consult a some cardiovascular work such as on
physiotherapist if necessary. the treadmill or bike. Gentle arm weights
❃ Keep breathing during exercise and can also be used. Consult a fitness
avoid holding your breath. instructor on the suitability of equipment
❃ Exercising flat on your back for for pregnant women. Lower weights with
longer than about five minutes is not an increased number of repetitions are
recommended after 16 weeks’ gestation advised. Higher impact exercise such as
due to circulatory adaptations. aerobics or step classes are not advised
❃ Contact sports should be avoided after due to the increase in joint laxity. Stop
16 weeks. exercising if you are feeling unwell, in
❃ Scuba diving should be avoided at all pain, or are very short of breath.
stages of pregnancy.
Exercise classes
Cardiovascular exercise Pilates, yoga or aqua classes are great for
Walking, swimming or cycling are good meeting other mums-to-be. Pick a class
cardiovascular exercises during pregnancy. with a particular focus on pregnancy, as
Guidelines suggest 20 minutes, three they will have been modified to particular
times a week, progressing to 20 to 30 stages of pregnancy and appropriate
minutes daily. Make sure to start off positions. Pregnancy classes will also
slowly and increase time gradually, focus on breathing control, relaxation
particularly if you have not been doing techniques and posture, all of which are
any exercise prior to becoming pregnant. important at this time.
You will most likely need to slow down For further details of local classes,
again in the latter weeks of pregnancy. contact your antenatal department
Follow the guidelines above for heart rate, and always check that your instructor is
nutritional intake and body heat. qualified to take pregnancy classes.
Choosing the right exercise for you... Remember
to listen to
Swimming your body
❃ Cardiovascular, non-weightbearing exercise.
❃ Good for relieving postural strains and taking the weight of
the baby off the spine.
❃ Take care not to overstrain the pelvic joints – particularly in breast stroke action.
Walking
❃ Cardiovascular, weightbearing exercise.
❃ Pace, distance and stride length may need to be modified as pregnancy progresses.
❃ Supportive footwear recommended.
❃ Respect pelvic joints and do not walk through pain.
Pilates
❃ Minimal weightbearing – modified positions.
❃ Increases postural awareness as body changes.
❃ Focus on awareness of and strengthening of pelvic support muscles –
lower abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles.
❃ Flexibility and breathing work also incorporated.
❃ Some classes will modify Pilates exercises to use Swiss balls.
Yoga
❃ Minimal/modified weightbearing.
❃ Flexibility exercises.
❃ Relaxation and breathing exercises.
❃ Classes often incorporate useful positions for labour.
maternity 43
28/06/2012 12:51:27
 Pregnancy Exercise
Making Time
Try to fit exercise sessions or classes
into your weekly schedule; however, if
classes or the gym are not for you, there
are other ways to exercise as part of your
daily routine. If possible, a daily walk to
work or at lunch would help with your
cardiovascular fitness and taking the stairs
instead of the lift can strengthen the leg
muscles. Gentle housework can also keep
the body flexible and moving. Do be aware
of your posture when doing housework –
bend from the knees and keep your feet
and your face in the same direction to
avoid twisting and turning.
An active way to work the pelvic
muscles and relieve lower back strain is
to sit on a large exercise ball. These are
often called ‘Swiss’, ‘physio’ or ‘birthing’
balls. Sitting on the ball while relaxing,
watching television or working at a desk
can help movement and strength in the
back and pelvis. A suitably sized ball
should allow your hips and knees to rest
at approximately 90 degrees (too high or
too low may irritate your back or pelvis).
Ask your physiotherapist for advice on
size or suitability for you.
Postnatal Exercise
Exercising after the birth of your baby
will depend on your antenatal exercise
levels, your type of delivery, and how you
and your baby are feeding and sleeping.
Try to attend a postnatal advice class in
the maternity hospital if you can. As a
general rule, after six weeks is a good
time to start gentle exercise. Up until
this time, you can walk as much as you
feel up to, progressing your distance
or pace gradually. After six weeks, you
may be able to join yoga, Pilates, start
some gym work or try a mum and baby
exercise session. Higher-level exercise or
contact sports should be progressed into
gradually over three to five months, as it
takes this time for the hormone levels to
reduce and joints to stabilise.
Each woman, body, baby and
exercise is different. It is important
to be aware of the signals from your
body and your baby while exercising
and stop immediately if you are
uncomfortable or a movement does not
feel right. Discuss modifications witg
your instructor, if necessary.
Lesley-Anne Ross, BSc, MSc, BCPT, is a chartered physiotherapist at the National
Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin. She is also a qualified Pilates instructor, was
a co-director of Dublin Pilates Studio and now practises in Avoca, Co. Wicklow. She
has a strong interest in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal problems in
women’s health. Tel: 086 822 0372 for more information.
44 maternity
Maternity_1_68.indd 44
THE BASICS
If you aren’t able to exercise during
pregnancy, it is worth considering thee
following points and basic exercises.
1. Think symmetry
Back and pelvic problems can often
be aggravated during pregnancy due
to the ‘asymmetries of posture’.
Most people will have one side
more dominant than the other but
a few simple tips can help to keep
your posture more symmetrical as
pregnancy progresses.
❃ Think about keeping the weight
equal through both ‘sit bones’ if
sitting, or both feet if standing.
❃ Try not to ‘hang off one hip’ –
particularly if standing for long
periods or carrying toddlers or
other objects. 3. Pelvic floor exercises
❃ Crossing your legs can Awareness of your pelvic floor is
contribute to pelvic asymmetry important during pregnancy to
and circulatory problems. Try to maintain good muscle tone as your
avoid it. baby grows, to control urine and
❃ If working at a desk or work bowel, and to allow your pelvic floor
station, try to keep your ‘tasks’ to relax sufficiently during delivery.
straight ahead of you, rather than Basic pelvic floor exercises include
over to one side, causing you to pulling up your ‘water passage’ as
twist or rotate. if you are trying to stop yourself
from passing urine. Do not clench
2. Lower abdominal muscles your buttock muscles. This exercise
The lower abdominal muscles are one needs to be done quickly (about
of the muscle groups supporting the ten repetitions at a time regularly
weight of your baby. Good tone in during the day) and slowly (being
this muscle is needed to keep your able to hold for ten seconds and
lower back and pelvis strong. This do ten repetitions). If you have any
muscle can be activated if you gently problems with leakage of urine during
‘hug’ your baby in towards your pregnancy or after delivery, please
spine by slowly pulling in from your contact your maternity hospital or a
pubic bone up to your navel. This chartered physiotherapist specialising
should be a gentle contraction, hold in this area for advice. Other specific
for approximately ten seconds as exercises will be discussed in
you keep breathing. Ten repetitions antenatal or exercise classes.
regularly are recommended.
Incidentally, the upper abdominal
muscles often split during pregnancy.
The size of this split can vary so
please ask a nurse in your maternity Don’t exercise if...
hospital, public health nurse or a You are feeling unwell, tired, faint
chartered physiotherapist to check or dizzy; if your doctor or midwife
this for you as specific exercises and has advised against it; if you have
advice may be necessary. pain or if you have any bleeding.
Exercising during pregnancy is not
always suitable for everyone so
consult your doctor/midwife before
engaging in any activity.
28/06/2012 12:51:32
Maternity_1_68.indd 45 28/06/2012 12:51:58
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 Serious Symptoms Pregnancy

WARNING SIGNS - pregnancy symptoms never to ignore

{ The joy of pregnancy can be tinged with anxiety, particularly with your first child - jumping
at every ache, panicking with every pain. Most are simply common pregnancy ailments.
However, there are some symptoms that should never be ignored, says LUCY TAYLOR. {
Some symptoms during pregnancy should Temperature Bleeding
immediately lead you to pick up the phone It’s not good for you or your baby Bleeding at any time during pregnancy
and consult your midwife or doctor, but it’s if you develop a temperature of should lead you to contact your
important to bear in mind that they will be 39°C (102°F) or more during midwife or doctor. If you have severe
more or less worrying depending on how pregnancy, so, if you get a fever abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding in
many weeks you are into your pregnancy. that you think is more than a head the first trimester you may fear that it
In many cases you will contact your cold, take medical advice. From the is a threatened miscarriage, and you
caregiver, have your symptoms checked second trimester of pregnancy it is should see your midwife or doctor who
out, your baby’s heartbeat monitored safe for you to take two paracetamol, may monitor your baby’s heartbeat.
and be reassured that your baby is fine but if this doesn’t bring your In many cases early bleeding doesn’t
and your pregnancy is progressing in a temperature down it’s important to indicate miscarriage, however it’s not
healthy manner. see your doctor or midwife. uncommon for women to experience

It’s not good

for you or your baby
if you develop a
temperature of 39°C
(102°F) or more

©iStockphoto.com/ style-photographs

maternity 47

Maternity_1_68.indd 47 28/06/2012 12:53:18

 Pregnancy Serious Symptoms

“persistent and severe vomiting after the end of not normal. If it gets worse at night,
and you cannot sleep or eat and feel
the first trimester accompanied by dehydration, sick, see your doctor straight away as
this could indicate a liver condition
weight loss and not being able to eat properly called obstetric cholestasis, which is
should lead you to consult your doctor” most common in the second and third
trimesters of pregnancy.

this then go on to have healthy full- a rare condition called pre-eclampsia. If Fighting for Breath
term babies. you experience any of these symptoms, Feeling slightly short of breath is common
Bleeding after week 28 could indicate contact your midwife or doctor ASAP. during pregnancy, especially during the
placenta praevia, a rare condition Your doctor may prescribe bed rest, last trimester when your baby pushes
where the placenta is lying close to the medication and, in some cases, staying against vital organs including your lungs.
opening of the womb instead of at the in hospital until your baby is born. Extreme shortness of breath
top of the womb. If bleeding happens while doing very little,
at this stage you should go to the Extremely Itchy Skin painful or difficult
hospital or seek the advice of your GP While it’s normal to breathing, or chest
or midwife. If you have placenta praevia have slightly itchy skin pain should
you may need bed rest and your during pregnancy, always be
baby is more likely to be delivered by intense itching on checked out
Caesarean section, though this depends the arms, legs, – especially
on your condition. hands and feet is if you suffer
from asthma.
Severe Vomiting
While morning sickness is the most
common pregnancy-related illness
women experience, persistent and
severe vomiting after the end of
the first trimester accompanied by
dehydration, weight loss and not
being able to eat properly should
lead you to consult your doctor.
If you are desperate to nibble
on coal, soil, coffee grinds, chalk
or ice cubes among other strange
substances you may have a rare
deficiency called ‘pica’ and should
consult your doctor.

Excessive Thirst
While it’s normal to go to the toilet a
lot and be thirsty during pregnancy,
if these needs become constant and
excessive you may have gestational
diabetes – which is temporary – and you
may need to have a glucose tolerance
test. Gestational diabetes is treated
with a healthy diet and light exercise,
and in a small number of cases women
may need insulin injections.

Abnormal Swelling, Severe

Headache and Heartburn
Some swelling or oedema in pregnancy
is normal. However, abnormal swelling –
where your ankles don’t go down after
lying down overnight or is worse in the
mornings, or your fingers swell and face
gets more puffy – when combined with
an associated headache, sudden weight
gain, stomach pain, high blood pressure
and protein in your urine, could indicate

48 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 48 28/06/2012 12:53:20

 CHILD CAR SEAT

KNOW THE LAW on child car seats

EXCUSE
Every year too many children are killed
or seriously injured on our roads –
often because they are not properly
restrained when travelling in a car.
The law has been changed to afford children greater
protection when travelling in cars. Under the EU law
all children under the age of 11/12 must be in an
appropriate child car seat. No exceptions, no excuses.
It’s your responsibility as a parent, grandparent or
guardian to ensure that the child car seat you buy is
not just appropriate for their age, height and weight
but that it also conforms to EU safety standards.
So make sure you visit www.rsa.ie/childsafetyincars -
understand the new law and give your child the best
protection possible.

NEVER PUT A REARWARD-

FACING SEAT IN THE
FRONT SEAT IF THERE IS A
PASSENGER AIRBAG!

Rearward-Facing Baby Seat
Weight
For babies up to 13kgs (29lbs)
Approximate Age Range
Birth to 12-15 months
Forward-Facing Child Seat Booster Seat Booster Cushion
Weight Weight Weight
9-18kgs (20-40lbs) 15-25kgs (33-55lbs) 22-36kgs (48-79lbs)
Approximate Age Range Approximate Age Range Approximate Age Range
9 months - 4 years 4-6 years 6-11/12 years

Select a child car seat that is suitable for the child’s WEIGHT and HEIGHT. Do not use age as a guide.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CHILD CAR SEATS

The ‘CHILD SAFETY IN CARS’ DVD

:?@C;J8=<KP@E:8IJ
: J
8>l`[\kfJ\c\Zk`e^Xe[ : J
booklet and DVD are both available
The safest techniques
in child restraint for
children between
=`kk`e^:_`c[I\jkiX`ekj the ages of
0-14 years old

FREE to order by telephone

LoCall 1890 50 60 80 and online
www.rsa.ie/childsafetyincars Booklet DVD

Maternity_1_68.indd 49 28/06/2012 12:53:26

 Pregnancy Maternal Obesity
Weighing
{ Maternal obesity is a growing challenge for expectant mums.
DEREK OWENS explains how you can make the change.
Obesity is a major – and increasingly
common – issue for Irish people.
Prosperity (until recently), less jobs
involving physical labour, and generally
less active lifestyles have all added to
the numbers of overweight and obese
Irish people.
Along with the rest of the population,
expectant mothers are increasingly
prone to being overweight or even
obese. Indeed, Prof. Michael Turner,
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
at the UCD Centre for Human
Reproduction, estimates that up to a
fifth of women reporting for antenatal
care are clinically obese.
This is a major problem, not just
50 maternity
Maternity_1_68.indd 50
because of the well-known impact of
obesity on overall health. In addition
to being prone to heart problems and
obesity-related health issues, obese
mothers-to-be can also expect a range
of complications in their pregnancies.
A recent major study found that
gestational diabetes, hypertension,
venous thromboembolism and infection
are all more common amongst obese
mothers. So too are cases where
extra medical intervention (such as
induced labour or Caesarean section)
is required at birth, and the babies of
obese mothers are more likely to suffer
malformations or unexplained stillbirth.
Also, delivering care to obese mothers
in
©iStockphoto.com/Tihis
{
is more difficult for doctors, particularly
in cases of morbid obesity. It’s no
wonder, then, that Prof. Turner joined a
group of other experts in calling for all
obstetricians to monitor overweight or
obese women closely during pregnancy.
In the Irish Medical Journal, the group
also called for more activity to fight
adult obesity generally, and to break
the country’s “cycle of obesity”.
Make the Change
However, there are changes expectant
mothers can make today if they
are overweight or obese. “First of
all, I would advise women who are
overweight or obese to continue to
28/06/2012 12:53:27
 Maternal Obesity Pregnancy

reading, which leads to over-diagnosis,

THE LOW GI DIET
The low GI diet was developed by
Dr David J. Jenkins and is based on
the glycemic index. This measures
the speed at which food breaks
down into glucose, the body’s
main source of energy. Foods are
measured on a scale of one to 100
depending on how quickly they’re
digested – a baguette, for example,
has a GI rating of 95, while
grapefruit juice has a rating of 48.
The low GI diet is based on eating
more foods that are converted
slowly. This avoids spikes in blood
sugar, helps people stay satisfied
for longer, and maintains a high
nutrition value, while still allowing
exercise. The exercises shouldn’t be
excessively vigorous, but they should
consider a moderate programme,
and the exercise I would particularly
recommend would be brisk walking.
That should be continued into the
third trimester,” Prof. Turner advises.
“I would like to see women exercising
for, on average, 30 minutes a day, five
days a week. It’s probably the most
important thing to be done.”
Women who try to adopt a healthier
diet can also make headway. “One has
to strike a balance, taking a diet that
is nutritionally sound so the baby isn’t
deprived of vital nutrients. So, what
I would suggest is the low glycemic
index, or ‘low GI’, diet. That’s a diet
that will meet the nutritional needs of
both mother and baby,” he adds. “The
third thing that needs to be done is
that, if a woman is obese, she needs
to be screened through the pregnancy
over-treatment, and, sometimes,
unnecessary interventions.”
individuals to lose weight. There
is a veritable library of books
available to explain the concept of
After the Birth
Even if you’re lucky enough not to
the low GI diet, and you can also
have weight issues, it’s important to
find out more at these useful sites:
be aware of obesity after having your
baby. “There is evidence that obesity
❃ www.glycemicindex.com
increases with age – after 35 years –
The official website of the glycemic
probably due to decreased physical
index and GI database.
activity. Similarly, in women, obesity
❃ www.gisymbol.com
increases once they have children,
The official site of the GI Foundation,
which again is probably related to less
introducing the best-recognised
opportunities for mothers to continue
symbol for low GI foods in
with an active exercise programme.
supermarkets.
My advice in general is that, once you
❃ www.lowgicooking.com
have children, and as you get older,
A great source of recipes for healthy
it’s important to make an extra effort
low GI eating.
to continue exercising regularly,” says
Prof. Turner.
In other words, obesity isn’t something
common issue among obese expectant that takes a short, sharp shock to get rid
mothers, getting screened for this is of: it’s only through a sustained healthy
crucial – although this has to be approach and long-term effort that a
done, Prof. Turner adds, in the right mother – or anyone – can avoid the
way. “If your blood pressure is being health problems it causes.
checked, it’s important to use a
large cuff to do that. If too
small a cuff is used, it
overestimates the blood
pressure and leads to
significant errors in the
©iStockphoto.com/ Zocha_K

for gestational diabetes, because

women who are obese are more liable
to diabetes during pregnancy and
more liable to develop diabetes later in
life.” Given that hypertension is also a

WHAT IS OBESE?
There is much misunderstanding surrounding obesity – in trials, many clinically
obese people define themselves as merely overweight or even at a healthy weight.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines an obese person as someone with a
body mass index (BMI) of over 30kg per square metre. According to Prof. Turner,
mothers with a BMI of over 35 need particular attention. “They’re the ones who
are particularly at risk – the risks are not as high among women who have ‘mild’
obesity, with a BMI of between 30 and 35,” he says.

maternity 51

Maternity_1_68.indd 51 28/06/2012 12:53:29

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Maternity_1_68.indd 52 28/06/2012 12:53:44


Up Air
{ With your little bundle in tow, it's no longer as simple as choosing a
last minute holiday deal and throwing your bikini and flip-flops into a
bag. ARLENE HARRIS gives parents some helpful travel tips.
You all need a break, but you have
heard nightmare stories from other
parents who have endured a six-hour
flight with a screaming infant only to
be followed by two weeks in sweltering
heat. Everyone returned home
exhausted, cranky and vowing not to
venture past the back garden until their
child was at least 18.
But people tend to exaggerate
and thousands of young families
enjoy wonderful holidays each year,
both at home and abroad. So what is
their secret?
Preparation is Key
Charlotte Brenner is the marketing
manager for Falcon Holidays. She has
been venturing overseas since her son
was five months old. The key, she says is
to stick close to home and be prepared.
“Travelling with a baby is as stressful
as you make it,” she says. “The first
time I travelled solo with my son Joe,
I did a day trip to my friend in London
nner
Joe & Charlotte Bre
Maternity_1_68.indd 53
in the
as a test. We had an absolute ball and
it was an eye-opener to how friendly,
helpful and caring people are to those
travelling with kids.
“Right through the airports from
security to businessmen there was
always someone wiling to lend a hand
and Joe was so entertained by what was
going on around him he didn’t need any
of the toys I packed.”
Charlotte was so impressed with the
ease of her first trip that she would highly
recommend travelling with small babies.
“Before the crawling stage they are
stationary so you are not chasing them
around the pool or the beach,” she says.
“They can be settled and put into the
buggy to sleep and you can enjoy a meal
and transfer to a cot when you get back.
And if you are breastfeeding it’s even
better as you can travel lighter.”
Pick and Choose
The mother-of-two (Joe, four,
and Emma, two) says choosing
the venue carefully can make or
break your holiday. “I would
advise parents to go for destinations
with a short flight duration,”
she says. Mainland Spain, the
Balearic Islands and Portugal are
all within two to three hours and
both nationalities are very family-
friendly and really make kids
feel welcome – particularly in
restaurants.”
She also says it is important
to check out a number of factors
before deciding when and where
to visit.
“Flight duration is the most
important, followed closely by
baggage allowance – our charter
airline Thomson Airways allows
10kg just for infants,” says the
travel expert.
Travel Feature
{
“The time of year and the temperature
is also vital and you need to be clear
on whether or not you want a hotel
or self-catering accommodation. This
will depend on the facilities available
and whether or not the resort is family
friendly,” she adds.
TRAVEL TIPS
❃ Most airlines allow either a
buggy or a car seat on board.
Buggies can be brought to the
gate or steps of the aircraft and
collected on arrival. A sling may
be useful to carry baby down the
aeroplane steps.
❃ Have a separate baby bag that you
can hand to security and tell them
it’s a baby bag. Generally you are
allowed enough bottles for the
duration of your flight.
❃ Be prepared for delays with
extra nappies, change of clothes,
formula, food, etc.
❃ Only one infant is allowed per
row and per adult so if you are
travelling with more than one
child under two there must be two
adults present.
❃ Cots are usually available on long-
haul flights, but check with your
airline first.
❃ Have enough little toys to entertain
your baby throughout the flight.
❃ Try to feed on take-off and
landing as this can help baby’s
ears to pop.
❃ For trips by car, it is a good idea to
have a buggy/car seat combination.
It can also be a worthwhile
investment to get a travel bag for
your buggy to avoid damage.
❃ Don’t forget a rain cover and
sun canopy.
maternity 53
28/06/2012 12:53:52
 Pregnancy Common Ailments

Get
comfortable
{ Pregnancy should be a time of great joy, but it can also be a time of discomfort. Your
body goes through many physical changes, which leads to some common ailments.
MAGARET FANAGAN helps you to combat those pesky pregnancy complaints. {
Morning Sickness ❃ Eat small frequent snacks. and are sometimes tender. The growth
Some women suffer from morning ❃ Avoid fatty foods that may make the of the breasts continues throughout
sickness, especially during the first nausea worse. pregnancy to 2lbs/900g, so good support is
few months of pregnancy. It can occur ❃ Avoid strong smells that are likely to essential. The nipples also become darker
anytime during the day or night but is make you feel sick. in colour and more prominent.
always worse on an empty stomach.
To avoid morning sickness: Breast Changes Back Pain
❃ Have some tea and dry toast or a Breast changes may be the first sign of Back pain, especially in the lower back,
biscuit before getting up each morning. pregnancy and, as early as the sixth week, occurs during pregnancy. The reasons are
❃ Rest on the side of the bed for a you will be conscious of your breasts numerous, including ligaments softening
few minutes. enlarging. They have a firm, tense feeling, and stretching and posture changing as
❃ Get up slowly. may have a prickling, tingling sensation your baby grows.

54 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 54 28/06/2012 12:53:54

 Common Ailments Pregnancy

To combat constipation: ❃ Avoid fatty and spicy foods.

Tiredness
Tiredness is common, especially
during the early months of
pregnancy, when your baby is
developing, and again during the
last few months, when your body is
adjusting to your growing baby. The
problem is clearly more severe if
your routine is inflexible.
When feeling overtired:
❃ Relax and take naps when possible.
❃ Don’t be a superwoman – ask for
help and remember nothing is
more important than the health
of you and your baby.
❃ Talk to your doctor to check if you
are anaemic.
❃ Do not take sleeping pills unless
advised to do so by your doctor.
For back pain:
❃ Good posture is vital. Stand tall,
shoulders relaxed, buttocks tucked in
and weight spread evenly on both feet.
❃ Footwear should be low-heeled.
❃ Sit with your lower back well-supported
by pillows.
❃ Lie on your side on a firm mattress with
your knees drawn up.
❃ Avoid lifting heavy objects.
❃ Do some exercise – swimming may ease
back pain.
❃ Consult your doctor if your back pain is
severe or persists.
❃ Drink plenty of water (seven to eight
glasses daily).
❃ Eat a well-balanced diet – including lots
of fruit, vegetables and fibre.
❃ Take regular exercise, such as walking
and swimming.
❃ Consult your doctor if you feel you need
a mild laxative.
Swollen Joints
Swollen joints, especially in the
ankles and hands, are fairly common.
However, sudden or severe swelling
should be reported to your
doctor immediately.
To fight swollen joints:
❃ Raise your feet whenever possible.
❃ Avoid wearing anything tight.
❃ Wear well-supported shoes and
support stockings.
❃ Avoid standing or sitting for
long periods.
❃ Remove rings from fingers if tight.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a form of indigestion and
is common during pregnancy, especially
during the latter months. It is experienced
as a burning sensation in the stomach
and throat and is due to the hormone
progesterone, combined with pressure
from the growing baby.
To beat heartburn:
❃ Eat five or six small meals a day.
❃ Eat slowly and in a stress-free
atmosphere if possible.
❃ If possible, rest for a few hours
after you have eaten.
❃ Sleep propped up on pillows.
❃ Try to drink fluids separately
to eating.
❃ Consult your doctor if concerned.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are varicose veins in
the back passage. They are caused
by constipation, the increased
pressure of your growing baby and
hormonal changes.
When dealing with haemorrhoids:
❃ Follow tips for constipation.
❃ Consult your doctor.
Varicose Veins
Swollen veins usually occur in the lower leg
and may extend to the pelvic area. These
are due to increased pressure in the vein
and the action of pregnancy hormones.
For varicose veins:
❃ Follow advice for swollen joints in the
lower limbs.
❃ Avoid crossing your legs when seated.
❃ Consult your doctor.
Remember: pregnancy is not an illness,
try to enjoy it – it’s a special time!

Leg Cramps
Leg cramps can sometimes occur during
the latter months of pregnancy, particularly
at night. The exact cause is unknown, but
they are more frequent when the muscle
is tired.

To avoid leg cramps:

❃ Increase your intake of calcium
(from milk), leafy green vegetables
and the mineral potassium (found
in bananas).
❃ Gently exercise the foot by
rotating it in a clockwise and an anti-
clockwise direction.
❃ Stretch your legs just before bedtime
and massage them in warm water.
❃ Avoid pointing toes, as this seems to
encourage spasm.

Constipation
Constipation occurs during pregnancy due
to hormonal changes and extra pressure
from your growing baby.

maternity 55

Maternity_1_68.indd 55 28/06/2012 12:53:57

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Maternity_1_68.indd 56 28/06/2012 12:53:58

 Health & Beauty Pregnancy

Top toToe
{ Get preened, pampered and pandered to.
TRISHA DOYLE shows you how to look and feel great. {
During pregnancy you are likely to gain Hair Health
around 10kg (about 22lb), which makes At any one point, about 90 per OIL-FREE
sense when you consider that you are cent of your hair is growing while The following oils should be avoided
carrying around a placenta, amniotic ten per cent is resting or shedding. During during pregnancy:
fluid, heavier breasts and, of course, your pregnancy, increased amounts ❃ Cedarwood
baby. Combined with all those wonderful of oestrogen delays shedding and you ❃ Clary sage
hormones swimming around your body, may experience a more lustrous and ❃ Eucalyptus
everything suddenly increasing in size, glossy mane. Unfortunately, it doesn’t ❃ Frankincense
and the fact that you are now a constant stay this way forever, and most new ❃ Geranium
form of transport, ‘you’ might not feel mums experience some hair loss as hair ❃ Jasmine
like a very fun place to be. That’s why enters the telogen, or ‘falling-out’, stage ❃ Juniper
pregnancy pampering is so essential – you during the postnatal period. It is perfectly ❃ Myrrh
are doing all the hard work so it is time normal, so enjoy your lustrous mane ❃ Peppermint
to treat yourself. while you can! ❃ Rosemary

Cleansing
comes from the inside
out, so try and eat
plenty of fruit and
vegetables and drink
lots of water.

maternity 57

Maternity_1_68.indd 57 28/06/2012 12:54:02

 Pregnancy Health & Beauty

check with your doctor before taking

BATH TIME it again as some medications can be
You are going through some big body changes so it is important to have a few harmful to your baby.
habitual treats to look forward to, and bath time can be one of them.
In the Middle
Top Bath Time Tips Your abdomen is the area that you will
❃ Temperature: Your core body temperature is already raised so make sure the experience the single biggest physical
bath is at Goldilocks level – just right. change, so to help you revert to your
❃ Enjoy some bubbly: Bubble bath, that is. Treat yourself to a range specifically pre-pregnancy skin state with ease,
suited to relaxation during pregnancy. taking good care of your tummy is vital.
❃ Partner up: Get your partner involved in bath time. Let him set the scene
with candles, set out some fluffy towels, choose your bath oils and help you Linea nigra
moisturise afterward. Around your second trimester, you
may notice a dark line, about 1cm,
developing in the middle of your tummy,
To dye for can produce more melanin and when running from your navel (or above) to
There has been no conclusive evidence you are exposed to the sun it can cause your pubic bone. When your tummy is
that hair dyes are harmful to the fetus, melasma. With the Irish track record in accommodating your growing baby, it
but it is best to avoid them in the first weather, it may not seem necessary to stretches and hyperpigmentation may
trimester. Highlights are a safer option wear sun protection, but it is wise to use result in this line. Unfortunately, there is
to consider, or try natural dyes such at least an SPF 15 daily and cover up in nothing you can do to tackle linea nigra,
as Henna. If you are dying it yourself, strong sunshine. but it should disappear within a few
always do a patch test at least 24 hours weeks of giving birth. Keep your tummy
beforehand as your reaction to a product Acne moisturised throughout pregnancy and
may change with pregnancy. If you are Those pesky hormones are at it again, exfoliate the area gently if the line is still
going to a pro, talk to your hairdresser and and may cause your oil glands to produce present a few weeks after giving birth.
see what they recommend. more oil, causing breakouts or acne for
the first time in years. Cleansing comes Stretch marks
Maximising your mane from the inside out so try and eat plenty Hand-in-hand with weight gain, for
It is hard to get that salon sleek shine of fruit to vegetables and drink lots of about 90 per cent of pregnant women,
in our own bathrooms, but according to water. A simple daily cleansing routine is come stretch marks; an unfortunate side
celebrity hair guru Richard Ward, it is all your best course of action. Use a cleanser, effect of making room for your baby.
down to the basics: a good hair washing toner and moisturiser (all oil-free) on your The skin stretches and because there is
technique. skin, exfoliate regularly, and try and use a not enough collagen to accommodate
“Your hair will only shine immaculately weekly face mask. this, thin red lines will appear in the
if it is rinsed correctly. Ensure you rinse dermis, eventually becoming thin silver
at the end of your hair washing routine If you were taking acne medication lines. Unfortunately, stretch marks aren’t
for two minutes (time yourself). This will before your pregnancy, be sure and just confined to the abdomen, and can
properly remove product residue that can
make hair look dull and lifeless. Rinsing
well also encourages shine and makes
your hair look full of vitality. If you want
to shine even more, ensure your ends are
regularly trimmed so that the cuticle is
always perfectly flat.”

Face Facts
With about 50 per cent more blood
pumping around your body (yikes!) during
your second trimester, you
may experience the ‘pregnancy glow’.
Your oil glands are working harder too,
which can make your face look shiny,
and this can also contribute to an overall
©iStockphoto.com/DomenicoGelermo

glowing impression.

Mask of pregnancy
It is not all glowy skin, however, as
some women can experience melasma
or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, where dark
splotches appear across the forehead
and cheeks. During pregnancy your body

58 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 58 28/06/2012 12:54:03

 Pregnacare helps give babies a ®

strong, healthy start.

The most trusted special nutritional support, for the best start in life.
Specially formulated by experts, it replaces your usual multivitamin and provides a careful balance of 19 essential vitamins
and minerals. One simple tablet provides B vitamins to help maintain healthy foetal development, iron for blood formation,
plus the recommended 400mcg folic acid.
Pregnacare® Plus is a dual pack with the additional benefit of an Omega-3 capsule providing 300mg DHA for your baby’s
health brain and eye development.
Also available is Pregnacare® Conception which has been specially formulated for women who are trying for a baby, and
Pregnacare® Breast-feeding which safeguards healthy milk production and helps replenish depleted nutrients following
childbirth. For peace of mind before, during and after your pregnancy, let Pregnacare® take care of you and your baby.
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Please consult your pharmacist before use.

Maternity_1_68.indd 59 28/06/2012 13:27:09

 Pregnancy Health & Beauty
appear on breasts, thighs and even
on your bum. They will fade once you
have given birth but the key during
pregnancy is a long-term rather than a
short-term strategy.
Your goal should be to prep your
skin during pregnancy to ease the
impact of stretch marks after birth.
Moisturising is vital. Specialist creams
such as Clarins Stretch Mark Control
cream or a high street brand such as
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Cream
For Stretch Marks should be used daily
to improve your skin’s elasticity. Many
women also use Bio-Oil to reduce the
appearance of stretch marks during
and after pregnancy.
Legs and Feet
Keeping the whole operation moving,
your legs and feet can often bear the
brunt of carrying extra weight, so it is
time to take good care of them.
Varicose veins
Because of the increased pressure on
your legs during pregnancy, you are
more likely to suffer from varicose
veins – which means aching legs
accompanied by the appearance of
blue and purple marks. They can be
removed with injections or surgery, but
during pregnancy the best course of
action is prevention.
To avoid getting varicose veins:
❃ Walk regularly.
60 maternity
Maternity_1_68.indd 60
TREATMENTS TO AVOID
There are some treatments that are unsuitable during pregnancy.
Avoid or take advice before doing any of the following.
Body Wraps or Mud Baths
These should be avoided as they
increase the body’s temperature.
Some Types of Massages
Abdominal massage, breast massage
and reflexology can cause contractions,
so it is best to avoid some types of
massage unless you are in the hands
of a pregnancy specialist. You will also
need a special massage table with a
cut-out for your tummy.
Hair Removal
Hormone changes can make hair
removal painful. Avoid bleach,
chemical treatments and electrolysis.
❃ Avoid standing or sitting for
long periods.
❃ Wear support stockings.
❃ Rest with your feet at heart level
for at least half an hour per day (or
more if you can).
❃ Avoid tight clothing around your
waist, groin or legs.
Swollen ankles
As the body is holding more water
than usual during pregnancy, your
Steam Rooms, Saunas
and Hot Tubs
These should be avoided as they also
increase the body’s temperature.
Sun Beds and Fake
Tanning Products
Skin may be more sensitive
during pregnancy and you may
react more strongly to UV rays,
through developing melasma or the
appearance of dark patches. Fake
tanning products may also cause an
allergic reaction; always do a patch
test before full application.
ankles, feet and fingers often swell a
little, especially towards the end of
the day. If the weather is particularly
hot outside or if you have been
standing a lot, fluid tends to gather in
the lowest parts of the body.
To avoid swelling:
❃ Wear comfortable shoes.
❃ Put your feet up as much as you
can (at heart level).
❃ Try the following foot exercises:
Bend and stretch your feet
vigorously 30 times; rotate each
foot eight times clockwise, then
anti-clockwise.
Pedicure me
With all of that in mind, a treat for your
tootsies is called for, so book in for a
pedicure. Use a spa or beautician that
specialises in pregnancy treatments.
Some types of foot massage, specifically
reflexology, can spark off contractions,
so make sure your beautician is aware
of your pregnancy.
Another option is to get your
partner involved. Your toe area is a
no-go zone for you at the moment so
let him do the hard work. A weekly
pedicure with a foot soak, gentle foot
rub and having your toenails polished
afterward is a lovely treat for mums-
to-be.
28/06/2012 12:54:28
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Maternity_1_68.indd 61 28/06/2012 12:54:31

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Maternity_1_68.indd 62 28/06/2012 12:54:31

 Beauty Treats Pregnancy

Beauty Treats
{ Hormones and a burgeoning bump can wreak havoc during pregnancy. LAURA BURY
p g mum looking yum.
looks at the top products for combating beauty issues and keeping {
Stretch Marks Saviour
About F Face Gracing the tums of celebrities
Your fluct
fluctuating hormones can have a real impact on your ur such as Sarah Michelle Geller
causing it to become more sensitive and often at
skin, caus Stella McCartney, Mama
and Stel
risk of breakouts. Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+
greater ris t+ Mio Tummy
Tu Rub Stretch
is 100% n natural and certified organic, making it perfect Mark OilO (120ml), is a super-
sensitive skin. Trilogy’s award-winning Certified
for sensit nourishing, super-hydrating
nourishi
Organic RRosehip Oil has teamed up with red berry super loaded with high levels of
oil loade
antioxidants, making it the ‘everything-your-skin-needs’
antioxidan Omega 3, 3 6 and 9 to help protect
beauty oioil. Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ is available able against pregnancy
nancy stretch m marks.
Arnotts
from Arno o and selected health stores and pharmacies The oil is non-greasy and easily absorbed
nationwide
nationwid d for €32.95 (30ml). too! Get it before you startart stretching for
optimum
o performance. Available from
www.cloud10beauty.com
w m for €27.
No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream is perfect for expectant
xpectant
mums who want beauty without hassle. This brilliant
iant Breast Care
multi-tasking product combines moisturiser, illuminator,
minator, If you are suffering from
rom cracked,
SPF15 and coverage, and can transform tired skinn to its sore nipples try La Roche-
glowing and radiant best. This hero product is available
vailable Posay Cicaplast Baume B5.
exclusively in Boots stores for €15.95. It can be used on body,
ody, face and
lips and is recommended
ended for the
entire family, but is particularly
soothing for cracked
ed nipples.

Hair Care
Moroccanoil® Intense Hydrating Mask
(250ml) is intensive care for stressed hair.
This rinse-out, deep conditioning treatment
Yummy
treats hair with moisture and protein, adding
shine and elasticity. Used weekly, this highly
Mummy
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the hair, restoring shine and manageability. when expecting
Available from selected hair salons why not relax and
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Treats for Mum Mummy to Be
For those with sensitive skin Package will let
ÓGRA 100% Peat Face and you soothe your aches and relax your
Body Mask is the perfect treat. mind. Enjoy a half-hour pregnancy back massage,
A 100% organic substance, this a Yonka Escale Beaute Facial including Indian head
mask is supercharged with massage, a brow shape, mini-manicure and half-
neutralising negative ions that hour pedicure for just €135. Set in the picturesque
replace damaging positive ions within the skin and has an immediate Wicklow countryside, just thirty minutes from Dublin
stimulating effect that causes it to glow with health and vitality. Skin city, experienced therapists are waiting to pamper
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feels smoother. ÓGRA 100% Peat Face and Body Mask, 50ml, is available more information.
in Arnotts and pharmacies and salons nationwide. RRP €30

maternity 63

Maternity_1_68.indd 63 28/06/2012 12:54:34

 Pregnancy Maternity Entitlements

Leave
on a high
{ {
In these critical economic times, the thought of having to inform your
boss that you will be unavailable to work for a period of six months is very
worrying indeed. But armed with the knowledge of your entitlements, you
can take the fear out of that conversation and you will find that organising
your maternity leave is a much less stressful task, writes BRIAN TUOHY.

Under current maternity legislation your
employer is legally obliged to conduct
a pregnancy risk assessment and this
can only be organised once you have
formally notified them of your pregnancy.
There are particular risks during the first
trimester so you should try to inform your
employer, in confidence, at the earliest
opportunity. Remember, you might have
severe morning sickness or other issues
that could affect your attendance and
punctuality. Either way, ensure to tell
your employer in writing at least a month
in advance of commencing maternity
leave and provide a letter from your
doctor confirming your pregnancy and
due date.
Length of Leave
You are entitled to 26 weeks’ maternity
leave, with the option of a further 16
weeks’ unpaid leave, commencing no
later than two weeks prior to your
due date. If you find it too difficult
to work during the final phase of
your pregnancy, or your baby is born
prematurely, you can commence your
maternity leave up to 16 weeks prior to
the end of the week the baby is due.
Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you
can take paid time off for medical visits
associated with the pregnancy and
antenatal classes, giving two weeks’
notice to your employer.
Paternity Leave
There is still no legal entitlement to
paternity leave for fathers, leaving it
entirely up to the discretion of employers,
so it’s a good idea to notify your
employer in advance and book a couple
of weeks’ annual leave around the due
date. Many employers are willing to be
flexible with this leave, as you can’t be
sure exactly when the baby will decide to
make an appearance.
Returning to Work
Make sure to give your employer at least
four weeks’ written notice of your intention
to return to work. Upon your return, you
should be back in the same job with the
same contract of employment. In the event
that your employer can’t allow you to
return to your job, they must provide you
with suitable alternative work.
Money Talk
There is no legal obligation upon
employers to pay you during maternity
leave. It depends on the terms of your
contract and, these days, more and
more employers are scrutinising their
outgoings in order to cut what they
deem to be unnecessary costs. For those
without such a contractual agreement,
you may qualify for Maternity Benefit,
which is issued by the Department of
Social Protection and amounts to 80 per
cent of your average weekly wage (based
on the previous year’s earnings). Your
employer may top-up this payment, but
is not legally required to do so.
Additional Advice
For more information on your
rights and entitlements visit www.
citizensinformation.ie, www.equality.
ie and www.welfare.ie, where you
will find a wealth of information.
To apply for Maternity Benefit,
contact the Maternity Benefit section
of the Department of Social
Protection.
Tel: (01) 471 5898; Locall: 1890 690 690;
Email: maternityben@welfare.ie;
Web: www.welfare.ie.

Annual Leave
You are entitled to any public holidays
that occur during your leave, so check
your diary and add them up as you can
tack an extra few days on to the end
of your 26 weeks. You are also entitled
to accumulate annual leave while on
maternity leave, as time spent on
maternity leave is treated as though you
have been in full-time employment.

64 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 64 28/06/2012 12:57:52

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Maternity_1_68.indd 65 28/06/2012 12:58:00

 Pregnancy Get Packed

Get packed!
{ It’s all well and good to put off your holiday packing until the last
minute, but getting your hospital bag ready takes time and baby
can come when you least expect him, writes LAURA BURY {
As going into labour early is always a For mum:
possibility, you should have your bag ❃ 4 cotton nightdresses (front-opening ❃ Make-up bag, hair brush and
packed at 36 weeks at the latest, and if for breasteeding) or pyjamas hair clips
you are expecting twins or triplets, then ❃ 2 maternity or nursing bras ❃ Deodorant
you should have your hospital bag ready ❃ Breast pads ❃ Witch hazel to sooth stitches (pour
at 30 weeks. ❃ 3 packets of maternity sanitary towels a few drops onto a sanitary pad)
You will need a bag for the labour ❃ 2 towels and 2 face cloths ❃ Phone charger
ward and also a bag for you and your ❃ Dressing gown, slippers and flip-flops ❃ Magazines and books
little one after the birth, so packing two for the shower ❃ Notepad and pen
separate bags may be more practical ❃ Plenty of comfortable, old underwear, or ❃ Money for purchasing snacks,
for you. Hospitals prefer if you don’t disposable underwear (at least 6 pairs) newspapers, etc.
have large cases, as there may not be ❃ Toiletries – soap, shower gel, ❃ Your partner can bring ‘going
sufficient storage, and could be a hazard. shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, home clothes’ for you and baby
Your bags should be no larger than deodorant; travel-size items are ideal at a later stage.
airplane cabin baggage.

Buying a pushchair, car seat, cot or all

the other nursery equipment is an
exciting milestone on your pregnancy,
but at Bella Baby we also understand
it can be a bit overwhelming to say the
least. There are so many options and
systems to choose from with
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66 maternity

Maternity_1_68.indd 66 28/06/2012 12:58:11

 Get Packed Pregnancy

❃ Camera You must have a car seat to bring your

For baby: ❃ Night-dress, underwear and bra to baby home safely. Please see our article on
❃ 6 long-sleeved babygros change into after the birth car seat safety on page 118.
❃ 6 vests ❃ Towel, toiletries and tissues
❃ Plenty of bibs ❃ Hair clip/bobbin
❃ 2 cardigans ❃ Facial mist spray
❃ 2 soft baby towels Vichy Thermal Spa Water
❃ Newborn nappies
❃ 1 baby sponge is ideal for expectant
❃ Lip balm
❃ Vaseline or nappy cream mothers and can be
❃ Bottled water and snacks for you and
❃ Scratch mitts used to soothe and
your partner
❃ Disposable nappies (7lb-9lbs) – comfort mum while in
❃ Magazine or a book
6-8 per day labour. Available from
❃ An MP3 or other music player and
❃ 3 blankets pharmacies nationwide,
headphones
❃ 3 cot sheets/pram sheets RRP €10.25.
❃ Details of prescribed medication
❃ 1 roll of hospital cotton wool ❃ Spare top and deodorant for dad.
❃ 1 hat or cap

All baby clothes and towels should be

prewashed before packing. Remember, if
you are having twins, triplets, etc., you
should multiply the above items.

Bag for the labour ward:

❃ Hospital maternity notes
❃ Birth plan (optional)
❃ A loose t-shirt or old night-shirt
❃ A light dressing gown, comfy bed
socks and slippers
❃ A natural sponge, face cloth or
facial wipes

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maternity 67

Maternity_1_68.indd 67 28/06/2012 12:58:14

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1
Halksworth et al. ‘iron absorption from Spatone…’ in
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2
IRI HBA outlets, Sept 2011
3
Worwood et al. ‘iron absorption from a natural water’ in
Clin. Lab Haem, 1996, 18 23-27
4
McKenna et al. ‘a randomised trial…’ in Clin. Lab Haem,
2003, 25 99-103

Full research studies available on Spatone.comThe above

sources refer to Spatone, 100% natural iron supplement.
www.spatone.ie
Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
 Labour & Birth Pregnancy

maternity’s guide to
Labour & Birth
Contents

Birthing Basics 70

Antenatal Classes 70

Where Will I Give Birth and by What Means? 71

Birth Preferences 71

Preparing for Labour 73

The Start of Labour 74

Pain Relief 77

Three Stages of Labour 82

Now That It’s All Over 82

The National Newborn Bloodspot Screening 84

maternity 69

Maternity_69_136.indd 69 28/06/2012 14:17:24

 Pregnancy Labour & Birth
Are you prepared for birth? Have you
decided where you want to give birth and
by what means? The choice is yours and
one that will be dictated by your attitude
to pain, your health, your medical history,
your attitude to your birth team and the
birthing facilities available to you.
Birthing Basics
Recent years have seen an increase
in the number of women requesting
a more natural, personal and
individualised approach to giving birth.
Personalised
birth plans
have become popular and
mothers wanting their own
input and control over the
big day are encouraged to
write their own birth plans
if they wish.
70 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 70
In response, hospital midwives working
in busy labour wards have modified
their practices in order to make the
birthing process less medical and
clinical. Hence, some outdated practices
have been replaced. Women are now
encouraged to be active in labour
and deliver in whatever position they
choose. Personalised birth plans have
become popular and mothers wanting
their own input and control over the big
day are encouraged to write their own
birth plans if they wish. The birth plan
must be discussed with the midwife
or doctor prior to the onset of labour.
Antenatal classes
Antenatal education should form
an integral part of your preparation
for birth. The more information you
and your partner receive during the
antenatal period, the better equipped
you will be to make decisions later
on and understand any decisions the
labour ward team may need to make
during labour and delivery.
© Thinkstockphotos.com/Wavebreak Media
28/06/2012 14:17:26
 Labour & Birth Pregnancy

Classes include:
❃ The process of labour explained in
simple language – what to expect and
ways to help yourself.
❃ The first, second and third stages
of labour explained thoroughly: the
duration of labour, how the baby’s
condition is monitored, and the medical
interventions that may be necessary.
❃ The different forms of pain relief
available, how they are given and how
they work.
❃ The reason a Caesarean birth is
advised and how it is carried out along
with the management of post-maturity
and the importance of regular good
movements from your baby.
❃ The promotion and encouragement of
breastfeeding and a discussion on the
management of breastfeeding.
Depending on the hospital you choose, a
visit to the Labour Ward and a video on a
normal delivery may be included.
Expectant parents are encouraged
to take an active role in exploring
information and making decisions
about their childbirth experience. Group
participation and discussion is always
encouraged in these classes.
Where Will I Give Birth
and by What Means?
While the hospital is the most common
place to deliver your baby, some mothers
do consider a home birth. The choice
of birth is very much dependent on the
mother’s circumstances and location.
Some hospitals provide home birthing
facilities, but many regions have limited
resources to cope with the service.
into the vagina to ripen your cervix.
❃ Artificial rupture of membrane (ARM),
where a small hook is used to break
your waters and start contractions.
❃ Oxytocin given by a drip to
start contractions.
2. Assisted Delivery
If you have been pushing for a long time
or the baby is in distress, your doctor
may discuss using one of the following
methods to deliver your baby safely:
❃ Forceps: This involves lying on your
back with your feet elevated. You
may be given a local anaesthetic if
an episiotomy is performed to widen
the vaginal opening. As you push, the
obstetrician will assist the baby out by
using forceps.
❃ Ventouse: A metal cup (connected to
a vacuum pump) is attached to the
baby’s head. During contractions,
while you are pushing, the obstetrician
gently guides the baby out and assists
with the delivery.
3. Elective Caesarean Delivery
While the majority of women deliver their
baby without any complications, some
women with complications – such as a
low-lying placenta – who have a breech
presentation, pre-eclampsia or very high
blood pressure may need to have a
Caesarean section.
4. Emergency Caesarean Delivery
During labour, occasional complications
arise that require your baby to be delivered
by emergency C-section. A top-up epidural
(in some cases a general anaesthetic) will
be given before a small cut is made below
your bikini line for your baby to be born
via your abdomen.
Home birth
If you want a home birth, you will need to
contact your hospital very early on to ask
if they operate the service. If they don’t,
you can contact an independent source
for more information. Get in touch with
the Homebirth Association of Ireland, 30
Cushla Downs, Monksland, Athlone, Co.
Westmeath, or log on to www.homebirth.ie.
Birth Preferences
When couples attend hospital antenatal
classes, they get information regarding
the management of labour at their
chosen hospital – this is the hospital’s
own birth plan. If you are not entirely
happy with certain procedures, you can
make your own labour and birthing plan,
which the antenatal educator will discuss
with you.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan provides an opportunity for
a woman to plan ahead for her labour
and birth. Sheila Kitzinger, an advocate

Hospital birth
Every birthing experience is different.
Most women in Ireland give birth
in hospital, and, while not always
necessary, you will have access to
pain relief and technological facilities
such as fetal heart rate monitoring if
required. You also have expert care,
rest and time to recover after birth.
While complications are not common,
some women do require some form
of assistance during labour and birth,
such as:

1. Induced Labour
If you are between ten days and two
weeks over your due date, your doctor
may discuss the option of inducing your
labour with the use of:
❃ Prostaglandin gel or pessaries inserted

maternity 71

Maternity_69_136.indd 71 28/06/2012 14:17:30

 Pregnancy Labour & Birth
of natural childbirth, first introduced the
concept of a birth plan in the 1970s. Since
then, its popularity with women planning
the birth of their baby has varied. Birth
plans would seem to be most effective
for communicating a woman’s wishes
for labour and birth in a hospital
setting, where the woman may not have
previously met the midwife who will help
her to deliver her baby.
Why use a birth plan?
Much of the research carried out on the
use of a birth plan suggests a number of
benefits. Formulating a birth plan provides
you with the opportunity to discuss your
wishes for your labour and birth with your
midwife in the antenatal period. It helps
some women feel more confident and in
©iStockphoto.com/DomenicoGelermo
72 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 72
“Recent years have seen an increase in the number
of women requesting a more natural, personal and
individualised approach to giving birth.”
control of their labour. It can also provide
an opportunity to learn more about labour
and delivery, which means you are better
prepared when the time comes. However,
it is important to realise that having a birth
plan does not guarantee that everything
that you decide beforehand will go to plan
on the day! It is best to keep an open
mind and be as flexible as possible. View
your birth plan as an aid to communicating
your wishes to your midwife in the event
of an uncomplicated labour and birth.
What should I include in a
birth plan?
A birth plan is a very personal and
individual thing. What one woman may
find exciting (for example, using a mirror
to see her baby’s head crowning) may not
appeal to everyone. The real advantage
of a birth plan is that it provides an
opportunity for you to think these things
through before you go into labour and
gives you time to discuss them with a
midwife in the antenatal period. There are
many issues you may want to consider
including in your plan. Your chosen
hospital may not have the space to
consider all the possibilities detailed here,
but the following will give you some ideas
for areas you might like to think about.
First, consider what kind of positions
you would like to adopt for labour and
later, when giving birth. Not everyone feels
comfortable propped up on a delivery bed.
Some women prefer to crouch on all fours
or adopt a squatting position on the floor.
You may want to experiment with several
positions until you find one that is most
comfortable for you.
Second, you may want to think about
what type of pain relief you would like
in labour. There are many alternatives to
drugs or epidurals. These include keeping
mobile, using bean bags or birthing balls
to get comfortable, using massage, taking
a warm bath or shower, using ice water,
a TENS machine, or alternative therapies
(dependent on hospital policy).
Next, think about who you would like
to have present to support you in labour.
Also, you may wish to consider issues
such as the kind of atmosphere your
baby is born into. You may want to have
gentle music playing, for example. You
may also want the midwife to place your
baby straight onto your chest following
delivery to enhance skin-to-skin contact,
which has been shown to aid bonding
and promote successful breastfeeding.
You may wish to make explicit in your
plan that you would like the opportunity
to discuss beforehand any interventions
such as having your waters broken or
having a vaginal examination.
Finally, many women take this
opportunity to express their wishes
regarding how they will feed their baby.
28/06/2012 14:17:31

This is particularly important if you have
decided to breastfeed your baby as it is
very beneficial to feed your baby in the
first 30 minutes to an hour after birth.
These are just a few ideas to get you
started and is by no means an extensive
list. The most important aspect of the
birth plan is to help you think about
what you want for your labour and
birth and to give you an opportunity
to find out about the choices and
options available to you. Take the time
to discuss your birth plan with your
midwife/consultant before you go into
labour. She will be able to inform you
about the choices available to you and
will advise you on how to keep your
plan safe and realistic.
Preparing for Labour
It is best to prepare your body
and mind for labour during your
pregnancy with the help of antenatal
education and exercises such as yoga
and swimming, or simple breathing
techniques to help you relax. Antenatal
classes are one of the best places
to start your preparations and to get
answers to your many questions and
concerns. You will learn what to expect
during pregnancy, labour and after
your baby is born and some helpful
breathing and relaxation techniques for
during labour.
The next thing to consider is who
will be with you during the birth.
It is essential to have a supportive
birth companion who will offer a
comforting hand to hold and words
of encouragement, or who will simply
stroke your back if you wish. Whether
this is your partner, mother, sister or
friend, your birth partner will offer
that familiarity and emotional comfort
needed during the toughest moments in
labour. Research has even shown that
mothers who have someone with them
throughout labour are less likely to
require drugs, an instrumental delivery
(ventouse/suction, forceps) or Caesarean
section. Antenatal classes will help your
birth partner know what to expect on
the day and should help him or her feel
more secure in their role.
Position yourself
Aideen Keenan, CMM3, Delivery Suite at
the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, guides you
through the various position options for
labour and delivery:
Labour is commonly associated with
hard work and pain. There are many
Maternity_69_136.indd 73
factors that can influence your length
of labour, progress and pain tolerance.
One of these factors relates to the
positions you adapt during your labour
and delivery.
Labour and birth need not be a
passive activity. In fact, many mothers
find being physically mobile, upright
or even changing their positions
throughout labour preferable to lying
in bed. Media coverage of labour and
delivery commonly depict the mother
lying on the bed and in substantial
pain. Current research, however,
suggests that adopting an upright
position can lead to a less painful
and shorter labour, and less need for
an epidural or pain-killing injections.
Most women will naturally change
positions frequently in labour to find
a natural position of comfort. Practice
brings familiarity, so have a go! Try
out the various birthing positions with
your birth partner in the comfort of
your own home or at your local parent
education course.
An ‘upright position’ is kneeling,
standing, squatting or the ‘all fours’
position. Tools available to support an
upright position include: bean bags,
birthing balls, floor mats, stools or a
small narrow chair can be adapted.
Your partner can also support you in
a ‘supportive squat position’, where
you lean against your partner or a firm
surface, rocking your pelvis.
Labour & Birth Pregnancy
There are no known disadvantages
to an upright position in labour. Some
women may feel tired if labour is
prolonged and combine upright positions
with short spells of rest or lying down.
Some women use birthing tools such
as bean bags, birthing mats or birthing
balls, to maintain their upright position
while resting.
Will you stand up, sit, kneel, squat,
lie down, or use a mixture of all five?
For more information, ask your midwife,
doctor or physiotherapist for advice
and information on the use of upright
positions for labour and delivery and the
facilities available at your maternity unit.
Back to Basics – Vaginal
Advantages of an
Upright Position
❃ You may experience less pain.
❃ Gravity helps your baby move
quickly through the birth canal.
❃ Contractions are more effective.
❃ When you kneel or squat your
pelvis may open wider, allowing
more room for the baby.
❃ Your birth partner can be involved
in supporting you in the various
positions and this can allow your
partner access to your lower back
if you want a back massage.
❃ Some women find it easier to
push their baby through the birth
canal while in an upright position.
maternity 73
28/06/2012 14:17:32
 Pregnancy Labour & Birth
Vaginal Birth after Caesarean
(VBAC)
Ruth O’Connor RGN, RM, Midwife and
Antenatal Educator at Mount Carmel
Hospital, outlines the facts about
Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC):
If you have previously had a Caesarean,
you might now be wondering whether
you can have a vaginal birth this time
round. ‘Once a Caesarean always a
Caesarean’ went the saying. However,
this is no longer the rule. Many women
want and can have a vaginal birth
after Caesarean birth. Some women
feel they missed out on what was an
important life experience when they had
a Caesarean and want the experience
of feeling their baby move out of their
body and into their arms. Many also
want a faster recovery from their birth
and to go home sooner from hospital
than is possible with a Caesarean, and
to avoid surgery and its complications.
What you need to know
It is important for women to have
a clear understanding of why they
had their previous Caesarean birth.
Most reasons for a Caesarean don’t
necessarily repeat themselves.
These include:
❃ Fetal distress
❃ Cephalo-pelvic disproportion (too big
a baby for too small a pelvis)
❃ Failure to progress (labour lasts
too long)
❃ Breech presentation (baby coming
feet or bottom first)
❃ Abruptio-placenta or placenta previa
(location or separation of placenta
causing bleeding and problems with
the oxygen supply to the baby)
❃ Some complicated medical conditions.
In the past, the most common reason
for repeated Caesareans was the belief
that the uterine scar may rupture during
a vaginal birth. Medical findings show
that this is extremely rare. The incision
is a low traverse and this is considered
the safest type.
No obstetrician or midwife can
guarantee that you will have a VBAC and
you should inform yourself and take
personal responsibility for your birth
experience. Prior to becoming pregnant,
interview as many caregivers as you
“It is best to prepare your body and
mind for labour during your pregnancy.”
74 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 74
possibly can. Discuss your situation and
their attitudes about VBAC and ask about
the hospital’s or obstetrician’s VBAC rates.
Learn as much as you can during the
pregnancy. Consider going to antenatal
classes designed for VBAC to acquire a
wealth of information and give you and
your partner the opportunity to consider
this new pregnancy and birth as a
different experience from your previous
Caesarean birth. They can prepare you
both for the reality of labour and for a
spontaneous labour. Classes can help
to heal and help you to accept feelings
about the previous Caesarean birth that
you may not have resolved, and give
you more confidence and clear the way
for more positive thoughts in yourself
and the birth process.
The chances of having a VBAC
depend on several factors, the most
important of which is spontaneous
labour. Being pregnant and planning
a VBAC is not an everyday occurrence;
it is a very personal decision. You
deserve a supportive environment but
in some cases you can plan and work
for a VBAC and still end up having
another Caesarean birth, which may
be disappointing. However, you will
have worked for the best possible birth
experience for you and your baby. As
time passes you will find that you
have grown and learned from this
experience too. Women who have
repeated Caesarean births after planning
vaginal births often say how glad they were
to have tried. Many are delighted that their
labour began on its own and their babies
were naturally ready to be born.
The Start of Labour
Louise Gallagher and Linda Biesty,
Midwife Lecturers at Trinity College,
Dublin, guide you through the process:
Labour is different for every woman
and pinpointing when it begins is not
really possible. It is more of a process
than a single event, during which a
number of changes in your body work
together to help deliver your baby. In
some cases, labour can start as early
as week 24 of pregnancy, therefore it
is best to familiarise yourself with the
main signs of the onset of labour so
that when your time comes you will
be prepared.
How will I know I am
in labour?
Pre-Labour Warning Signs
Although the following may indicate that
labour is not far off, they are not actually
part of the labour process:
❃ Braxton Hicks contractions are random
‘practice’ contractions that occur at
various times throughout pregnancy.
They are typically not painful and
do not dilate the cervix as real
contractions do. If you have been
experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions,
these may become stronger in your
last month. You may not have even
noticed them before and are only
now beginning to do so. Pre-labour
Braxton Hicks contractions can be
quite strong and while everyone feels
them differently, they are seldom
accompanied by pain. If this is your
first baby it may be hard to believe
that they are not the real thing, but
Braxton Hicks seldom continue regularly
for more than 60 minutes.
❃ You may be aware of your baby’s head
pressing down.
❃ You may have a bout of diarrhoea, and
some women also feel nauseous.
❃ Some women may experience a burst
of energy a day or two before they go
into labour.
Classic Signs of Labour
Contractions associated with the onset of
labour may start off as cramp-type pains
(similar to period pains) and you may
notice them in your stomach, back or
thighs. Some women have irregular pains
for a whole day before they are in labour,
while other women get regular pains from
the start. When you are in labour the
contractions will increase steadily, reach a
peak, and then decrease again. In between,
there should be a phase without any pain.
Labour is usually established when your
contractions last for more than 40 seconds,
occur every five to seven minutes over an
hour and are beginning to become painful.
A ‘show’ is the release of the mucous
plug which seals the cervix or opening to
your womb. As the cervix starts to soften
and open a little, the show comes away.
It is usually sticky and jelly-like and may
be streaked or tinged with blood. It is not,
however, usual to lose a lot of blood with
a show. If you find that you have lost
quite a lot of blood, call your midwife or
hospital immediately. The time between
the show and the start of labour proper
can be several days or just an hour or so,
or anything in between.
28/06/2012 14:17:32
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For about ten per cent of women,
the breaking of the waters is the first
sign that labour is imminent. When this
happens some women feel a distinct
‘pop’ or ‘ping’ and then a gush of
warm, clear fluid called 'liquor'. Others
just notice a gentle trickle. At this stage
you should contact your midwife. For
most women, though, the waters do not
break until they are well into labour.
If you are not sure if your waters
have broken, it is advisable to wear a
sanitary towel or pad and contact your
midwife for advice. Occasionally, the
water may be a brown/yellow/greenish
colour, indicating that the baby has
passed its first bowel motion. This
means that your labour will need careful
monitoring and therefore you should
make your way to the hospital.
What can I do when
pains begin?
During early labour, eat and drink
as you desire; small portions and
Maternity_69_136.indd 77
light snacks are the easiest to digest.
Once admitted into hospital, however,
you may not be allowed to eat.
❃ Try taking a warm bath or shower to
ease any aches or pains.
❃ Try to relax and concentrate on
your breathing.
❃ Alternate between walking and resting.
If you can, try to get some rest to
prepare you for labour.
❃ Keep in contact with your
birthing partner for support
and reassurance.
When will I call the midwife or
go to hospital?
You may need to consider the length
of the journey from your home to the
hospital. The right time to call your
midwife and go to the hospital is when
you feel you would be more relaxed if she
was close by. For some people, this is
when contractions are still infrequent and
for others it is not until they have strong
contractions at five-minute intervals.
Labour & Birth Pregnancy
©iStockphoto.com/ woraput
10%
The percentage of
women for whom the
breaking of the waters
is the first sign that
labour is imminent.
Pain Relief
The first thing to do is to think
about the methods available to help you
cope with labour, as there are many
different choices of pain relief and other
remedies available. It is important to be
well informed of all of your options as
you may change your mind on the day.
Entonox
Entonox is an equal mixture of
two gases (nitrous oxide and oxygen)
and is commonly referred to as ‘gas
and air’. It is the most widely used drug
for helping women cope with labour.
While Entonox won’t remove all the
pain, it will give sufficient relief for most
women. It is usually given through a
mask which covers your nose and mouth
or you can use a mouthpiece instead if
you prefer.
maternity 77
28/06/2012 14:17:55
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IRUOL̊OHRQHV

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Maternity_69_136.indd 78 28/06/2012 14:18:00


Advantages
❃ Effective within 15 to 20 seconds.
❃ It has no smell or taste.
❃ There are no known harmful side-
effects for you or your baby.
❃ You can remain mobile for as long
as possible where portable cylinders
are available.
Disadvantages
❃ Can make your lips feel dry. A lip
cream is helpful in preventing this.
❃ Can make you feel light-headed and
voices can sound like echoes.
❃ Can make you feel nauseous –
if this happens to you, stop using it
and nausea should disappear quickly.
TENS machine
Transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS), a popular form
of pain relief during labour, is an
application of painless electrical
impulses through surface electrodes
placed on the skin. The TENS machine
consists of a small, battery-powered,
hand-held unit and two or four pads
that are placed on your back. TENS
works by stopping pain impulses from
Maternity_69_136.indd 79
reaching your brain and by stimulating
the body to produce its own natural
painkillers called endorphins. To get
the most benefit, it is recommended
that you begin to use the TENS machine
once you feel labour has started. TENS
units are available for hire or purchase
from Medicare Rental and Sales –
call (01) 201 4900 or book online at
www.medicare.ie.
Advantages
❃ Most women find TENS provides good
pain relief.
❃ TENS has no known side-effects for
you or your baby.
❃ Some hospitals have TENS
machines available for use in
the hospital.
Pethidine
Pethidine is a pain-relieving drug (from
the opiates group) which is given by
intra-muscular injection.
Advantages
❃ It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to
take effect and lasts for two to
four hours.
Labour & Birth Pregnancy
❃ It helps most women to relax and
reduces pain.
Disadvantages
❃ Pethidine can make some women
feel rather ‘drunk’, ‘distant’ and/
or sleepy.
❃ It may cause nausea and vomiting but
an injection is usually given at the
same time to counteract this effect.
❃ It can affect your baby by
slowing down his/her breathing at
delivery, especially if given within
two hours of your baby’s birth. If this
happens, your baby may need an
injection which works rapidly to
reverse the effects and stimulate
normal breathing.
❃ Pethidine may cause drowsiness in
the baby, which can affect baby’s
interest in feeding.
Epidural
The most effective form of drug
pain relief, epidural is only given after
the onset of labour has been confirmed
call your
midwife
and go to the hospital
when you feel you would
be more relaxed if she
was close by.
©iStockphoto.com/ DomenicoGelermo
maternity 79
28/06/2012 14:18:04
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Combe plate changes.indd 1 28/06/2012 15:27:36


(usually by your midwife) and after a
vaginal examination. It involves injecting
a small amount of anaesthetic (and,
commonly, a pain-relieving agent)
outside the spinal cord. A small plastic
catheter is placed through the needle.
Top-up drugs can be given through this
as you need them, or a small amount
may be given continuously (like a drip).
An epidural is given by an anaesthetist,
takes about 15 minutes to insert and
15 to 20 minutes to become effective.
Although an anaesthetist is available at
all times, the epidural may be held up if
your anaesthetist is delayed.
Advantages
❃ Epidurals give the most effective
pain relief.
Disadvantages
❃ Most women experience mobility loss
due to the anaesthetic drugs used.
❃ You will not be able to get out of
bed during labour or for three to six
hours after the birth of your baby.
❃ You will need to have a drip inserted
in your arm to minimise the drop
in blood pressure that an epidural
can cause.
Maternity_69_136.indd 81
Tips for Delivery
❃ Pack warm, cosy socks – you may feel chilly during the delivery.
❃ Keep a cold cloth close by for placing on your forehead. This will cool you
down when you get hot and bothered.
❃ Bring a change of clothes and dress in layers.
❃ Make sure that all mobiles are switched off and business is put on hold until
after the birth. Mobile phones can also interfere with vital medical equipment.
❃ It is more likely you will need
a forceps or vacuum (ventouse)
delivery but not necessarily a
Caesarean section.
❃ A small tube may have to be passed
into your bladder to drain urine as
you may find it difficult to pass
urine yourself, but this is usually
not painful.
❃ Occasionally, some women (one per
cent) get a severe headache as a
result of the epidural, but this can
usually be treated effectively.
You don’t have to decide whether or
not you would like an epidural until
you are in labour. Very occasionally the
midwife or doctor will recommend you
have an epidural if you have high blood
Labour & Birth Pregnancy
pressure or there are other pregnancy
complications that the doctor or midwife
will discuss with you.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are fast becoming a
complementary means of coping
with labour. The result is an overall
satisfaction, with the aroma removing the
‘hospital smell’ and decreasing anxiety.
Preparing to give birth begins in the mind
and the earlier that positive associations
and imagery are started, the more relaxed
you will become. There is a vast array of
oils available on the market, such as:
❃ Clary sage, which relieves tension
and anxiety, and assists the uterus in
effective contractions without artificially
strengthening them. It has been
suggested that it can ‘bring on’ your
labour and, consequently, should be
avoided during pregnancy.
❃ Lavender, neroli and rose are used to
assist relaxation during labour.
To use any of the above: Suspend in a
base oil, such as grapeseed oil, if they are
to be applied to the skin (for example,
during massage). This blend can also be
added to your bath water.
It is essential that you seek advice
from a certified aromatherapist before-
hand as some oils are not suitable for
use during pregnancy and labour and the
recommended dose may also alter at
this time.
Coping with labour
Labour isn’t easy. If it were, it wouldn’t
be called ‘labour’. Everyone is different
and every labour is different. While
some women say their labour was
the most excruciating pain they’ve
experienced, others have said it was not
that bad and their feelings of elation
made the pain forgettable. At the end
of the day, whatever you do to prepare,
you won’t know how labour will affect
you and you will just have to wait and
see. Perhaps the best advice is to keep
an open mind!
maternity 81
28/06/2012 14:18:36
 Pregnancy Labour & Birth
You choose
With all the options available, you
must remember that the choice
is yours. If you require further
information or are concerned about
how you will cope with labour,
please talk to your midwife or doctor
who will be happy to offer you
advice, or provide you with further
information to help you to make an
informed choice and to make your
labour as pleasant and enjoyable an
experience as possible.
Three Stages of Labour
It is important to note that all labours and
births are different and the following is
merely a guide.
First stage
The onset of labour differs between
many women. Some women experience
mild, short, regular contractions that
have a long interval between them,
e.g. 20 minutes. As labour establishes,
the contractions become shorter and
more painful, last longer and have a
shorter interval, e.g. every five to ten
minutes. Some women start labour with
contractions that are of long duration,
feel painful and occur frequently, e.g.
every five minutes. Massage, TENS and
warm baths are great soothers. Also,
walking around can sometimes help.
As labour progresses, your
contractions will be more frequent,
82 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 82
occurring every two to four minutes
and lasting up to 60 seconds. Start
your breathing exercises and relaxation
techniques. Find a position that is
comfortable. You may request pain
relief, if you need it, such as an
epidural, injection or ‘gas and air’.
Second stage
Contractions will be more frequent and
last up to 60 seconds. Once your cervix
is dilated to 10cm, you will feel the urge
to push with each contraction. If you’ve
had an epidural, your midwife will tell you
when to push and when to hold back.
This stage can last from a few minutes to
an hour. You may feel a burning sensation
as the baby’s head becomes visible or
‘crowns’, stretching the birth canal. You
will be asked to pant and stop pushing
so the midwife can check everything is
okay and to allow controlled delivery to
avoid undue trauma to the perineum. The
baby’s head will turn toward your leg, the
baby will be delivered and placed on your
tummy and the umbilical cord will be cut
by the midwife.
Third stage
After a short pause, contractions come
again around every five minutes so
that you can deliver the placenta and
membranes. This stage can last up to an
hour. Relax – the worst is over.
After birth
Some women may experience
slight tearing of the perineum area
©iStockphoto.com/sturti
contractions
will be more frequent,
occurring every two to four
minutes and lasting up to
60 seconds.
during childbirth. Your midwife or
doctor will stitch any tears directly
after you give birth. You may also feel
some ‘after-pain’ – this is your uterus
contracting back to its normal size
and is nothing to worry about. Ask
your doctor for some pain relief if it is
particularly painful.
Now That It’s All Over
Your new baby has finally entered the
world. So now what? If you are a first-
time mum and have had a normal,
uncomplicated birth, you will most likely
remain in hospital for three to five days.
If you are a second-time mum having
had a normal, uncomplicated birth, this
time may be reduced and the hospital
stay generally lasts from two to three
days. Some hospitals offer an Early
Transfer Home Programme (ETHP). This
is where you return home between six
and 24 hours after delivery (as long
as you and your baby are well) and a
community midwife comes to your home
for up to the following five days. Women
who opt for this programme can return
home with their babies after a normal,
uncomplicated birth if they reside in an
area covered by the ETHP.
28/06/2012 14:18:38
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 Pregnancy Labour & Birth
For further details on the ETHP contact:
❃ Coombe Women & Infants University
Hospital ETHP: (01) 408 5616
❃ National Maternity Hospital ETHP:
(01) 637 3277
❃ Rotunda Hospital ETHP:
(01) 817 6880/817 6881
Your community midwife will generally
complete the following in your home:
❃ A full check of you and your
baby daily.
❃ Offer guidance and support with
regard to baby care, including feeding
and bathing, weight and skincare.
❃ All the required checks and tests.
❃ Offer advice and information on
support services in your area.
❃ A full report to be given to your public
health nurse on completion of care.
Getting Home Safely
Remember, babies must be securely
The National Newborn Bloodspot Screening
Make sure you are informed on the
National Newborn Bloodspot Screening,
often known as the ‘heel prick’ or PKU
test, and changes made to it in July 2011.
Why should I have my
baby screened?
The National Newborn Bloodspot
Screening Programme identifies
babies who may have rare but serious
inherited conditions, which are
treatable if detected early in life.
What are newborn
babies screened for?
All babies born in Ireland are offered
screening for Phenylketonuria
(PKU), Maple Syrup Urine
Disease, Homocystinuria, Classical
Galactosaemia, Cystic Fibrosis and
Congenital hypothyroidism.
How do I agree to screening
for my baby?
When your baby is due to have the
heel prick test, you will be given
information and asked to sign the
newborn screening card to confirm
that you have received information
about the programme, that the
information about your baby is correct
and that you consent to the test being
done. Screening your baby for all these
84 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 84
fastened in a car seat every time they
travel by car. This means you should
have a car seat with you for your return
home from hospital. Newborns must
always travel in a rear-facing seat and
in the back seat if the car is fitted with
a passenger airbag. Always check your
baby’s car seat is properly fitted for
every journey. The seat should be tightly
fitted in your car and you should only be
able to fit two flat fingers between the
harness and your baby’s chest.
When buying a car seat, select one
that conforms to the United Nations
standard ECE Regulation 44-03 (look
for the E mark) and ask the retailer to
demonstrate how to properly fit the
seat into your car. Always read the
manufacturer’s manual and never buy
a second-hand car seat or use a car
seat after it has been in an accident.
The seat should always be appropriate
for your child’s weight. Infant seats are
conditions is strongly recommended.
If your baby has one of the conditions
the long-term benefit of screening
is much greater than the small
discomfort they feel when the blood
sample is taken. However, you do not
have to do it – it is not compulsory. If
you are considering opting-out please
discuss your reasons with the public
health nurse. Your decisions will be
recorded and you will be asked to sign
an ‘opt-out’ form.
How is the test done?
The Newborn Bloodspot Screening Test
is done between 72 hours and 120
hours after your baby is born. The
public health nurse or midwife will
prick your baby’s heel using a special
device to collect some drops of blood
onto a special card. You can help by:
❃ making sure that your baby is warm
and comfortable; and
❃ being ready to feed and/or cuddle
your baby.
When the sample is collected, the
newborn screening card is sent to the
National Newborn Bloodspot Screening
Laboratory at the Children’s University
Hospital in Temple Street for testing.
Subhead: What happens to my baby’s
Newborn Screening card after screening?
generally designed for babies from birth
to approximately six months or 9kg.For
more information on car seat safety see
page 118.
Thank you
maternity’s guide to labour and
birth was written in collaboration
with the National Maternity
Hospital, the Rotunda Hospital
and the Coombe Women & Infants
University Hospital.
maternity would like to offer
special thanks to the hospitals
for reviewing the information
contained and in particular to
Joan Lalor, Declan Devane, Louise
Gallagher, Linda Biesty, Carolyn
Tobin, Aideen Keenan and Ruth
O’Connor.
The card is stored as part of the baby’s
health record for 10 years by the
National Newborn Bloodspot Screening
Laboratory on behalf of the HSE. The
card is then disposed of. Following
screening a bloodspot may be used for:
❃ checking the results of the test or for
other tests recommended by a doctor
for which permission will be sought
from the parents;
❃ quality assurance purposes and to
develop and improve the bloodspot
screening programme as governed by
a HSE’s Code of Practice.
Parents may, if they wish,
request that the blood portion of
the Newborn Screening Card be
disposed of one year after the test has
been performed.
Archived screening cards from babies
born from 1984 onwards are currently
stored by the Newborn Bloodspot
Screening Programme. The HSE is
currently carrying out a review of
storage and disposal policy for archived
screeening cards, in consultation with
the Department of Health, the Data
Protection Commissioner,and patient
and clinical representative groups.
Information from the Health Service
Executive. For more information visit
the HSE Website, www.hse.ie.
28/06/2012 14:18:54
 MILDER

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Maternity_69_136.indd 85 28/06/2012 14:18:58

 After the Birth Registering the Birth
Baby’s first forms
It all began nine months ago and now
that you have brought your little bundle
of joy home from the hospital you find
that it is all beginning again. Late night
feedings, a first time for every gurgle,
spit and smile, and a million photographs
to be taken; it is all part of the process
of bringing up your baby from one
minute to one month to one year.
Aside from running around catering
for your newborn’s every whim, one of
the most important tasks is to schedule
an appointment with a Civil Registration
Services Office of your choosing and
formally register your child’s birth.
Maybe you never expected your baby
to come into this world attached to
a string of boring paperwork, but the
importance of registering comprehensive
and accurate information about your
child should become evident when you
think about the amount of times this
information will be used throughout the
course of his or her life. Enrolling in
school, exams, getting a job, getting a
passport, submitting health and social
welfare applications – these are all times
when this information will be vital in the
future.
Simple Procedure
Words: Brian Tuohy
Another worthwhile reason is that upon
registration your child will be issued with
a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
which will entitle you to receive Child
©iStockphoto.com/ micha360
86 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 86
Benefit Allowance for your first-born
child, and an automatic payment for
second and subsequent children in the
family.
Submitting this information is a simple
and stress-free process if you follow our
guide to registering your child.
Technically Simple
The Civil Registration Act 2004 requires
the parent or parents of a newborn child,
not later than three months from the
date of birth, to attend in person before
any registrar of births, to provide such
information as is required to register the
birth and to sign the register of births in
the presence of the registrar. Easy, right?
Well, actually, it is. All this really means
is that you need to gather all the basic
facts about both baby and parents and
present them in person to a registrar of
your choice.
Registration Office
A Birth Notification Form will usually be
completed with the parent(s) by hospital
staff. It outlines the information to be
recorded in the Register of Births and is
forwarded to a registration office to inform
the registrar of the birth. These details are
usually registered within two weeks so it
is always worthwhile for you to call ahead
to the Registration Office you have chosen
and check that they have received the
details before you arrive in person.
To register, the mother or father,
or both can attend. If the parents are
unmarried the father must consent
to have his details included, so it is
advisable for both of you to attend.
Advanced contact is recommended if the
mother has previously been married, or
is separated or divorced.
What Should I Bring
Both parents must bring photographic
identification (for example, a passport or
driving licence) as well as their Personal
Public Service Numbers. These can be
obtained from the Department of Social
Protection if unknown. After these details
have been recorded you will need to
provide the following details to complete
registration of your baby:
Child's Details
❃ The time, date and place of birth of
the child.
❃ The gender of the child.
❃ The forename(s) and surname of
the child. Ensure the surname(s)
appearing in the Register of Births
is correct so as to avoid any later
confusion or difficulties.
Parents' Details
The following details must be supplied
separately for both the mother and the
father at the time of registration:
❃ The forename(s) and surname of each
parent at the time of the birth.
❃ Each parent’s birth surname.
❃ Each parent’s occupation described as
accurately as possible.
❃ Each parent’s normal address at the
time of birth.
❃ Each parent’s date of birth.
❃ Each parent’s marital status at the
time of birth.
❃ The birth surname of the mother of
each parent.
Having all these details ready when you
are registering your baby will make it a
quick and easy process and leave you
with more time for figuring out the parts
of parenthood that don’t require messy
paperwork, but are rather just messy.
28/06/2012 14:18:59
Maternity_69_136.indd 87 28/06/2012 14:19:02
 VOTING
OPEN
JULY
4TH!

/0.*/"5&
:063

%BE
PG
UIF
:FBS
Do you know a dad that deserves recognition? We want to hear about
dedicated fathers who go that extra mile to spend quality time with their
children despite any challenges they may face. So get in touch and tell us
about the great dads you know!

Nominations are quick and easy through our Facebook page at

www.facebook.com/maternityandinfant and our website at
www.maternityandinfant.ie. You can also vote for your favourite products
and services for mums and babies.

Vote Now for a chance to win one of 10 fabulous weekend breaks in any
one of Select Hotels, a collection of Ireland’s finest independently owned
hotels nationwide.

Contact Events on (01) 432 2200 or email tracey.carney@ashville.com.

The Awards will take place at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, on November 16th, 2012.

Combe plate changes.indd 2 28/06/2012 15:27:59

 Special Care The Baby Years

© Thinkstockphotos.com/jupiterimages
Special care
{ The joy and euphoria that comes with the arrival of a new baby can sometimes be accompanied
by a great deal of anxiety when parents find their baby is sick or premature. BARBARA WHELAN
and MARGARET MASON from The Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital’s NICU
Discharge Support Group explain why getting the correct support is essential for your baby.

The birth of your baby is a joyful and
exciting experience but what happens
if the unexpected occurs and your baby
arrives early, or is born sick?
Giving birth prematurely is a traumatic
event that, for many parents, can be a
nerve-wracking and overwhelming ordeal.
Feelings of anxiety, grief and even guilt
prevail, with many mothers believing that
events are somehow their fault.
Around 60,000 babies are born in Ireland
each year. Of these, 3,000 babies will be
born at around 37 weeks or earlier, while
some 600 babies may be born at least
eight weeks before their due date and will
need special medical and nursing care.
The monitoring and care a premature
or sick baby requires will be provided
by the maternity hospital’s Special Care
Unit or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
{
(NICU), and the length of hospital stay is
dependent on the baby’s condition and
degree of prematurity.
An additional stress factor for such
parents can be the fact that many
hospitals are unable to provide premature
babies with the ‘intensive’ care required,
which means that babies born in hospitals
around the country are transferred to
the NICU in one of the major Dublin

maternity 89

Maternity_69_136.indd 89 28/06/2012 14:19:05

 At ellaskitchen.co.uk with fun stuff for the senses,
plus the latest news + weaning tips!

The Department of Health recommends the introduction of solid food from 6 months of age.

Maternity_69_136.indd 90 28/06/2012 14:19:27


maternity hospitals. Being cared for in an
environment such as this is vital to enable
these babies to receive the skilled care
and attention that is paramount for their
wellbeing. When their condition stabilises,
they are returned to the special care unit
in the hospital nearest to their home.
Why Did This Occur?
Coping with a premature or sick baby can
be a huge challenge and you are likely to
have many questions – foremost among
them may be why this has happened to
your baby. The NICU is regarded as an
alien, ‘high-tech’ environment and can
provoke intense levels of stress for many
parents. The sight of your very small,
fragile baby in an incubator surrounded
by lots of equipment and wires can be
very upsetting. Your first feeling may be
one of utter helplessness, followed by a
myriad of emotions including guilt. This
is completely normal. You might start to
wonder whether something you did, or
did not do, during pregnancy could have
caused this to happen. Was my job the
reason for this? Did I look after myself
properly? Was I eating the right food?
Your doctor and nurses will advise you
to put aside any feelings of guilt and
blame that you may have for the simple
reason that, very often, no one can tell
you why this has happened. About a
third of pre-term births occur for no
obvious reason. With some births it may
be pregnancy-linked, as is the case with
twins or triplets. However, the important
thing to remember is that no matter
how small your baby is, or how sick,
you need to have confidence that he
or she will get the very best care from
the neonatal doctors and nurses, and
other staff in your hospital. Despite their
fragility, these babies are usually strong
and real ‘little fighters’.
Learning to Cope
This is a time of great psychological stress
and conflicting emotions. Premature birth
interrupts the natural order of pregnancy,
often with little or no warning. Parents are
in shock and often confused about their
role. Both you and your partner will be
trying to stay strong for each other during
this time, and this may lead to you both
concealing your real feelings. Mum will
still be trying to cope with the physical
effects of having a baby. She might have
had a difficult pregnancy or birth and
could be feeling unwell. If mother and
baby are being cared for in different
hospitals, she will, of course, be missing
Maternity_69_136.indd 91
her baby. This is not how dad expected
fatherhood to begin. He may feel helpless
and frustrated regarding his inability to
help his new son or daughter. He may be
feeling overwhelmed by the intensive care
environment, worrying about financial
concerns and the demands of home and
work life. Whatever your feelings, don’t
keep them to yourself. It is important for
each of you to share your anxieties.
Family Matters
It’s natural for you to want to be with
your premature or sick baby as much
as possible, but you must learn to pace
yourselves. Sit down with your partner
and agree how best you will share the
visits. If there are other children at
home, try and engage the support of the
extended family. Explain to the children
that their new brother or sister is not
well enough to come home yet, and will
need to stay in the hospital for a while.
Encourage the baby’s siblings to talk
about their new brother or sister and,
although many hospitals will not allow
visits from children to their special care
units due to the risk of infection, take
photographs of your newborn to show
them how he or she is developing.
Tell your children what is happening in
simple words and be honest with them.
Younger children will be wondering why
their parents are always in the hospital.
Older children might also be worried about
the baby. Tell them what they can expect
to see in the photographs so that the
equipment used in the care of their baby
brother/sister does not frighten them.
Special Care The Baby Years
THE ROLE OF THE PUBLIC
HEALTH NURSE
The public health nurse offers
a number of developmental
assessments for your baby during
the birth to four year period.
A school health service is also
provided. These may take place
either in the home or in the child
health clinic. You can also have your
baby weighed at the child health
clinic. The public health nurse uses
a special weight chart to plot the
weight and height measurements
of your baby. A healthy weight is
the best indication that your baby
is thriving. These clinic sessions
provide the opportunity to discuss
other childcare and parenting issues
with the public health nurse who has
an extensive knowledge of local
services and facilities. In addition,
she may be able to offer information
on breastfeeding support groups
or infant massage classes. Your
baby will have been given the
BCG vaccination at birth (or
within one month), the remaining
immunisation schedule starts at
two months. See page 111 for more
on immunisation.
©iStockphoto.com/Lloret
maternity 91
28/06/2012 14:19:29
 The Baby Years Special Care

Help is out There

A neonatal nurse in the Coombe Women
and Infants University Hospital carried
out a study in 2003 which identified
the difficulties parents encountered and
the coping mechanisms they employed
following their baby’s discharge from
hospital (O’Hara 2003). Following this
research, the Coombe Women and Infants
University Hospital developed the first
support group in Ireland to help parents
of babies receiving treatment in the NICU
and those discharged from the hospital’s
Special Care Unit.
For many parents, the journey
through intensive care and the
subsequent discharge of their new
baby is a really isolating experience,
compounded by the fact that family
and friends often do not know how
to react to the birth of an ill baby.
The support group offers parents the
opportunity to discuss any issues and
anxieties that they may have with
professionals who will understand what
Oisin, 3 (top) and Cillian, 6
they are experiencing and who can
offer ongoing advice and help.
Allison Molloy, founder of the Irish Premature Babies charity,
A team comprising two members of
shares her experience of having her two boys, Cillian (6) and
the nursing staff, a physiotherapist and
Oisin (3), pre-term.
a medical social worker meet once a
month with parents. The group offers At 30 weeks gone Allison Molloy went into labour with her first child, Cillian.
a relaxed and friendly atmosphere “When the doctors lifted the baby out [he was born by c-section], I caught a
where parents and siblings can meet fleeting glimpse of him. The doctors congratulated my husband and I on our little
those who have faced similar struggles boy and he was taken off to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). My husband
and challenges and most find this very went with the baby.”
helpful, ‘normalising’ the experience After recovery Allison was given a picture of her son, and a few hours later was
for them and thus improving their allowed to see him. “I burst out crying. He was so tiny, nothing like the picture I
emotional wellbeing. One of the most had upstairs in the ward.”
remarkable benefits is that the group Without anywhere for mothers to stay in the NICU after being discharged, Allison
has reduced the number of emergency returned every day to be with Cillian and she says she found great support from
attendances to the hospital, as well as other mums in the same situation. “I was really lucky when I had my first baby
the number of admissions. Based on that I met a group of wonderful mums and we are all still friends now.”
these successes, other hospitals are Allison’s second child, Oisin, was also born prematurely. “It was difficult having
now looking at developing their own a two-year-old at home wanting to be with mammy when I needed to be with the
support groups. new baby when he was in the NICU.
“Even though you know your baby is doing well and gaining weight, it can
Reference: be so scary bringing them home for the first time as you still remember the
O’Hara Patricia (2003), ‘Exploring the frightening times,” says Allison on bringing her children from hospital. “You have
Maternal ‘lived’ experience following to learn to be a mother and trust your instincts.”
the discharge home of the Medically
Fragile Infant – A Phenomenology Study’, Allison’s Advice:
unpublished Master’s dissertation, Trinity ❃ Take each day as it comes, some days will be better than others.
College Dublin (TCD). ❃ Accept any help from family and friends.
❃ Premature birth can happen to any woman and it’s not your fault that your
FOR FURTHER baby arrived early.
INFORMATION ❃ Look after yourself as well, it is very easy to neglect yourself during those
❃ Get in touch with Irish Premature difficult weeks and months.” “You are not on your own,” explains Allison. “Talk
Babies, the premature baby charity to other parents in the NICU or contact the charity [Irish Premature Babies] and
(www.irishprematurebabies.com) we can link you up with a mum who has had a premature baby.”
❃ Read Your Premature Baby by Nikki
Bradford (Firefly Books). For help and support visit www.irishprematurebabies.com.

92 maternity

Maternity_69_136.indd 92 28/06/2012 14:19:30

Maternity_69_136.indd 93 28/06/2012 14:19:35
 After the Birth Hygiene
A Caring Hand
{
Keeping your little mite free from nasty infections starts with proper
hand hygiene. SHIDEH KIAFAR explains how best to keep baby safe.
A new baby is completely dependent on
loved ones and they need lots of care
and attention. You are responsible for
their welfare and this means trying, as
much as possible, to prevent your baby
from acquiring infections. Hygiene and
cleanliness are very important for a young
baby. As babies can’t wash themselves, it
is vital that you, as the parent, have good
hygiene practices in place. These practices
are important in terms of protecting
against viral flu and other illnesses, but
also to protect against the all-too-common
gastro bugs, which can make a young
baby very ill and at risk of dehydration.
One of the most effective ways of
preventing infection and safeguarding
your baby is good hand hygiene and basic
hand-washing.
Big Bad Bacteria
Remember all those times your mum
told you to wash your hands? Well, she
was onto something. Consider anything
that you touch on a daily basis: light
switches, door knobs, food, phones –
literally any part of our environment
can provide a home for potentially
dangerous bacteria. Although bacteria are
not always harmful to adults, newborns,
and particularly special care babies, are
fragile little beings and can be extremely
susceptible to infection.
Our hands are not sterile and bacteria
found on them are either resident or
transient. Resident bacteria are deep-
seated, difficult to remove, and are part
of the body’s natural defence mechanism.
Transient bacteria, then, can be
transferred with ease to and from hands
and are a leading cause of cross-infection,
but can easily be removed with good
hand hygiene. Therefore, the purpose of
hand-washing is to mechanically remove
soil and debris from the skin to reduce
bacteria numbers.
Back to Basics
Hand-washing with plain soap and clean
water remains a sensible strategy for good
hand hygiene.
94 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 94
}
Remember: For more information on best hygiene
❃ Work up a good lather and make sure practices, visit the Infection Control
you wash your wrists, hands, fingers, Section of the National Maternity Hospital
thumbs, fingernails, and in between (www.nmh.ie) and download a 'Caring
your fingers. Hands are Clean' leaflet.
❃ You should rub your hands with
soap for at least 15 seconds to kill Remember to
the bacteria.
wash your hands:
❃ Rinse the soap off hands with
clean water. ❃ Before and after baby care.
❃ It is also important to dry your hands ❃ After changing a nappy.
properly using a clean hand towel as ❃ Before making up a feed or bottle.
bacteria builds up if hands are damp. ❃ Before and after carrying out
❃ Avoid leaving bars of soap moist by cord care.
using a proper stand. Bar soaps contain ❃ Before removing items from
fatty acid (oil) and if they remain moist a steriliser.
they absorb dirt and micro-organisms ❃ Before handling or eating food.
use this as food and grow on it easily. ❃ Before giving first aid or medication.
❃ Immediately after handling high-risk
Cuts on cuticles, hands and arms must food, e.g. meat.
be covered with a waterproof dressing. ❃ After using the toilet.
In addition to thorough washing with ❃ After contact with blood or body
soap and water, proper hand hygiene fluids, e.g. faeces, vomit, nasal
also includes attention to fingernails secretions or saliva.
and jewellery. ❃ After touching a contaminated area,
The longer the fingernails and e.g. rubbish bin or cleaning cloth.
more intricate the jewellery, the ❃ After handling pets, pet cages,
greater the available surface area feeding utensils and other pet items
for germs to inhabit. Artificial nails (litter trays).
are particularly inviting to bacteria. ❃ Whenever hands look dirty.
Additionally, sharp edges of jewellery
or ragged fingernails have the potential
to scratch the baby. Rings with stones
act as moisture traps, therefore it is
advisable to remove jewellery and to
keep nails short and clean.
Hand-washing is essential: our hands
come in contact with more surfaces and
elements than any part of the body.
Carry pocket alcohol hand rub with
you to use when soap and water is
unavailable. Keeping your hands clean,
as much as is reasonable, is one of the
best hygiene tips available. If you have
any questions about hand hygiene and
preventing infections, talk to your doctor
or public health nurse.
Shideh Kiafar is an Infection Control
Midwife with the National Maternity
Hospital, Dublin.
28/06/2012 14:19:36
 Join our
Mission
Dettol’s ‘Mission for Health’ is a wide ranging set of initiatives
that are designed to promote a healthy environment: at home,
in the community and beyond. From the products we make,
to the education we provide and the causes we champion,
we are on a Mission.
We are committed to promoting good hygiene practices and
providing both helpful tips and information to help you make
informed decisions.
Find out more information at: www.dettol.ie/missionforhealth
You can also visit our Facebook page to join our Mission.
Together we can do more in your home, in your community
and beyond.

Join us in our Mission.

Do more for a healthy home.

Use biocides safely. Always read the label

and product information before use.

Maternity_69_136.indd 95 28/06/2012 14:19:40

 After the Birth Breastfeeding

Breast for baby ©iStockphoto.com/vgajic

{ Breastfeeding is the most natural means possible of feeding your baby and comes with
many benefits for you both. LORRAINE O’HAGAN and DENISE MCGUINNESS, Clinical
Midwife Specialists in Lactation at the National Maternity Hospital, clarify how to master
the technique and make breastfeeding an enjoyable experience for you and your baby.
{
Whether you are expecting or have just according to a recent national infant continue as long as possible following
given birth, the decision of how to feed feeding survey, only 47 per cent of Irish the introduction of solid food.
your new baby is an important one. women breastfeed their newborn babies, Although breastfeeding is the natural
While modern formula milks are always with the rate falling precipitously to choice, it is a skill that needs to be
improving, they will never replicate 24 per cent in the weeks following the learned by a mother and her baby.
the essential mix of nutrients and birth. These figures are astonishing Attending a breastfeeding class before the
immunities that breast milk contains. when you consider that every major birth can make a huge difference, both in
Extensive research documents diverse health group, including the World knowledge and confidence. All pregnant
and compelling advantages for infants, Heath Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, mothers have the opportunity to attend
mothers, families and society from recommends that babies be fed breast antenatal classes, which will include a
breastfeeding and the use of human milk exclusively for the first six months breastfeeding class. In addition to these,
milk for infant feeding. However, of life, and that breastfeeding should some hospitals facilitate breastfeeding

96 maternity

Maternity_69_136.indd 96 28/06/2012 14:19:40


skills workshops, which offer more
specific information on breastfeeding and
teach the skills necessary to help get
breastfeeding off to a good start.
The Advantages
Breastfeeding has many advantages for
babies, their mothers, society, and the
environment. Remember, your breast milk
is perfect for your baby, and it adapts to
meet your baby’s changing needs.
Benefits for baby
When you breastfeed your baby you are
providing him with the best possible
infant food. Human milk contains all
the nutrients your newborn needs and
is more easily digested than any
other infant food. There is no better
safeguard for your baby against the
onset of allergies than breastfeeding.
Your baby is also protected against
infections. Living substances that are
unique to your milk inhibit the growth
of harmful bacteria and viruses in his
still maturing system. Human milk
contains all the right components to
aid the development of a baby’s brain
and nervous system. Breast milk is
particularly important for babies who
are pre-term or ill as your pre-term
milk is especially designed for your
premature baby. Breastfed babies have
less tooth decay and tend to have
straighter teeth than bottle-fed babies.
Benefits for mum
Breastfeeding offers many benefits to
mothers also. Breastfeeding mothers
experience an enhanced bonding
experience with their baby. In the
days following the birth they benefit
from hormones that help the womb
to contract and return to its pre-
pregnancy state, as well as decreasing
postnatal bleeding. They also have an
earlier return to their pre-pregnancy
weight. Studies show a decreased risk
Attending
ss
eeding cla
a breastf birth can
e
before th difference,
h u g e
make a nowledge
both in k
dence.
and confi
Maternity_69_136.indd 97
of breast cancer and ovarian cancer,
with breastfeeding also offering
protection against osteoporosis in
the post-menopausal period. With
exclusive breastfeeding, there is
delayed resumption of fertility, with
breastfeeding providing protection
against a further pregnancy where
the baby is feeding frequently during
a 24-hour period, up to six months.
Exclusive breastfeeding and longer
duration of breastfeeding will save time,
energy and money.
Getting Started
The first hour after birth is a very
special time for the new family and
a good time to initiate breastfeeding.
Regardless of the way your baby is
born, there is no reason why you
cannot breastfeed as soon as you have
given birth. The midwife may ask you
if you would like your baby placed on
your tummy after he is born and it is
this skin-to-skin contact that has been
highlighted as very beneficial when
initiating breastfeeding. Babies usually
experience a time of quiet alertness
in the first hour or two after the birth.
They are awake, but not crying, and
seem to be primed to take in new
experiences, such as actively seeking
their mother’s breast. This skin-to-skin
contact also facilitates the bonding
process and it is important that new
mums use these first few hours and
days in hospital to become familiar
with their baby’s needs and the way he
communicates with you. During the first
few days of breastfeeding you will learn
how to position and attach your baby,
recognise early feeding signs, let down
reflex, and how to recognise when your
baby has had enough to drink.
Positioning and
Attachment
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for
mothers but will soon be second nature
to you. It is a good idea to familiarise
yourself with different breastfeeding
positions while on the postnatal ward.
Take time to make yourself comfortable,
sitting upright in bed with pillows for
support if necessary.
Cradle position
❃ Baby is facing you with his body
in a straight line.
❃ Hold baby close.
❃ Tummy to tummy.
❃ Baby's head should be resting on
Breastfeeding After the Birth
your forearm/crook of your elbow.
❃ Nose to nipple.
Support the breast with the other
available hand, fingers held underneath
the breast, well back from the areola,
and thumb above. Bring baby to the
breast with your arm and tickle the
baby’s lips with the nipple. Wait for
baby to open his mouth wide, which
may take a few attempts initially, and
then pull baby in close to take a good
mouthful of breast.
Cross-cradle position
To offer the left breast, place baby
on his side facing the left breast,
supporting baby with the right forearm:
❃ Hold baby close.
❃ Tummy to tummy.
❃ Nose to nipple.
❃ Support the left breast with the left
hand using a ‘C' shape.
❃ Bring baby to the breast and tickle
his lips with the nipple.
❃ Wait for a wide open mouth, chin
approaching first, and then baby
takes a mouthful of breast.
Side-lying position
This position allows you to rest more
and it is a good idea to practice this
before you leave the hospital, where the
midwife will help you. Lie on your side,
supporting your head with one pillow.
Place the lower arm on the pillow also.
Baby is held close to you, tummy to
tummy, nose to nipple. Support the
breast with the opposite hand, fingers
held in a C-hold position. Encourage
baby to open his mouth wide and take
a good mouthful of breast. A rolled
blanket placed behind baby’s back
offers support.
Rugby-hold position
In this position mum is sitting semi-
upright in bed or on the sofa. Use
pillows at your side for support. Place
baby under your arm with feet towards
your back. Hold baby close to you.
Position baby so that he is facing the
breast, nose to nipple. When his mouth
gapes, move baby quickly on to the
breast. The opposite hand supports the
breast in a C-hold.
Signs of Good Attachment
❃ Baby’s mouth is wide open and the
lower lip is curled back.
❃ The chin is resting into the breast.
❃ If any of the areola is visible it is the
area above the nipple.
maternity 97
28/06/2012 14:19:43
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Maternity_69_136.indd 98 28/06/2012 14:19:44

 Breastfeeding After the Birth

❃ The cheeks are full and

©iStockphoto.com/DomenicoGelermo
rounded.
eks,
❃ After initial short suckling
I n the early we s
bie
breastfed ba to 12
bursts, baby suckles in a
rhythmic pattern with short 8
pauses. usually feed hours
❃ Listen to hear baby swallow. times in 2 4
At the end of a feeding, if
baby does not come off the
breast spontaneously, gently insert
your finger into the baby’s mouth to
release the suction. This will prevent
you from getting sore nipples.

Breastfeeding after
a Caesarean
The method of delivery has little effect
on your ability to breastfeed, but finding
a comfortable position to feed will
help. Try lying on your side with baby
facing you in bed or sitting semi-upright
with pillows at your side and baby in
the rugby-hold position. Each day you
will be able to move about more and
feeding will become much easier.

Going Home from Hospital

Many new mums are concerned
when they go home from hospital
about how often and for how long their
baby should be feeding. In the early
weeks, breastfed babies usually feed
eight to 12 times in 24 hours; however,
your baby is unique and this can be
very apparent in how he approaches
breastfeeding. Some babies are leisurely
diners while others feed very quickly. The
best guide for you is to watch the baby
and not the clock. When baby is ready for
feeding, he will start rooting and putting
his hand into his mouth. As long as he
is feeding actively, leave him on the
breast; many babies take themselves off
the breast when they are satisfied. In the
early weeks of breastfeeding it is good to
offer the second breast at each feeding;
however, baby may not complete a feed
on the second side. Start the next feed on
the second breast.
It is normal for breastfed babies
to often ‘cluster feed’. This usually
happens in the late evening or early
part of the night when baby wants to
have a long feeding session, clustering
a couple of feeds together.
Many mothers ask, ‘How do I know
that my baby is getting enough milk?’
Breastfeeding is in fact very measurable.
Signs that baby is feeding well are:
❃ Your baby is sucking strongly,
slowly and steadily.
❃ The baby’s cheeks are rounded.
❃ You can hear your baby
swallowing frequently.
❃ Your baby’s mouth is moist.
❃ Your baby comes off the breast
looking relaxed and content.
❃ Your breasts feel softer and less full
after breastfeeding.
❃ Wet nappies and stools are also a good
indication that baby is feeding well.
Most babies lose five to seven per cent
of their weight in the days following
delivery. Your baby should generally get
back to his birth weight by two weeks of
age. Babies usually experience a growth
spurt at two to three weeks and six
weeks of age. During this time they may
feed very frequently for a day or two.
In the early weeks of breastfeeding
babies feed a lot, particularly at night.
It is wise for mums to try and get some
sleep when the baby sleeps. You should
drink to thirst and eat to hunger.
Breastfeeding Twins
In the early days, feed one baby at
a time; this will give you time to
bond individually with each baby, get
confident with a good latch and ensure
each baby is feeding well.
Twins are usually smaller than a single
baby, therefore position and attachment
may be harder, and the babies may tire
easily and need to be fed more often.
This stage will pass and feeding will get
easier. If either baby does not feed it will
be necessary to express some milk to
stimulate your supply and feed the baby.
If you have had a Caesarean birth,
try feeding each baby in the rugby-or
underarm-hold. Try a side-lying position to
allow you get more rest while you feed.
Later on you will be able to feed both

maternity 99

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Maternity_69_136.indd 100 28/06/2012 14:19:50
 Breastfeeding After the Birth

©iStockphoto.com/DomenicoGelermo
Cabbage leaves
are comforting for engorged
breasts. They should be
washed and chilled prior to
use and you should
babies simultaneously; a rugby-hold is between days two to five after the
only leave them on for
good when feeding simultaneously and birth. The feeling subsides within 24 to
short periods.
a breastfeeding cushion may help.Babies 48 hours.
often have a preferred breast, but each
breast will produce the amount of milk Feeding frequently and on demand
that baby needs. It may help to alternate prevents engorgement. However, should To hand express milk:
breasts each feed or each day to ensure you encounter this problem, try the ❃ Place the thumb and index finger at
that each breast is equally stimulated. following: opposite sides of the areola.
You can also choose to feed twins on ❃ Gently massage the breasts in a ❃ Press backwards towards the breast
demand, that is, whenever they want. circular motion from the outer aspect and let the thumb meet the finger
Some mothers find it helpful to let one of the breast towards the nipple to behind the nipple.
baby wake spontaneously to feed and help the milk to flow. ❃ Repeat the process until milk
deliberately wake the second baby to feed ❃ Warm compresses applied to the is expressed.
then. Breastfeeding twins is rewarding but breast or a shower (spray directed
challenging for a new mother. towards the back), prior to feeding Cabbage leaves are comforting for
will help the milk to flow. engorged breasts. They should be washed
Common Challenges ❃ In cases of severe engorgement, and chilled prior to use and you should
and Solutions where you are unable to latch the only leave them on for short periods.
Engorgement baby, follow the above advice and Prolonged use of cabbage leaves can
It is normal for the breasts to increase then hand express some milk to reduce your milk supply.
in size, and feel warmer and heavy soften the areola first.
Flat or inverted nipples
❃ Wear nipple formers in your bra
THE PERFECT LATCH approximately 20 minutes prior to a
It is important that your baby is latched on properly to the areola and is ‘breast' feed, to help bring the nipples out.
feeding and not just ‘nipple' feeding; otherwise, he may not get all the milk he Remove these to feed.
wants during a feed and your nipples may become sore. If the baby has latched ❃ The latch assist by Lansinoh applies
on well: a gentle suction to the nipple prior to
❃ He will cover more of the areola with his lower lip than his upper lip. latch on.
❃ His chin should be touching the breast. ❃ A tea-cup hold, where the areola is held
❃ His mouth should be wide open with a big mouthful of breast. with a sandwich shape, will also assist
❃ His sucking pattern changes from short sucks to long, deep ones. with shaping the breast to assist baby
to take a good mouthful of areola.

maternity 101

Maternity_69_136.indd 101 28/06/2012 14:19:54

 After the Birth Breastfeeding
Sore nipples
You should always ensure that baby has
a good latch on the breast when feeding
and, if in doubt, get help. It is normal to
feel a little tenderness during the first
few days and pain associated with a
poor latch is felt at latch-on. There are a
number of things you can do to alleviate
sore nipples:
❃ Rub a little expressed milk into the
nipple/areola after the feed.
❃ Apply a lanolin ointment to the nipple/
areola after the feed.
❃ MultiMam compresses are soothing
and offer comfort to sore nipples.
❃ Breast shells worn in the bra (remove
to feed) stop your clothing from
rubbing against you.
If the nipples are very sore, feed baby
on the least sore side first, then switch
to the other breast. Pain associated with
thrush is usually a new type of pain
following normal breastfeeding.
Blocked milk duct
A blocked milk duct is felt as a lumpy
area in the breast. If you feel you have a
blocked milk duct:
❃ Apply heat to the breast and
gently massage the area in a
circular motion with the fingers,
towards the nipple.
❃ Nurse more frequently on the
affected side.
❃ Change positions for feeding.
❃ Ensure you are not pressing on the
breast with a finger during feeding.
❃ Ensure clothing is not tight or
restricting milk flow.
A blocked duct will clear after a feed or
within 24 hours.
©iStockphoto.com/Perkus
102 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 102
Mastitis
Mastitis can be detected by the
following symptoms:
❃ Breast inflammation/infection.
❃ Painful breast.
❃ Area is red/swollen and hot
to touch.
❃ High temperature.
❃ Flu-like feeling.
❃ Headache.
It is safe to breastfeed frequently.
To relieve these symptoms, follow
the suggestions given for a blocked
milk duct, and:
❃ Go to bed, and take baby with you.
❃ Change positions for feeding.
❃ Keep the affected breast as empty
as possible.
❃ Don’t neglect the other breast.
❃ Apply cold compresses to the
breast between and after feeds.
❃ Drink more fluids.
❃ Take some suitable pain relief
or an anti-inflammatory.
If you think you have developed
mastitis, see your GP, as antibiotics
may be required.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Breastfeeding is the best method of infant
feeding for you and your baby. If you
experience any kind of difficulties when
you start breastfeeding, seek professional
assistance as soon as possible. He or
she will be more than happy to advise
you on how to successfully establish a
mutually rewarding feeding pattern and
will know that you and your baby will
benefit enormously from doing so. Plan
to succeed and enjoy this special journey
with your baby.
GETTING HELP
There are a number of support
structures in place to help you through
your breastfeeding experience. Many
hospitals offer breastfeeding support
clinics for the first six weeks following
delivery. Alternatively, ask your GP or
public health nurse for help and about
breastfeeding clinics in your area.
Voluntary groups like La Leche and
Cuidiú have experienced breastfeeding
mothers who can assist you in learning
how to read your baby’s needs and
guide you as a mother.
National Maternity Hospital
Breastfeeding support service: Monday,
Wednesday and Friday, 10.00am to
12.30pm by appointment, Tel: (01) 637
3251. Antenatal breastfeeding skills
workshops are held on the first Friday
of the month from 12.45pm to 1.45pm,
on the third Tuesday of the month from
6.00pm to 7.00pm, and on the second
Thursday of each month at 12.00pm (no
appointment necessary). A breastfeeding
support phoneline operates Monday to
Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm,
Tel: (01) 637 3100.
Coombe Women & Infants
University Hospital
For information, call (01) 408 5761.
The Rotunda Hospital
Breastfeeding support group meets
on Thursdays from 11.30am to
12.30pm. You should call in advance to
book a place, Tel: (01) 873 0700. Lactation
midwives are available to take calls
Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 3.30pm.
University College Hospital Galway
24-hour breastfeeding helpline,
Tel: (091) 544210.
Cork University Maternity Hospital
Contact Rebecca O’Donovan, Clinical
midwife specialist in lactation,
Tel: 087 662 3874.
HSE Breastfeeding Support
See www.breastfeeding.ie (voluntary
and HSE clinics).
Lactation Consultants
Private lactation consultants are available
in some areas. For further contacts and
support, visit www.alcireland.ie, the
website for the Association of Lactation
Consultants in Ireland.
28/06/2012 14:20:10
 2012/ADV/LAC/008.

Maternity_69_136.indd 103 28/06/2012 14:20:39

 HAPPY BABIES
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with leaders of dermatological research and
product development. All of our products are
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products reflect quality through their careful
scientifically developed formulations and
therefore guarantee the highest skin tolerability.
Maternity_69_136.indd 104
By being a “leading edge” innovator of new
products in the skin care arena, our products
always reflect state-of-the-art dermatological
research. Sebamed offers you a broad, modern
system of medicinal cleansing and care products
- fine tuned to the requirements of your skin,
as only individual care offers reliable protection.
28/06/2012 14:20:41

a r i n g f o r
C our little one
{ Bringing baby home from hospital and being his sole carer can
leave you excited - and anxious. SYLVIA MCSHANE guides you
through your little bundle’s care over those first few weeks.
The joy of arriving home with your baby,
after being surrounded by professionals
for the first days of your child’s life, can
be overshadowed by nerves, particularly
with your first child. Rest assured, you
will gain confidence over time through
learning to look after your baby’s
individual needs and responding to his
cues. In the early days, security is so
important for your baby. Holding and
talking gently to him builds up a bond
between you both and daily activities
like feeding, changing and bathing
should be happy, pleasant experiences
for both you and baby, laying the
foundations for lifelong emotional
development. Learning and sharing new
experiences with your baby can be one
of the most rewarding feelings you will
ever have.
Although newborn babies tend to
sleep most of the time and only wake
to be fed and changed, some babies will
naturally sleep less and this is normal
©iStockphoto.com/Suchar
Maternity_69_136.indd 105
y
too. Babies communicate through both
‘cues’ and crying. These are their only
methods of communication, so it is
important to respond in an appropriate
manner. In the early days you will
quickly begin to learn to interpret your
baby’s cues and their cries, which may
be due to a number of different reasons:
hunger, discomfort, a wet nappy,
tiredness, reaction to mood, or even
loneliness. A small number of babies
may experience colic during the four to
12-week period – contact your public
health nurse for extra support and don’t
be afraid to accept offers of help from
family and friends.
Grooming
Nails
Baby nails do not require cutting in the
first few weeks. Put loose-fitting mittens
on baby’s hands to stop him scratching
his face. When trimming baby's nails,
place his hand on a flat surface and cut
the nails using a blunt-edged scissors.
Baby Care After the Birth
{
Hair
Some babies are prone to cradle cap,
a dry, scaly condition of the scalp.
Health professionals advise daily
washing to prevent its occurrence. To
wash baby's hair:
❃ Wrap the baby’s trunk in a towel and
hold underneath your armpit.
❃ Place head over the bath and wash
hair using a little amount of
non-stinging shampoo.
❃ Rinse well and gently dry with a
soft towel.
If cradle cap does occur, apply a little
baby oil in the evening and wash off the
following day. Do not try to remove the
scales with your fingernails, as this may
give rise to a breakdown of the skin and
result in infection.
Eyes
If baby’s eyes need cleaning (i.e. if there
is a crust or discharge):
❃ Wash your hands.
❃ Dip a cotton-wool ball in boiled,
cooled water.
❃ Squeeze out the excess.
❃ Start in the inside aspect of the baby’s
closed eye, wiping towards the outer.
❃ Discard the cotton ball.
❃ Repeat for the other eye.
maternity 105
28/06/2012 14:20:44
 After the Birth Baby Care
Skin care
A newborn baby’s skin contains natural
oils; there is no need to use soap
products to wash your baby in the early
weeks. Using only water, clean and dry
all the skin creases, otherwise moisture
in the creases may lead to irritation
of the skin. At a later stage, add
unperfumed products to the bath.
The newborn baby may have a variety
of spots, blotches or rashes on the skin.
If you are concerned about any aspect
of your baby’s skin, ask your public
health nurse for advice.
The umbilical cord
The umbilical cord is cut and clamped
following the birth of the baby. The
remaining cord stump heals naturally;
it dries, shrivels and falls off during the
first two weeks of life.
Leave the area around the cord stump
uncovered as much as possible to
encourage healing. Gently clean the cord
at each change and fold baby's nappy
down below the stump until it heals.
If you are concerned about redness or
signs of infection at the site, contact your
public health nurse for advice. A baby
may be given a bath during this time.
Nose and ears
Do not put anything into the nose or
ears as they are self-cleaning organs.
106 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 106
Gently clean the outer aspects with a WASHING &
moistened cotton ball. BATHING
❃ Newborn babies
Bathing Basics do not need bathing in the first
When your baby is ready for a bath, set few days of life. Topping and
aside plenty of time, especially for the tailing your baby is sufficient for
first few times. It may take a few days the first few times until you get
to gain confidence, but try to relax and used to bathing your baby.
enjoy the activity. Talk and sing to him ❃ Wash your baby’s face, neck
and try to make it a special time to and hands, paying particular
bond with your child. attention to skin creases in the
neck area.
When bathing your little one: ❃ Wash head and then change
❃ Remember, babies don’t regulate nappy and wash bottom area,
their temperatures very well, so paying attention to the creases
undress baby in stages, starting with around the groin area.
the top part of the body. ❃ Carefully clean all the skin
❃ Pour a small amount of cold water creases and dry well.
first into the bath and then add
warm water until the bath reaches What you need for bathing baby:
a warm temperature. Test the ❃ Changing mat
temperature with your elbow or the ❃ Cotton wool
inside of your wrist. ❃ Bath
❃ Start with the top part of the body. ❃ Towels
Wrap baby in a towel and wash his ❃ Baby shampoo
face, eyes and hair. ❃ Clean clothes
❃ Remove his nappy and clean area ❃ Cooled boiled water
with baby lotion. ❃ Nappy
❃ Remove the towel and, supporting ❃ Pedal bin
baby’s shoulder with your left
forearm, hook your hand under the
armpit. Gently cradle baby’s legs
with your right arm holding on to Never leav
e
one thigh. Gently place baby in the baby unatte your
at any timned, ed
particula
when changrinly
and bathing g
.
©iStockphoto.com/ozgurcoskun
28/06/2012 14:20:47
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your little one feeling a bit unsettled.
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Maternity_69_136.indd 107 28/06/2012 14:20:54

Maternity_69_136.indd 108 28/06/2012 14:32:21

bath so that you are facing him.
❃ Keep him in the semi-upright
position with lower body immersed
in the water and his head and
shoulders out of the water.
❃ Holding him firmly with your left
hand, wash baby with your right
hand. Talk or sing to your baby all
the time.
❃ When the washing is finished, lift your
baby out of the water, placing your
right hand under his bottom. Place
baby in a towel and give him a cuddle.
❃ Dry him well.
❃ Never, ever, leave your baby alone
in the bathroom at any stage. Ignore
the doorbell and turn off your phone.
Caring for Baby
Prevent infections and ensure your
baby’s safety first and foremost. Here
are some tips to help you ensure your
baby’s health, safety and comfort:
❃ Hand washing is key to preventing
infection.
❃ Always dress and undress your baby
while laying him on a flat surface.
❃ Never leave your baby unattended at
any time, particularly when changing
and bathing.
❃ Maintain the room temperature
between 16˚C and 20˚C (65 to 68˚F).
❃ Babies need many changes of
clothing during the first weeks.
❃ Babies do not like being dressed and
undressed, so avoid ‘over the
head’ items.Select front-opening
clothing (for example, with snap
fastenings).
❃ Feed your baby after bathing,
not before.
Baby’s Bowel Movements
The first stool is called meconium and
this is a dark green, sticky substance.
The colour and consistency changes
over the next few days depending on
whether the baby is breast or bottle-
fed. The breastfed baby’s stool is light
yellow in colour and may range from a
pasty consistency through to something
that looks like creamy soup. A breastfed
baby rarely gets constipated, but
the consistency of the stools may be
affected by the food his mother eats.
The stools of a bottle-fed baby range
from a loose consistency through to a
firm, brownish colour.
The latter type is the most common.
If your baby is constipated, give him
cooled boiled water, but do not add
sugar. In general, a baby’s bowel motion
Maternity_69_136.indd 109
Baby Care After the Birth
may change in colour and consistency the home following your discharge from
without giving rise to any problem. If hospital.
you are concerned, discuss it with your
public health nurse. This visit includes:
In a small number of cases it ❃ A postnatal assessment of the
may be advisable to contact your new mother.
doctor if there is a sudden change in ❃ A new birth development
consistency, colour and smell of the assessment of the baby, including
stools, accompanied by a feeling that a National Newborn Bloodspot
your baby is unwell. Look out for the Screening (PKU test). This is a blood
following: test to screen for six rare metabolic
❃ Watery stools conditions - treatable if detected
❃ Change in colour early in life. It is done 72 to 120
❃ Increased frequency hours after the birth, so this may be
❃ Very smelly done while you are in hospital.
❃ Baby seems unwell
The public health nurse offers a number
Recognising Signs of Illness of developmental assessments for your
Consult your doctor immediately if: baby during the period from birth up
❃ Your baby has a fever – temperature to four years. A school health service
above 38˚C (100˚F) – if accompanied is also provided. These may take place
by a rash, especially red or purple either in the home or in the child
spots that don’t disappear when health clinic. You can also have your
pressed by a glass. baby weighed at the child health clinic.
❃ Your baby has a high-pitched cry. The public health nurse uses a special
❃ Baby’s skin feels cold and he weight chart to plot the weight and
appears drowsy or is unusually height measurements of your baby. A
quiet and limp. healthy weight is the best indication
❃ Your baby’s neck is rigid or stiff. that your baby is thriving.
❃ Your baby has prolonged vomiting. These clinic sessions provide
❃ Your baby has diarrhoea. the opportunity to discuss other
childcare and parenting issues with
Always contact your doctor if you are the public health nurse who has an
concerned in any way. extensive knowledge of local services
and facilities. In addition, she may
First Aid be able to offer information on
If your baby stops breathing, contact breastfeeding support groups or infant
your hospital immediately for advice, massage classes.
or call 999 for emergency services. Your baby will have been given
the BCG vaccination at birth; the
Support remaining immunisation schedule
Support services are available for starts at two months. Check out our
babies and their families in the article on Immunisation on page 111 for
community. A public health nurse visits further information on this schedule.
Male Circumcision
Circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin, which covers the penis,
leaving the top of the penis exposed. Some parents circumcise their male
babies for religious reasons. It is recommended that babies should not have
this procedure within the first year of life unless medically indicated. Select a
reputable surgeon for the procedure. After the operation, follow instructions
given by the surgeon. In general, a baby recovers from the shock of surgery
within 24 hours. The baby’s penis is nearly always swollen and inflamed for a
few days. During this time, observe for signs of bleeding. Change baby’s nappy
frequently to reduce the chance of infection. Expose to the air as much as
possible. Refer back to the surgeon if you are concerned in any way. Female
circumcision is illegal in this country.
Sylvia McShane is a public health nurse, barrister at law (Gray’s Inn)
and freelance writer.
maternity 109
28/06/2012 14:20:59
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Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, 9 Riverwalk, National Digital Park,
Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, Ireland.

PRE/2010/002

Maternity_69_136.indd 110 28/06/2012 14:21:00

 Immunisation After the Birth

INFORMED AND
Immunised
{ With so much information on immunisation for your little one, it can be hard to decide
what is right. DR BRENDA CORCORAN and DR FIONA RYAN outline everything you
need to know to reach an informed decision for a healthy, happy baby.
Immunisation is a simple, safe and Immunisations help your child’s
effective way of protecting your immune system to work. Your child
children against certain diseases develops protection against future
and is vital for your child’s health. infections, the same as if he/she had
Immunisation (vaccination) is a method developed the infection naturally. The
of producing resistance in the body good news is that your child doesn’t
to specific diseases This is done have to get sick first to get that
using micro-organisms (bacteria and protection. Naturally, parents want to
viruses, or traces of the poisons that do what is best for their children but
they produce) that have been killed they need to know all of the facts to
or modified so that they are no longer help them make this important decision.
a danger. The risks posed by these Below are some of the most common
diseases are far greater than the very questions parents have about vaccines
small risk from immunisation. and immunisation.
{
When Should My Child
be Immunised?
Babies are born with some natural
immunity, which they get from their
mother and through breastfeeding.
This gradually wears off as the baby’s
own immune system starts to develop.
Having your child immunised gives him/
her extra protection against potentially
fatal illnesses. Your child should have
their first vaccine a few days after birth
(usually given in the maternity hospital).
This will be followed by five visits to
your GP, which start when he/she is

maternity 111

Maternity_69_136.indd 111 28/06/2012 14:21:07

 pharmacy

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Maternity_69_136.indd 112 28/06/2012 14:21:13

 Immunisation After the Birth

two months old. Five visits are needed

©iStockphoto.com/kate_sept2004
to complete the course of vaccines so
that your baby is fully protected against
serious diseases. The HSE will write to Remember
tell you to arrange a visit to your GP. Your baby needs
If you do not hear from the HSE, you 5 visits
should arrange to visit your GP when to your GP to be
your baby is two months old. fully protected against
serious diseases
What Diseases Should My
Child be Vaccinated Against?
All babies should be immunised against
these serious diseases.
❃ Tuberculosis
❃ Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough,
polio, haemophilus influenzae type b
(Hib), and hepatitis B (these vaccines
are combined as a six-in-one vaccine
❃ Meningococcal C (men C) disease
❃ Pneumococcal disease
❃ Measles, mumps and rubella (these
vaccines are combined in the single
MMR vaccine)

Are Too Many Vaccines

Given All at Once?
Some parents worry that giving several
vaccines at once will overload a child’s
immune system, or that vaccines may
not work properly. However, there is no
cause for worry as your child’s immune
system can easily cope with vaccines.
Studies have shown that vaccines are
just as safe and effective when given
together as when given separately. For
example, if your child received single
injections instead of the combined MMR
vaccine, he/she would be exposed to
measles, mumps or rubella for longer
and would have to have six injections USEFUL WEBSITES
instead of two.
❃ Health Service Executive (HSE) ❃ US Immunization
Why are Vaccines Given at www.immunisation.ie Action Coalition
Such an Early Age? Provides comprehensive www.immunize.org
Vaccines are given at an early age immunisation information for A non-profit organisation that aims to
because young babies are most parents, the general public and boost immunisation rates and prevent
vulnerable to these diseases and need health professionals. disease. It promotes physician,
to be protected as early as possible. For community, and family awareness
example, babies younger than six months ❃ Health Protection Surveillance of appropriate immunisation of
are at the highest risk for serious Centre (HPSC) all children and adults against all
complications of whooping cough (six out www.hpsc.ie vaccine-preventable diseases.
of ten need to go to hospital, and nine National figures on vaccine-
out of ten deaths from whooping cough preventable diseases, vaccine uptake ❃ US National Immunization
are in this age group). The ages at which levels, advice and information. Program (NIP)
vaccines are recommended are chosen www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
to give your child the earliest and best ❃ UK National Health Service Part of the Centers for Disease
protection against disease. www.immunisation.nhs.uk Control and Prevention in the
The most comprehensive, up-to- US. This site contains extensive
How Serious are date and accurate source of information on vaccines and
These Diseases? information on vaccines, disease and immunisation for both health
Any of these diseases could kill a child immunisation in the UK. professionals and the public.
or an adult. It is easy to forget how

maternity 113

Maternity_69_136.indd 113 28/06/2012 14:21:20

 After the Birth Immunisation

ever being exposed to any of these

VACCINATION SCHEDULE FOR CHILDREN
AGE WHERE VACCINATION
At birth Hospital/Clinic BCG (TB)
2 months GP 6-in-1 + PCV
4 months GP 6-in-1 + Men C
6 months GP 6-in-1 + PCV + Men C
12 months GP MMR + PCV
13 months GP Men C + Hib
4-5 years GP/School 4-in-1 + MMR
6-in-1: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib and hepatitis B vaccines
PCV: Pneumococcal vaccine
Men C: Meningococcal C vaccine
MMR: Measles, mumps and rubella vaccines
4-in-1: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio vaccines
serious they are because, largely thanks In Ireland there are still measles cases
to vaccines, we don’t see them nearly as in those who are not vaccinated. These
much as we used to. In the 1940s and diseases haven’t changed: they can still
1950s, tens of thousands of children were cause pneumonia, choking, brain damage
crippled or killed by polio, causing the and heart problems in children who
deaths of thousands of people in Europe aren’t protected and still kill children in
and the US. Up to the introduction of many parts of the world, even in Ireland.
the vaccine in 2008, pneumococcal Immunisation is the only tool to protect
disease was one of the commonest against these serious diseases.
causes of meningitis or septicaemia
(blood poisoning) in young children and What Will Happen if My Child
there are still hundreds of thousands of Doesn’t Get These Vaccines?
measles cases worldwide which causes One of two things could happen: if
pneumonia, convulsions and even death. your child goes through life without
diseases, there will be no impact from
not being immunised; however, if
your child is exposed to any of these
diseases at any time – as a child or
as an adult – there is a good chance
he or she would get the disease.
This could result in mild illness and
confinement indoors for a few days
or serious sickness and a hospital
stay or, at worst, death. In addition,
your child could spread the disease
to other children and adults who are
not protected causing illness and/or
death to people in your community. If
you have questions or worries about
your child’s immunisation, talk to your
doctor, public health nurse or practice
nurse. There are leaflets and booklets
available from your GP’s surgery or local
health centre.
Dr Brenda Corcoran is a Consultant
in Public Health Medicine for the HSE
National Immunisation Office. Dr Fiona
Ryan is a Consultant in Public Health
Medicine, HSE South.
This article was adapted from a booklet,
‘Your Child’s Immunisations: A guide for
parents’ produced by the HSE National
Immunisation Office, which is available
from your GP or public health nurse.

“Your child’s
immune system
can easily cope
with vaccines.”
©iStockphoto.com/wbritten

114 maternity

Maternity_69_136.indd 114 28/06/2012 14:21:24

 DADDY, CAN MY
FRIENDS COME TOO?

THE NEW ALHAMBRA. WITH VERSATILE SEATING FOR 7

Kids don’t travel light. Which is why we’ve made sure the new Alhambra’s not light on space. With an internal capacity of up to 2430 litres, there’s
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Maternity_69_136.indd 115 28/06/2012 14:22:55

 Feature Family Cars
Your first family car
{ {
Can’t wait to show your baby off to the world and the world off to your baby?
Get your first family car right and there’ll be no stopping you. Trisha Doyle has
some pointers on what to consider before making the big purchase.
The countdown to baby time has begun.
Most parents spend hours agonising on
the appropriate equipment for their little
one and your first family car deserves no
less time and consideration. It can be a
tricky decision to get right, particularly
as it’s likely to be with you for quite
some time.
Here are some pointers on what to
consider before making the big purchase.
Functionality
What do you actually need your family
car for? This is key if the family car is the
sole vehicle of the home and therefore
has to service a number of needs. If it’s
just for one parent (plus kids and baby
equipment), managing rush hour traffic
and ease of fitting into challenging city
centre parking spaces need not be top of
the list. However if it’s likely to be used
on a work commute as well as school
runs, take that into account.
Efficiency
This leads into the question of mileage –
if you’re driving to work or likely to face
a lengthy daily commute to childminders,
crèche or school, make sure your chosen
car is fuel efficient – petrol and diesel
prices aren’t pretty these days so make
sure you’re getting the most from your
money. For a Moving People Vehicle
(MPV), you should be looking for an
average of around 35-40mpg.
Safety First
With a baby in a car comes a car seat, so
you’ll need to make sure the car seat of
your choice fits easily, comfortably and is
accessible. There’s typically no issue with
this if you have a MPV but if you have a
smaller two-door model accessibility may
be an issue.
Most MPVs now come with Isofix
mounting points as standard. Take your
car seat with you when viewing cars and
make sure it fits comfortably and securely
116 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 116
on the mounting points or on the seat if
it’s not an Isofix car seat.
Measure Up
As you may have noticed from friends or
family with children, babies and toddlers
come with a seemingly unending amount
of paraphernalia. The most important piece
of kit if you’re heading out will probably be
your pram or pushchair. Measure it when
fully collapsed and ensure there’s space in
the back for it to fit comfortably. If you’re
likely to take overnight trips and will be
bringing a cot or bags remember to make
sure there’s plenty of space - the back seat
will be taken up with a lot more precious
cargo and needs to be kept clear of large
bulky items.
The Extras
Added extras can make journeys go that
bit more smoothly. UV-filtering tinted back
windows or integrated sun-blinds will be
welcome if you’re travelling during the
summer. Some of the more deluxe models
offer seat back DVD screens which can
keep older children entertained and cries
of ‘are we there yet’ quelled. For older
kids in the driving seat, some models offer
satnavs, in-built computers, deluxe sound
systems and parking sensors – a design
that can keep the whole family happy.
FOUR OF THE BEST
Renault Scenic
A solid family car option – plenty of
space and lots of storage, a relaxing
drive with limited road noise and
offers good value family motoring.
Nissan Qashqai
A good mix between useful city
car and family model. Comes with
rear parking sensors, so ideal for
squeezing in and out of tight spots.
Great for parents on the go.
Volkswagon Touran
The Touran comes with all the
extras – Bluetooth, multi-function
computer and lots and lots of
space. Perfect for families looking
for that little bit more.
Peugeot 5008
This 7-seater MPV drove away with
the Irish Family Car of the Year in
2011. A solid all-rounder and ideal
for big families.
28/06/2012 14:22:57
 www.peugeot.ie

PEUGEOT 5008.
IRELAND’S
BEST SELLING
7 - SEATER MPV.

Class leading features include:

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L͜ŸÂ´ßß±ÍõÈ©ÍÛ´ÂÂéßåۉå´ôŸÙéÛÙÍߟßÍÈÂûĖÍǕ´ÈŸœ©éŸÂ–ÍÈßéÇÙå´ÍÈĶÂIJČċċÀÇķņ©ÛÍÇďĖĔåÍĐĖĐĖRčŸÇ´ßß´ÍÈßĶ¬IJÀÇķņ©ÛÍÇČĎđåÍČĎĔĖ

PEUGEOT 5008

Maternity_69_136.indd 117 28/06/2012 14:23:03

 Feature Car Seat Safety
BabyBoard
{ Keeping your little one safe is a top priority, so making sure your child is correctly
restrained in an appropriate car seat is vitally important, says the Road Safety Authority.
Children are extremely vulnerable – a
child left unrestrained can be killed
at speeds of just five miles an hour
– which makes ensuring your little
bundle is secure in a car seat that is
appropriate to their weight and height
extremely important.
Research conducted by the Road
Safety Authority (RSA) last year revealed
that 246 children (aged up to 14 years)
were killed on Irish roads between 1997
and 2009. Of these fatalities, two in
five were passengers in a car or other
vehicle. Almost one third (30%) of these
fatalities were not using a seatbelt or
child car restraint. A further 122 children
who were seriously injured in a collision
during this period were not properly
restrained in the car.
118 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 118
on
Take Time to Research
As many new parents will know, buying
equipment for their new baby can be
an overwhelming experience, with so
many different products to buy and
so much choice. However, spending
time to research the right child car
seat for both your child and your car
is crucial, according to Brian Farrell,
Communications Manager with the Road
Safety Authority.
“As a parent myself, I know that
new parents are often bombarded with
information in the weeks leading up
to the birth of their child and find it
difficult to know what to prioritise.
We recommend that parents give
themselves plenty of time to choose
their child car seat so that they can
©Thinkstockphotos.com/ iStockphoto
{
shop around, make sure they know
how to correctly fit it and have it in the
car, ready to take the baby home from
the hospital. Buying a child car seat
a couple of months before the baby
is born will give you plenty of time to
choose the right one and to practise
fitting it in the car. Remember, the
golden rule for choosing a child
car seat is making sure it is suitable
for your child’s weight, height and age
and that it conforms to the latest EU
safety regulations.”
Legal Requirements
EU child safety protection law makes
it compulsory for all children to travel
in a child seat, booster seat or booster
cushion, and where safety belts are
28/06/2012 14:23:04
 QASHQAI

Maternity_69_136.indd 119 28/06/2012 14:23:10

 Feature Car Seat Safety

“The golden rule for

choosing a child car seat is
making sure it is suitable
for your child’s weight,
height and age and that it

©Thinkstockphotos.com/fuse
conforms to the latest EU
safety regulations.”
is adequately restrained every time they
get into the car, no matter how short the
journey,” says Farrell.
fitted, they must be worn. The specific It is the driver’s legal responsibility The RSA has produced a range of
legal requirements are as follows: to ensure all passengers in their car ‘Child Safety in Cars’ material to advise
❃ As a driver, it is your responsibility aged up to 17 years of age must be in parents on how to select and install a
to ensure that passengers in your an appropriate child restraint, whether child car restraint as well as outlining
car aged 17 or younger are properly that’s a child car seat, a booster seat, their legal responsibilities to do so. This
restrained in the appropriate seatbelt, booster cushion or seatbelt.” is available to download at www.rsa.ie/
booster seat, booster cushion or child childsafetyincars. You can also order
car seat; Safe Journey, Every Journey a free ‘Child Safety in Cars’ booklet
❃ Children under three years of age “According to the AA Motoring Trust, and DVD online or by phone at LoCall
must not travel in a car or goods ensuring your child is properly restrained 1890 50 60 80.
vehicle (other than a taxi) unless in a child car seat can reduce injuries The RSA also regularly posts
they are restrained in the correct by a factor of 90 to 95 per cent for information on child safety in cars on
child seat; rearward-facing seats and 60 per cent their Facebook page at www.facebook.
❃ Children aged three years or over for forward-facing seats. So it’s vitally com/RSAIreland and on Twitter at
who are under 150cms in height and important that parents ensure their child www.twitter.com/RSAIreland
weigh less than 36 kilograms (i.e.
generally children up to 11/12 years
old) must use the correct child seat,
booster seat or booster cushion when Top Tips for Parents
travelling in cars or goods vehicles;
❃ Children over 3 years of age must 1. Remember, it’s you go to a retailer 5. Don’t move your
travel in a rear seat in vehicles not now EU law that who can show you child from a
fitted with safety belts; all children must how to fit it in your rearward-facing
❃ Rearward-facing child car seats must travel in an car. If the child car child car seat to a
never be used in the front passenger appropriate child seat will be used forward-facing child
seat of cars with an active airbag; seat, booster seat or in more than one car seat too soon. If
❃ Child car seats must be in booster cushion. car, make sure it’s you’re unsure, also
accordance with EU or United compatible with those consult with your
Nations Economic Commission for 2. The golden rule for cars as well. retailer before you
Europe (UN-ECE) standards. choosing a child car buy your next child
seat is making sure 4. Avoid using a car seat.
Brian Farrell says that many parents it is suitable for your second-hand child
are unsure of their legal obligations child’s weight, height car seat or restraint 6. For information on
when it comes to ensuring their child is and age and that it unless you know its how to keep your
properly restrained. conforms to the latest history. It may have child safe in the
“The law states that children up to EU safety regulations been damaged in a car, visit www.rsa.
150cm in height and weighing less (look for the ‘E’ mark). previous collision, ie/childsafetyincars
than 36kg, which is generally a child of Don’t use age as your and although the where a ‘Child Safety
around 11 or 12 years of age, must be only guide as every damage may not in Cars’ booklet and
in an appropriate child restraint. This child is different. be visible, it won’t DVD are available
is simply because young children are provide the same free to order online
too small to be properly restrained by 3. When buying a child level of protection for or by phone at LoCall
a seatbelt so it would provide little or car seat, make sure your child. 1890 50 60 80.
no protection in the event of a crash.

120 maternity

Maternity_69_136.indd 120 28/06/2012 14:23:11

 www.volkswagen.ie

Has extra space for their tantrums,

sulks and imaginary friends.

The 2012 Touran from only ¤25,245.

The 2012 Touran 5-seater comes with an impressive spec including Bluetooth,
leather-trimmed steering wheel and multi-function computer. Sitting on 15-inch
alloys and with multiple seat combinations, flexibility also comes as standard.

www.volkswagen.ie

Test drive today at your local authorised Volkswagen dealer.

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Facebook and Twitter Das Auto.
Model shown is for illustrative purposes only. Price excludes delivery and related charges of ¤750. CO2 emissions from
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Maternity_69_136.indd 121 28/06/2012 14:23:14

 ©iStockphoto.com/cunfek
The Baby Years Development

Comin g t o y o u r
{
senses {
Your baby’s development is in overdrive in the first year - even if your child
seems to do little more than eating, sleeping and nappy-filling. BRENDA
COLLINS explains just how much is going on with your little bundle.

122 maternity

Maternity_69_136.indd 122 28/06/2012 14:23:14


Babies. If they can’t hold their own heads
up, there's not actually much else they
can do, is there? I mean, they can’t really
see yet, they can’t feed themselves yet,
can’t talk, or walk – right? Wrong. Babies
may be vulnerable and dependant, but
they come equipped with more helpful
tools than the latest iPhone.
Reflexes
Babies arrive with a fairly comprehensive
array of reflexes that contribute to their
survival. Many are adaptive and usually
disappear completely after 12 months.
A baby’s instinct to suck and swallow
are considered reflexes – and among
the most important reflexes too because
they steer the child toward the intake of
food, regardless of whether it comes from
breast or bottle.
A related reflex is the rooting reflex, which
prompts the baby to turn his head toward
any touch on his cheek. This is key to the
process of breastfeeding and nursing.
If you make a loud noise and startle
a baby, he will spread his arms outward
and arch his back – this is called the
startle, or Moro reflex. Be warned with
this one though: trying to replicate the
Moro reflex in your baby may also result
in crying. The Moro reflex fades after
about six months.
If you touch the sole of your baby’s
feet, his toes will splay out – this is the
Babinski reflex and it tapers off after
approximately eight months.
The grasping reflex is a familiar and
celebrated instinct in a baby. You will see
your child clutch your finger when you
stroke the palm of his hand. For many
parents, this response represents a very
poignant moment of connection with their
little one.
The walking reflex demonstrates the
pre-programmed readiness of babies to
eventually stand up and take their first
steps. If you hold your child upright just
above the ground, he will kick his legs
back and forth in a walking motion – a
clear precursor to walking. The motion
actually strengthens a baby’s leg muscles
and contributes to their ability to walk
later on in infancy.
Sensory Skills and Abilities
Sight
The consensus for some time was that
newborns are pretty much blind at
birth and see little more than shadows
and profiles, but this is not the case.
Biologically speaking, newborns have
the same cell structure as adults. True,
Maternity_69_136.indd 123
their vision is perhaps not as refined
and polished as that of older children,
but to describe them as blind is simply
incorrect. Their distance vision is poor,
certainly, but they can see well enough
when things are nearby. It is not surprising
when you consider that babies imprint
the distinguishing features of their
parents’ faces in the first few days of
life – something that is a key part of the
bonding process.
There is, however, more to sight than
just the physical mechanism by which we
see. A baby’s visual perception is very
much unformed at birth and is something
that develops significantly over the course
of the first year. At around six months (but
as early as three months), babies start
to develop depth perception. This ability
allows them to engage in crucial learning
activities such as reaching for and grasping
toys. It also acts as a safety function,
since it enables them to perceive distance
and height from the ground. This usually
prompts caution and hesitation in how and
where they move (there is no accounting
for the more naturally experimental babies,
though). It is probably not coincidental that
depth perception tends to kick in at
around the same time that your baby
starts to crawl.
Development The Baby Years
Hearing
Babies can hear sounds long before they
can see sights. It is, perhaps, because of
the sensory head start (babies can hear
sounds from inside the womb) that a
newborn’s hearing is almost on par with
an adult’s – even in the earliest days
of life. You should be able to observe a
baby’s preference for ‘motherese’ in the
first week or so. Motherese is the slightly
high-pitched cootchie-coo talk that we
all – yes, all – engage in when interacting
with babies and young children. After just
21 days, a baby can identify her mother by
the sound of her voice. Curiously, research
has found that newborns show preference
for their mother’s voice and are somewhat
weaker at distinguishing their father’s
voice from that of other males.
At five months, a baby will be able
to detect differences in positive and
negative speech intonation – something
How you can help...
Most babies will take at least a
year to stand up independently
and about 18 months to
walk. Generally speaking, you
can’t force this, but if you
encourage the walking reflex it
can help strengthen a baby’s
leg muscles, and may aid the
walking process.
maternity 123
28/06/2012 14:23:33
 RENAULT SCENIC COLLECTION 2012

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BIG KIDS CLAP IN THE FRONT.

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Maternity_69_136.indd 124 28/06/2012 14:32:39


that is readily observable in their facial
expressions. He will smile more when he
hears people talking to him in ‘happy’
or encouraging tones. Coming up to six
months, a baby will also be able to match
a voice to a face: he will correctly turn his
head to either his mother or father when
a recording of one parent’s voice is played
back to him. At this stage, he will even be
able to recognise specific melodies.
A child’s ability to track sounds with
locations is something that sharpens
dramatically over the course of one year.
At two months, he will turn his head in
broadly the right direction that a sound
comes from, but by 12 months, he will
have this skill finely tuned to a matter
of degrees.
“A child’s ability to track sounds
with locations is something that sharpens
dramatically over the course of one year.”
Smell and taste
Despite the saying that humans generally
have among the weakest sense of smell of
all living creatures, babies are born with a
well-developed sense of smell and taste.
With a baby’s sight usually taking a full year
to perfect itself, scent is one of the primary
ways your child will learn to identify you.
It is tied up with the specific smell and
flavour of breast milk and the fact that a
baby typically spends a lot of time in close
proximity to his mother. He can already
taste the difference between the four basic
flavour types – salt, bitter, sweet and sour
– and will show different facial expressions
for each. Babies have taste buds not only
on their tongues, but on the roof and sides
of their mouths too, something that we lose
as we get older. This makes them highly
sensitive to different flavours. Interestingly,
it has been found that girls tend to have
more taste buds (or simply a sharper sense
of taste) than boys and this is thought to
have evolved throughout human history as
a protective mechanism to assist mothers
to test foods for poisons before giving them
to children.
Now that we have covered the more
mechanical milestones, we’ll move on to the
most interesting part: your baby’s mind.
Cognitive Abilities
Babies can read emotion from a very young
age and will react accordingly. Ten-week-old
babies take more interest in smiling happy
Maternity_69_136.indd 125
faces than sad faces, while they will most
likely freeze or cry at the sight of anger.
After five months, they can ‘match’ tones
to facial expressions – or, put another way,
will focus for longer on the more meaningful
pairing of a positive tone of voice with a
positive face, or a negative voice with a
negative face. The ability to interpret the
face of human emotion is key to their
survival. Babies will often interact with the
world in a seemingly vicarious manner.
When faced with strange or unusual objects,
people or events, a baby will automatically
look at his mother or father’s face to see
how they react, i.e. he will use you to test
the water! Your emotional reads are his
primary source of knowledge as he goes out
and explores his environment.
Memory
The majority of us cannot consciously
recall much of our lives before the age
of around three years, but this does not
mean that we remember nothing in the
the first 12 months. Memory is the key
to learning and if we could remember
nothing at that age we would never
Development The Baby Years
actually progress intellectually or
even be able to survive into childhood.
Studies have found that babies
demonstrate a reflexive type of memory:
conditioning. One particular experiment
showed that a three-month-old baby with
a hanging mobile attached to him by a
string will learn to shake the mobile by
kicking his legs after just three minutes.
Moreover, he will still remember this
cause-effect relationship after a gap of
almost a fortnight.
Language
By far the most important cognitive
milestone is that of language and it is a
point that babies arrive at incrementally,
using all of their senses. Naturally,
hearing has a lot to do with it, but so
does sight because they look at and
imitate the shape of their parents’
mouths in order to learn how the basic
sounds are made. From the first month
up to the sixth, a baby’s repertoire of
vocal communication consists largely of
crying and cooing. He will repeat lots
of vowel sounds (‘oooohs’, ‘aaaahs’,
etc.) but the arrival of consonants is
somewhat more significant.
The ability to sound out consonants
is something that marks humans apart
from other creatures like chimps (these
can only make vowel sounds). From this
point onward (six months plus), your
baby will rapidly progress to babbling,
© iStockphoto.com/rottstra
maternity 125
28/06/2012 14:23:38
 The Baby Years Development

stitching vowels and consonants A great deal of a baby’s early vocabulary

together in what will sometimes seem
like a never-ending game of Countdown.
Though much babbling seems like
jargon, there is, for baby, a great of
deal of logic and understanding poured
into it. The tone of pitch will rise when
he seeks a response from a parent – as
when we ask questions. A baby’s ability
to churn out his first words stems
directly from babbling.
By nine months, babbling will start
to sound much more like a coherent
language. He will incorporate gestures,
such as pointing, and will learn to demand
things through tone of voice. Babies of
this age can understand language. At this
age, they know the meaning behind 30
words (give or take) and this number will
jump to about 100 words by 12 months.
in the first year and beyond is rooted in
his social relationships and the things
he needs to survive. There will be a lot
of ‘you', ‘me', ‘want', ‘yes', ‘no', etc., as
well as the names (or attempted names)
of favourite toys and some variation of
‘mum' and ‘dad'.
Remember, development is different
for every child and deviations from the
norm are no reason to panic. So, what
should you look out for? Babbling is
probably the most important thing to
watch. If your baby makes little or no
sounds and eye contact, or if he stops
babbling altogether, there is probably
no harm in talking to your doctor.
Delays are not uncommon but if you are
concerned, it is better to be safe and
follow it up.
READ TO THEM
Research has established that the
foundations of language are laid in
utero because babies can hear sounds
and the cadence of the spoken word.
Reading to your child is a natural
extension of this. Reading encourages
more interactive language than,
for example, educational television
programmes. Children are more likely to
understand and remember the content
of the story when it is read to them
from a book, than by simply watching
electronic versions of the same.

© iStockphoto.com/vgajic

ions
Ask ilql utaelksstooner if
w in
A baby volved
p a re n ts get in peating
their n by re
versatio k to
the con ses bac
o rd s a nd phra m in the
w
d u s in g the
n
them, a a questi
on.
form of

126 maternity

Maternity_69_136.indd 126 28/06/2012 14:23:39

Maternity_69_136.indd 127 28/06/2012 14:23:42
 Feature Photography Tips
{
Say Cheese!
Whatever your method, make sure you capture those first few years with
your little one so you can treasure them forever, writes KIRSTY TOBIN
We have never lived in a more photo-
centric time. With the simple equipment
and easy editing that is part and parcel of
digital photography anyone can, and does,
have a go! Every little thing has become
the subject of day-to-day photography,
and there is no ‘little thing’ more
important than your child.
So how best to go about photographing
your bundle of joy, your toddler, your
ever-growing family? We have compiled
a few tips to make it easier to get that
flawless family photo or that perfect
picture of play:
Keep It Simple
When you’re taking a photo all you see
is a perfect moment with your child. Yet,
all too often, the end result is cluttered
and completely misses the point. So
give it some thought before you click
that shutter button. Try to use a neutral
background, and a setting that gives your
subject space to breathe. Move in close!
You want a photo of your child, right
at this moment, but not necessarily the
128 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 128
{
things that surround him or her. Make the stood out so clearly. Look particularly for
photo more dynamic by positioning the an ‘S curve’ – a winding path or wave-like
main action a little off-centre. shape. This is seen as a graceful line but
still draws in the viewer forcefully. This can
Use Lines be particularly useful with smaller children.
Use naturally occurring lines to attract
attention to the main focus of your photo. Look For Balance
A path or fence can draw the eye towards Arrangement of colours and shapes
someone who otherwise might not have and the play of light and dark across
Picking the perfect camera
From their first steps to their first day at school, a digital camera will allow you
to capture your precious memories for a lifetime. Did you know that some of the
latest range of cameras will take a photo automatically when your baby smiles.
Or remember your child’s face so that the camera ensures they’re in focus every
time. With so many models and brands to choose from how do you know you’re
making the right decision?
To take the hassle and confusion out of your camera purchase visit Harvey
Norman where they will explain all the technical jargon in a simple, easy to
understand way to make your purchase easy. Their friendly trained staff are in
store to help you get the most from your camera forever. With large stores, free
parking and everything under the one roof, there is good reason that they are the
computer, electrical, furniture and bedding experts.
28/06/2012 16:03:48
Maternity_69_136.indd 129 28/06/2012 14:23:58
 Feature Photography Tips
your photo can make all the difference
between a generic shot and one you’ll
want to keep forever. Try to find patterns
or symmetry in the scene, and shoot that.
If you want to take a picture of more than
one person – maybe your whole family,
or your children playing together – narrow
the space between them. Too much of a
gap can split attention and lead to a less
warm and less loving end-product.
Play With Shutter Speed
There are few moments more precious
than watching your child at play, and a
parent’s natural instinct is to preserve
that forever. This can be tricky though,
as a child’s playful activity often results
in photos that are just one big blur.
Experimenting with your camera’s shutter
speed can bring definition to your pictures
and get rid of all those blurs. Speeding
up the shutter speed – from half a second
All images courtesy of Tanya
Crosbie, IPPA Children’s
Photographer of the Year,
Giggles and Smiles Photography.
For more information visit
www.gigglesandsmiles.com.
130 maternity
Maternity_69_136.indd 130
to a tenth of a second, for example – will
help to capture your child’s movement
while still looking incredibly natural.
Light!
Light is perhaps the most important
aspect of photography. Sometimes it’s
better to take a quick shot rather than
miss the moment entirely but, when you
do have the time, feel free to plan the
photo in advance and think about what
time of day, or what position in a room,
will give the best effect. The optimum
time for photography is the ‘golden hour’
– right before sunset or right after sunrise.
But make sure that the settings on your
camera don’t take all of the warmth out
of the evening rays. Tinker a little with
settings before getting everyone together.
Jackie Farrell, Marketing Manager, FUJIFILM
Ireland reminds you to print your photos! “It
is so important to remember to print those
photos having taken them. Many parents
spend endless moments taking photos of
their newborn and then forget to print, time
moves on and they lose the memory as it
is locked away in a camera or worse still,
the image gets lost on a computer. At
FUJIFILM we encourage you to avail of our
nationwide photo printing services to
ensure that your memories can be
cherished forever and you don’t risk
losing the photos of those important
milestones in your childrens lives”.
LEAVING IT TO THE
PROFESSIONALS
If you’ve ever tried to take a family
photograph with yourself in it you’ll
know how hard it is to pose the family,
press the button on the camera and try
to dash back into place before the flash
fires! A professional photographer has
the right equipment and expertise for the
job and is a qualified expert in lighting,
posing and working with children. So you
can relax and enjoy the experience!
Pregnancy portraits capture a
beautiful time in your life which is the
beginning of your baby’s story. The
professional will help you look your
absolute best by posing you in the
most flattering way and using digital
retouching where necessary.
The latest trend in baby photography
is having a portrait session within two
weeks of birth. It is at this time that
a qualified photographer can create
beautiful portraits of your baby fast
asleep, be it curled up in your arms
or snug in a basket. Newborn safety
is a professional’s number one
priority, so be sure you select a
photographer that is experienced in
working with newborns.
If you are not sure at which age to
photograph your baby, why not look
for a Baby’s First Year plan which offers
multiple sessions throughout the first
year. You will be certain to capture all
their gorgeous milestones.
“The most important part of
our portrait experience at Giggles
and Smiles Photography is the
consultation”, says Tanya Crosbie,
IPPA Children’s Photographer of the
Year. “The client comes in about a
week before the portrait session for
a cup of coffee and a chat so we
can get to know each other. I listen
to what they are hoping to achieve
and make suggestions for clothes,
backdrops, style, time of day and
display options that will best suit
their home and personality”.
Finally don’t let your children grow
up without printed portraits! CDs
are no replacement for an archival
printed, mounted and framed fine
art portrait. Experts are saying an
entire generation will grow up with
no pictures as CDs degrade and
computers fail. Your professional
portraits are priceless heirlooms that
will be treasured for generations.
28/06/2012 16:03:00
 
 
 

 


   

 
 

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Maternity_69_136.indd 131 28/06/2012 14:24:46

Maternity_69_136.indd 132 28/06/2012 14:24:50
 Sleep The Baby Years

©iStockphoto.com/ Lerche&Johnson
Sleeping beauties
{ JO MIDDLETON offers some hints and tips on
how to create an enjoyable bedtime routine and
let baby - and mum - get a good night’s sleep. {
Before you have children, friends warn month-old sleeping ‘through the night’?
Suggested reading
you about the lack of sleep, but you It doesn’t make you feel good about
for dealing with
just can’t imagine the profound impact yourself does it? You wonder what
difficult sleepers
it can have on you, both physically and you’re doing wrong, why your baby is
emotionally, until you’ve experienced it the only one waking hourly around ❃ Nighttime Parenting: How to get
first-hand. the clock. your baby and child to sleep by
A lack of sleep can make everything The unfortunate reality is that it’s William Sear, MD
else in your life harder to deal with completely normal for a baby to wake ❃ The No-Cry Sleep Solution:
and put a strain on relationships, so during the night in their first year, Gentle ways to get your baby
it’s no surprise that sleep has become and mums who brag about their six- to sleep through the night
the focus of many books and much week-old ‘sleeping through’ are either by Elizabeth Pantley (Pantley
discussion between parents. There is hallucinating through lack of sleep, or has a whole range of these,
a danger, though, that how long your just plain lucky. Expect your sleep to including a No-Cry Nap Solution
baby sleeps at night can become a suffer initially, and expect routines to and a No-Cry Sleep Solution for
measure of how good a parent you change as your baby grows – it’s quite Toddlers & Preschoolers)
are, and this just adds to the pressure. normal, for instance, for new sleep ❃ The Baby Sleep System by
How many times have you heard other issues to arise after six months in Wendy Dean
mums talking smugly about their three- babies who had previously slept well.

maternity 133

Maternity_69_136.indd 133 28/06/2012 14:24:52

Maternity_69_136.indd 134 28/06/2012 14:24:55
 Sleep The Baby Years

Although some loss of sleep may be

KEY INFORMATION FOR SAFE SLEEP
inevitable, there are things you can do
In Ireland, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (also known as SIDS, or cot death) is
to try and settle into as comfortable a
the leading cause of death in babies aged four weeks to one year. It isn’t common
routine as possible.
(less than one in every thousand babies die from SIDS every year), and there are
There are myriad books and websites
measures you can take to minimise risk.
full of tips, suggestions and regimes,
but do take all these with a pinch of
For safety when sleeping:
salt. Yes, it can be useful to get ideas,
❃ Place your baby on their back to sleep, with their feet to the foot of the cot.
but remember that parenting is hugely
❃ Always keep your baby in a smoke-free zone.
personal. Any routine you introduce
❃ Keep your baby’s head uncovered when they sleep and don’t let them get too hot.
has to be workable, fit your family
❃ Never fall asleep with your baby on an armchair or sofa.
circumstances and, most importantly,
feel right for you and your baby. Trust
Never let your baby sleep in your bed if anyone else in the bed:
your instincts and feel confident in the
❃ Is a smoker.
choices you make for your family.
❃ Has drunk alcohol or taken drugs.
❃ Is excessively tired or has taken medication that makes them sleep more heavily.
Introducing a Routine
So just when and how do you go about
The safest place for your baby to sleep in the first six months is in a cot in your
introducing a routine? Well, again, this
room. If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
varies from baby to baby. Some will
naturally fall into their own pattern
and, if you are happy to let your baby
lead the way, this can be a very gentle structure will need to be introduced. action can be comforting, particularly
and natural way to do things. If you Recently, there has been a surge in for new or first-time parents lacking
are breastfeeding, it is particularly popularity of the very rigid routines confidence. They have raised concerns,
important to let your baby take the for new babies. These involve a strict, though, over the short and long-term
lead, as successful breastfeeding works regimented approach to feeding emotional impact of leaving a baby to
on a supply and demand basis – you and sleep, and incorporate a lot of cry, and can certainly be very stressful
need to let your baby feed on demand controlled crying – where you ‘train’ to implement. They can also be
in order for your body to produce the your baby to sleep at certain times by restrictive – if you become dependent
right amount of milk. leaving them to cry on their own (with on your baby feeding and sleeping at
For others, the ‘go with the flow’ regular checks) until they fall asleep. precise times of the day, it doesn’t
style of parenting may not be desirable, These routines do work for some offer much flexibility in other parts of
or even practical, and some kind of people, and having a detailed plan of your life.

SLEEPY HEAD
Research carried out by
Trinity College Dublin’s Centre for
Bioengineering has found that
using a Clevamama ClevaFoam
pillow instead of a standard
mattress can significantly reduce
‘flat head syndrome’, common in
infants. Tests carried out by the
researchers show that the pressure
on the baby’s cranium was reduced
by almost 50 per cent with the
Clevamama ClevaFoam pillow,
while it also provided over 80 per
cent more contact with the head.
The study also found that the
pillow’s profile is sufficiently low
©iStockphoto.com/barbaragibbbons

and the material is not to stiff, so

baby’s head is permitted to rest
in a natural position that doesn’t
restrict the airways.

The ClevaFoam range is available

from www.clevamama.com.

maternity 135

Maternity_69_136.indd 135 28/06/2012 14:24:59

 The Baby Years Sleep

For most parents, there is a happy

medium between letting your baby lead
completely and enforcing a harsh daily
timetable. The key ingredient is consistency
– you decide on a pattern that works for
you and then you repeat it, every day,
until it becomes a routine that your baby
recognises, acting as a cue for sleep.

Making Bedtime Enjoyable

It is important to make the bedtime
routine enjoyable, calm and as stress-free
as possible so that your baby thinks of
sleep as a pleasurable experience. Include
fun and relaxing activities such as a warm
bath, cuddles, stories or a special bedtime
game. You might also incorporate music, a
selection of songs played only at bedtime,
to further reinforce the link between the
bedtime rituals and what comes next –
hopefully sleep!
Although babies find it hard initially
to differentiate between night and
day, it doesn’t hurt to introduce sleep
rituals when they are still very young
– just be flexible in the early months,
and don’t expect the bedtime routine
to instantly result in peaceful nights.
Don’t feel under pressure to set time-
scales to things, just do your best and
eventually a regular routine will establish
itself. Remember, your baby is a unique
individual, and you won’t do either of
you any favours by comparing him to
other babies.
Baby’s Nursery
Make the bedroom a nice place to be,
somewhere conducive to sleep. Check
it is a comfortable temperature, not too
noisy and not too light. Many parents
find black-out blinds useful, especially
in the summer months.
Most importantly, look after
yourself, stay relaxed (if you can!),
and try to rest when you have the
chance. Bear in mind that comforting
mantra: ‘This too shall pass’. When you
haven’t slept well for months, time can
seem to slow, but the early days of
parenthood do pass quickly and it won’t
be long before your baby is a teenager
and you’re trying desperately to get
them out of bed!
Jo Middleton is a freelance
journalist and mum of two. You
can read more about Jo and her
experience as a single mum on
her award-winning blog, www.
slummysinglemummy.wordpress.com.
“The safest place for your baby
to sleep in the first six months is
in a cot in your room”
Helen Wooldridge is founder and director of baby company Cuddledry, and
mum to Rosie (seven), Jacob, (five), and Jasper (one). As a busy working mum
running her own business, establishing sleep routines has been vital for Helen.
“Jasper is our third baby,” explains Helen, “and we knew before he was born
that we would have to have a good routine with him. We wanted to be certain
of time with the other two children, and to achieve at least some sleep so we
weren’t tired and grumpy with them, or each other!
“With our first child, Rosie, we knew absolutely nothing about babies. We
were the first of our friends to have a baby, and had no family close by. So we
turned to the parenting books and read voraciously, trying to figure out what we
were supposed to do. A strict routine seemed to be what we were ‘supposed’
to do, so we followed a book as a guide. She quickly settled into a routine and
it really helped us – as such ‘green’ parents – to understand her needs and to
deal with the total life change of having a baby without totally losing the plot!
“I would say the book approach was a bit too structured on reflection, but we
soon realised that and learned to go more with the flow. I would strongly advise
being less rigid with your routine, or else you miss out on cuddles and all the
gorgeous ‘gazing at your baby time’ that is so vital for them and for you.
“With our second baby we relaxed even more, but kept the really fundamental
bits, and we have done the same with number three. The whole bedtime
routine is an important and enjoyable part of our day, and bath time is the
centre of this. It gives us a couple of hours of lovely time with our baby in the
evening, but also means that after putting them down to sleep we get some
vital time together as a couple too.
“Our babies have all learned very quickly that bath time is the signal for bed.
We let them have time with their nappy off, having a good kick about, then a
lovely bath, lots of cuddles, and then dressed and fed, ready for bed. The bath
routine has not only become a really special time, but it wears Jasper out so
he is calm and ready for sleep. Once they have settled, we can collapse and
relax, and have time for each other. I think we would have really struggled if we
hadn’t had this structure in place.”

136 maternity

Maternity_69_136.indd 136 29/06/2012 10:20:42

Maternity_137_192.indd 137 29/06/2012 11:42:36
 Dad’s Hospital List
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Maternity_137_192.indd 138 29/06/2012 11:42:45


Yummy,
mummy
{ Introducing your baby to
spoon-feeds can be a fun - and
challenging - time for you and your
little one. ROBERTA MCCARTHY
guides you through introducing
spoon-feeds to your baby.
When it comes to feeding, every baby
is different – this is general information
only for babies who are well and thriving.
Further information is available in the
fact sheet, ‘Starting to Spoon Feed Your
Baby’, produced by the Irish Nutrition and
Dietetic Institute (INDI) and available to
download at www.indi.ie. If you have any
concerns, contact your baby’s doctor or
public health nurse.
The Early Months
Breast milk is ideal for babies.Breastfeeding,
even for short periods, provides advantages.
To make the most of these the Department
of Health and Children recommends that
infants are exclusively breastfed for the
first six months and thereafter continue to
be breastfed in combination with suitable
nutritious complementary foods for up
to two years of age or beyond. Even if
you choose not to breastfeed exclusively,
it is still worth giving your baby some
breastfeeds even if other feeds are of
formula milk. However, introducing formula
milk will reduce your supply of breast
milk (see page 96 for more information
on breastfeeding).
If you choose not to breastfeed or if you
stop breastfeeding, you will need to give
your baby formula milk instead until they
are one year old.
Standard formula milks are made from
cows’ milk that is processed to make it
Maternity_137_192.indd 139
{
suitable for babies. There are different types
of formula milk available:
❃ Infant formula milk labelled ‘from
birth’ or ‘newborn’: This is the
recommended formula for babies from
birth to 12 months.
❃ Formula milk labelled ‘for hungrier
babies’ or ‘extra hungry’: This is thought
to give babies a feeling of fullness for
longer. It does not have extra nutrients
and is not suitable if your baby does not
feed well.
❃ Follow-on formula milk: This has more
iron and protein than other formula
milks. It is suitable for babies from six
months. Babies generally do not need to
change to a follow-on formula. Nutritious
spoon-feeds, including foods rich in iron
(such as meat), are a more appropriate
source of extra nutrients from six months
than changing to a follow-on formula.
When your baby is settled on a particular
formula there is no need to change. If your
baby is not settled or does not feed well,
ask your baby’s doctor or public health
nurse for advice. Other formulas should
only be used if medically advised.
When to Start
Breast milk or infant formula milk provides
all the nourishment babies need during
the early months. From about six months,
Weaning The Baby Years
babies need more than just milk feeds so
it is appropriate to introduce spoon-feeds
by then. Spoon-feeds provide important
extra nutrients that your baby needs at
this time. Spoon-feeding is also important
for your baby’s overall development.
The exact timing of when you introduce
spoon-feeds depends on your individual
baby and their readiness for spoon-feeds.
The golden rule is not too early and not
too late. Generally, you should wait until
your baby is at least four months (17
weeks) old, but you should introduce
spoon-feeds no later than about six
months (26 weeks).
Some babies born prematurely may be
up to seven to eight months old before
they are ready to start spoon-feeds.
Preparing Your Baby’s Food
❃ Handle and store food safely.
❃ Do not add sugar, salt, seasoning mixes
or hot spices.
❃ Do not use packet sauces or gravy.
❃ You can freeze home-prepared meals
in individual portions, but make sure to
reheat/cook them well before use.
❃ Take special care if using a microwave
to reheat food – make sure the food
is heated evenly throughout and there
are no ‘hot spots’ that could burn your
baby’s mouth.
❃ Do not add any foods, such as rusk or
cereal, to bottle-feeds.
maternity 139
29/06/2012 11:42:52
 small in size, big on style a modern nursery from bloom

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making it easier to digest. The result is less discomfort and fewer tears.
Simply add a few drops of Colief to the milk each time you breast or bottle feed.
For full information go to www.colief.com or call the Colief Helpline on 1800 522 8243.
Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. Colief is a registered trademark of Crosscare Ltd. Patent no. EP 1289569.

Maternity_137_192.indd 140 29/06/2012 11:43:01


©iStockphoto.com/diego_cervo
Readiness Cues
❃ Signs that suggest that your baby may be
ready for spoon-feeds include:
❃ Your baby is able to sit with support and
control their head movement.
❃ Your baby is alert and shows interest
in food.
❃ Your baby wants to feed more frequently
over a period of days.
❃ Your baby puts fists and other objects in
their mouth to ‘munch’ on.
First Meals
From the first time you start to introduce
spoon-feeds at mealtimes, take things
slowly and gradually:
❃ Choose any time of day that suits you
and your baby.
❃ When first learning to spoon-feed,
give your baby a little of their milk
feed first so they are not too hungry.
After the spoon-feed, offer the rest of the
milk feed.
❃ Offer just a few small spoons to start
with, but allow your baby to eat more if
they seem keen to do so.
❃ Continue the usual milk feeds when first
introducing spoon-feeds.
❃ Gradually increase the quantity of food
offered and the number of meals per
day – according to your baby’s readiness
to do so.
❃ As the amount of spoon-feeds increase,
the amount of milk feeds gradually
decreases, and milk feeds can be offered
after meals.
Textures and Tastes
❃ First foods should be runny and smooth.
Over time, gradually thicken the texture
to soft, smooth purées, then mashed,
Maternity_137_192.indd 141
Weaning The Baby Years
VITAMIN D
Sub-optimal vitamin D levels
have been reported in many Irish
subgroups. In an effort to address
this in babies, the Food Safety
Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and
the Health Service Executive (HSE)
recommend that all babies receive a
vitamin D3 supplement that provides
five micrograms (5mcg), equivalent
to 200 international units (iu), of
vitamin D3 every day until they are
at least one year old. Vitamin D3
supplements are available to buy
from local pharmacies and some
large supermarkets. Further details
about vitamin D for babies are
available on page 145.
then soft lumpy food when your baby ❃ Your baby’s taste can develop over
learns to chew. Babies can chew with time. If your baby appears not to like a
their gums, therefore they do not need food, try again – they might prefer it at a
teeth before progressing to lumpy foods. later stage.
Ideally, lumpy food should be introduced ❃ If your baby is sensitive to changes,
by around nine months, and minced/ it may help to introduce just one new
chopped food by around 12 months. taste/flavour at a time and to alter the
❃ Introduce new foods one at a time (a day texture and taste separately.
or two apart). This will help you detect if
your baby is sensitive to the new food. Foods to Choose
❃ Include a variety of foods with different ❃ Suitable home-prepared foods are ideal
tastes and flavours, both savoury and as they promote familiarity with family
sweet. This helps to avoid fussiness later. meals. When preparing family meals,
MEALTIME TIPS
❃ Ensure your baby is comfortable and well supported.
❃ Position your baby so they are facing you.
❃ It can take time to get used to spoon-feeds, so be prepared for a mess!
❃ Mealtimes should be a time of enjoyment and learning. Let your baby play with
food to get familiar with it.
❃ Do not leave your baby alone with food in case of choking.
❃ Some talk and play can keep your baby interested at mealtimes, but avoid other
distractions, such as television.
❃ Look for signs of hunger and fullness; for example your baby does not open
their mouth when the spoon comes, turns their head away, loses interest in
the food, or cries.
❃ Do not force-feed or use food as a reward or punishment.
❃ As your baby gets older, give them their own spoon to hold during feeds. This
helps encourage self-feeding.
❃ Offer finger foods to help develop hand skills.
❃ Your baby’s bowel habits may change somewhat as spoon-feeds are introduced. If
your baby seems constipated (stools are hard and difficult to pass), check that they
are drinking enough fluids. Also, remember to include fruit, vegetables and small
amounts of wholewheat/wholegran breakfast cereals and bread in their daily diet.
Establish good eating habits from the start, as this can promote good eating habits
in the future. Remember that spoon-feeding is more than just about food, it is also
a learning and social experience. Try to make mealtimes special with nutritious food
and lots of interaction.
maternity 141
29/06/2012 11:43:14
 The Baby Years Weaning
remove your baby’s portion before
making additions such as salt or gravy.
❃ Jars and packets of baby food are
available. If you use these, choose ones
that are suitable for your baby’s stage
of development.
❃ Iron is a particularly important nutrient.
Rich sources such as lean meat should
be included regularly. If you plan
to follow a vegetarian diet, seek
specific advice.
❃ Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
(LCPUFAs), particularly omega-3 LCPUFAs,
are important. Breast milk is a natural
source of LCPUFAs and they are added
into infant formula milks. A good food
source is oily fish.
❃ Include small amounts of wholewheat/
wholegrain foods, but remember very
high-fibre foods – including unprocessed
bran and fibre-enriched cereals – are not
recommended for babies.
❃ Babies need lots of energy in their diet
so avoid ‘low-fat’ and ‘diet’ varieties
of foods.
❃ Other restrictive diets are also not
recommended for babies, unless
under the supervision of a dietitian or
medical doctor.
By the age of one year, your baby should
be enjoying three meals a day, with two
to three extra nutritious snacks, and
including a variety of foods from each of
the following groups:
❃ Meat/fish/eggs/pulses:
Two servings daily.
❃ Milk/cheese/yoghurt:
Three servings daily.
❃ Vegetables/fruit:
Five servings daily.
❃ Potatoes/rice/pasta/bread:
Six-plus servings daily.
Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat,
rye, barley and oats, and therefore the
foods made from these such as flour,
breakfast cereals, bread, crackers and
pasta. Evidence now suggests that gluten
containing foods should be introduced to
a baby’s diet after four months but before
seven months of age, in small amounts
FOODS TO AVOID FOR YOUR BABY
❃ Unpasteurised foods, raw honey or pâté.
❃ Nuts, as they can cause choking.
❃ Low-fat diets, vegan diets and high sources of fibre such as unprocessed bran.
❃ Very fatty, salty or sugary foods, especially between meals (for example, crisps
and savoury snacks).
142 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 142
that are increased gradually, and preferably than breastfeeds by the time your baby is
while still breastfeeding. 12 to 18 months old.
Food Allergy Caring for Baby’s Teeth
If there is a family history of food allergy, Your baby’s teeth can be affected by
you are recommended to continue feeding patterns established now. It is
breastfeeding throughout the introduction important to look after your baby’s teeth
of new foods and to introduce them one at and gums:
a time. ❃ Do not let your baby sleep with a bottle
in their mouth.
Milk and Other Drinks ❃ If your baby uses a soother (dummy), do
❃ Breast milk or formula milk should be not dip it in sugar, syrup, honey, or other
your baby’s main drink until they are at sweet foods.
least one year old. ❃ Do not give your baby sugary drinks or
❃ If your baby is thirsty between milk foods, including juices, chocolate and
feeds, the most suitable drink is cooled, sweets, between meals.
boiled tap water. Do not use water from a ❃ Clean your baby’s teeth after the last
hot tap, water that has been boiled more feed at night using a soft toothbrush and
than once, sparkling water, filtered water, water. Toothpaste is not recommended
softened water or bottled mineral water for babies and children under two years.
(unless specifically advised otherwise).
Remember that babies do not usually Infancy is a critical time for growth and
require drinks other than their milk feeds development during which nutrition and
during the early months. feeding play a vital role. If a good dietary
❃ Do not give your baby tea, coffee, fizzy foundation is set, it will enhance health
drinks or sugary drinks and squashes. throughout life. Useful resources for parents
❃ Babies do not need fruit juice and it are available at the following websites:
is best avoided. Fruit juices contain ❃ www.healthpromotion.ie
naturally occurring sugars and acids, ❃ www.indi.ie
even if unsweetened, and frequent use
is not good for your baby’s teeth. Fruit
juice can also have a negative effect on Roberta McCarthy is a Clinical Specialist
your baby’s appetite for spoon-feeds. If Dietitian (Neonatology) at the National
you choose to give your baby fruit juice, Maternity Hospital, Dublin.
wait until your baby is they at least six
months old. Even then, make sure it is
unsweetened and well diluted. Do not
give more than one small cup of
diluted juice a day, and limit it to
mealtimes only.
❃ Small amounts of cows’ milk can be used
to prepare spoon-feeds from 6 months of
age, but it is not suitable as a milk drink
before 12 months.
❃ As your baby takes more spoon-feeds
they may not require as many milk feeds.
If your baby drinks lots of milk or other
fluids, they may have a poor appetite for
spoon-feeds.
❃ A beaker or feeding cup without a lid
can be introduced for drinks other than
breastfeeds from about six months and
ideally should be used for all drinks other
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29/06/2012 11:43:15
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Maternity_137_192.indd 144 29/06/2012 11:43:24


{
Bring sunshine {
The HSE, Department of Health and Children and Food Safety Authority of Ireland have
issued advice on vitamin D supplementation for Irish babies, GAYE GODKIN explains.
It is now a public health policy that all
infants born in Ireland must receive
Vitamin D3 drops from birth, whether
babies are breast- or bottle-fed.
Vitamin D, otherwise known as the
sunshine vitamin, is chronically lacking
in the Irish population. Ireland has a very
northerly latitude – we are approximately
53 degrees away from the equator – and
therefore do not get sufficient sunshine.
What is Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which
is needed for every cell in the body to
function properly. When the sun shines
on our skin, the body makes vitamin D.
We need to top up our supply as often
as possible. Sitting in the sunshine for
more than 15 or 20 minutes per day is
not recommended as there is a direct
connection between skin cancers and
sun exposure. Furthermore from October
to March we see very little sunshine
in Ireland.
Infants and Vitamin D
Infant skin is very sensitive and burns
easily and should not be directly exposed
to the sun. The Irish Cancer Society
recommends that baby’s skin is not
exposed to direct sunlight, and should be
protected by clothing, shade and sunscreen.
Therefore, infants do not have the capacity
to safely get Vitamin D from the sun. Infant
Maternity_137_192.indd 145
on the
diets do not have enough vitamin D. Infants
with African, Afro-Caribbean, Middle-Eastern
or Indian ethnic backgrounds are at even
higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Their
stores of vitamin D may be particularly low
when born as their mother’s skin is not
as efficient at making vitamin D from the
amount and type of sunlight in Ireland.
Vitamin D and Breastfeeding
Infants from newborn to 12 months grow
very quickly and are at risk of vitamin D
deficiency. Exclusively breast-fed infants are
more at risk than bottle-fed, however all
infants are at risk of deficiency since their
Vitamin D stores at birth are dependent
on their mother’s vitamin D status during
pregnancy. There appears to be a fault in
Mother Nature’s hardwiring of vitamin D as
babies are born with only 50 to 60 per cent
of mum’s stores, which is typically very
low in women in Ireland anyway. Research
carried out last year at the National
Maternity Hospital showed that no pregnant
woman in the study met the recommended
daily allowance for vitamin D. This would
suggest that those babies were therefore
lacking during foetal development in the
womb and their stores would have been
very low at birth.
Importance of Vitamin D
Rickets has re-emerged in Ireland.
Rickets is a condition which affects bone
Vitamin D The Baby Years
formation. When a child has insufficient
nutrients, the bone does not form
correctly and this leads to deformity. This
condition is not easy to reverse but is
totally preventable. Furthermore, it is now
widely accepted that insufficient calcium
and vitamin D in early childhood can lead
to osteoporosis in later life. In Ireland we
have very high rates of osteoporosis, with
one-in-three Irish women over the age of
65 developing it.
This very important vitamin is also
gaining lots of positive attention from
the research community. It is now being
investigated for its role in autoimmune
disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and cancers.
Supplementation
Selecting the right supplement is
important. The recommended form of
vitamin D supplement for infants is
actually vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It
should be given as an oral supplement
in a liquid or drop form and should
contain only vitamin D3 – it should not
contain any other vitamins. It should
provide five micrograms (5ug) of D3
daily. Supplementing your baby is a very
simple preventative health care strategy.
Remember to give the drops daily.
Gaye Godkin, MPH Nutrition DipNT
cNLP mNS, is a Consultant Public
Health Nutritionist.
maternity 145
29/06/2012 11:43:29
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Coping with
Postnatal Depression
{ Postnatal depression is far more common than you may think and affects nearly one in five
mums in Ireland each year. MADGE FOGARTY from Postnatal Depression Ireland explains
how to recognise the baby blues and postnatal depression, and how you can beat them.
Postnatal depression (PND) is an illness
that happens as a result of having a baby.
It can happen after any birth, can last from
anywhere from three months to a year
and, if unrecognised, can continue on into
the second year. In the beginning, many
women are unsure, very tired and not
able to cope when they come home from
hospital. This normally passes within a few
weeks, but for some women with postnatal
depression things do not improve.
The feeling of ‘baby blues’ comes on
around the second or third day after giving
birth. It is quite normal and very common.
It usually only lasts for a day or two but
in a number of women it could last up to
a week. If it goes on for longer than ten
days you should visit your GP as a small
percentage of woman can get PND from
delivery. Some of the symptoms include:
❃ Crying for no reason.
❃ Feeling tired and weary.
❃ Feeling cross and anxious.
Maternity_137_192.indd 147
❃ Feeling useless.
❃ Afraid to be left on your own with
the baby.
❃ Trouble sleeping even though you
are exhausted.
The most severe form of depression after
childbirth is puerperal psychosis, where
mum is very high, doing things out of
the ordinary, having hallucinations. It is
very rare and only affects one in 500.
The majority of women with puerperal
psychosis develop symptoms within the
first two weeks of delivery. It is caused
by a chemical imbalance brought on
by childbirth. The earliest signs are
restlessness, irritability, insomnia and mild
confusion. Urgent medical intervention is
needed if this condition is suspected.
Cause and Effect
PND affects about 20 per cent of
women in Ireland every year. It can
Postnatal Depression After the Birth
{
develop after any pregnancy up to six
months after giving birth; the most
common occurrence seems to be six to
ten weeks after delivery.
We are not sure what causes PND
and why it affects some mums and not
others, but we do know certain things.
Firstly, if there is a history of PND or
clinical depression in your family then
you might be more susceptible. This
does not mean you will develop PND,
but it is something to be aware of. It is
very important to let your GP and public
health nurse know so they can keep an
eye on you after the birth.
If a life-changing event happens
while you are pregnant (i.e. a death
in the family, moving house, losing
your job), this can be a trigger for PND.
PND
affects about
20%
of women in Ireland
every year
maternity 147
29/06/2012 11:43:34
 Each year in Ireland over 4,500 babies
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often difficult and stressful journey
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Maternity_137_192.indd 148 29/06/2012 11:43:38


A bad birth experience can also be a
trigger; a lot of women draw up a birth
plan but sometimes an emergency
might occur that prevents this plan
being used. Some women can take this
as a sign of failure on their behalf and
become fixated.
We have all read about the amazing
rush of love to expect the first time you
see your baby. This does not happen to
every woman straight away. It can come
in a few minutes or it can come in a few
hours – just be gentle with yourself. This
let-down has been the starting point of
PND for lots of women as they feel a
sense of failure. But, look at it this way:
“I FELT SO ALONE AND
SCARED”
Mary, 26, developed PND after the
birth of her first baby.
“The days after I came home from
hospital were a disaster: people
calling, phone ringing. I was rushing
around cleaning and trying to have
everything perfect. My friends offered
help but I turned them down; I didn’t
need their help. I drove myself into
the ground. I couldn’t relax or rest
when the baby slept. The nights
were a disaster with my mind racing.
I felt so alone and scared. Being a
mum was not meant to be like this.
I counted down the minutes until Pat
[dad] came home in the evenings and
when he did I snapped the head off
him for the slightest reason. What
was happening to me?”
Maternity_137_192.indd 149
Postnatal Depression After the Birth
your baby is a stranger to you until he
is born, and how many strangers do you
fall in love with straight away?
Last but not least we come to
‘Supermum’: the woman who puts
herself under pressure to be perfect.
Instead of taking it easy for the first
few months, she puts herself under
increased pressure trying to have the
perfect baby. What Supermum needs
to know is that no woman needs to
do everything alone, and there are a
number of places she can go for help.
Seek Support
It is very important to go and see your
doctor and to inform your public health
nurse if you suspect you are suffering
from PND. You might be encouraged to
go on anti-depressants and, though most
women dread being put on medication,
new tablets have come a long way. If on
anti-depressants, you should see some
improvement in a week to ten days.
PND is a very up and down illness (i.e.
one good day, two bad days) but you
will eventually notice that the bad days
become fewer as you start to get better.
Some women prefer not to take tablets,
and for this option you will need support.
Most importantly, talk to your partner
and extended family; their support is very
important. It is truly important that you
realise you are not on your own going
through this illness, and there are a
number of things that your partner
can do to help, such as:
❃Be patient, supportive and
encouraging.
❃ Reassure mum that she will recover.
HELPFUL
SUGGESTIONS
❃ Accept there is a problem and
you need help.
❃ Take life one day at a time.
❃ Try to find the positive in things
– everything in your life is not
always negative, even if it feels
that way at the moment. It will
be difficult at the start but do
try. If you don’t look for the
positive things in your life, you
won’t see them.
❃ Be open about your feelings
and worries with people you
trust who will understand and
won’t judge you.
❃ Try to get some exercise every
day; even if it is only a walk
around the block, fresh air
really helps.
❃ Don’t try to be Supermum.
Caring for a baby 24-hours a day
is exhausting; you are allowed to
drop your standards for a while.
❃ Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
it is not a sign of weakness.
People are only delighted
to help.
❃ Eat a balanced diet, little and
often. This will give you energy.
❃ Involve your partner as much
as possible.
❃ Find time to have fun. Accept
genuine offers of help and
go out with your partner or a
friend, even if only for an hour.
You will feel the benefit the
next day.
❃ If you are having a bad day,
get out of the house. Visit a
friend or walk to the shop – a
distraction really helps.
❃ We all have certain times during
the day when we feel better
so keep a diary of your moods,
especially in an upswing. This
helps you to see that your day
isn’t all doom and gloom.
❃ Don’t be too hard on yourself
or your partner. Blaming yourself
or others is not helpful to
anyone, least of all you. Accept
that life is tough at this time but
it will get better.
❃ It can help to write down how
you are feeling. This way you
can get things off your chest –
and you can always burn
it afterwards.
maternity 149
29/06/2012 11:43:44
 After the Birth Postnatal Depression
❃ Encourage mum to talk about how
she is feeling.
❃ Ask family and friends to help
around the house.
❃ Ensure that she gets enough food
and rest.
❃ Organise babysitting so that you can
have some time together.
❃ Encourage time spent between
mum and baby to bond and get to
know each other without feeling
under stress.
❃ Be aware that mum may not be in
the mood for sex but does need love
and affection.
Meeting Mums
Nowadays many expectant mothers may
be living away from home with little or
no support; working almost right up until
the baby is due and living in housing
estates where everyone is out working all
day. This can lead to feelings of isolation
and loneliness, which can be worsened if
mum has nobody to share these concerns
with. I would encourage every new mum
to join a mother and toddler or baby
group where they can meet other mums.
At the very least, check and see if you
have any friends or neighbours that you
can call on if you need help. The fist six
months can be very exhausting; don’t let
pride get in the way – it is not a sign of
weakness to ask for help. The website,
www.pnd.ie, is an Irish website dedicated
to postnatal depression. Here you can read
other women’s stories and their helpful
suggestions. There is also a discussion
section where you can communicate with
other mums around the country. You
can also call Postnatal Depression Ireland
(based in Cork) to see if there is a support
group in your area. These small groups
comprise women going through different
stages of PND who meet monthly and
offer each other support. Partners are
also welcome to join these sessions. For
areas without a support group, Postnatal
Depression Ireland keep a file of mothers
www.pnd.ie
150 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 150
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PND
❃ Lack of interest in yourself or ❃ Feeling angry, rejected and/
your baby. or confused.
❃ Unable to cope with small things, ❃ nability to concentrate,
finding everything an effort. forgetfulness.
❃ Feeling that you are a bad mother. ❃ Lack of interest in your
❃ Afraid of being left alone with appearance.
your baby. ❃ Marked over-activity or under-
❃ Feeling exhausted but unable to activity is common.
sleep, finding it hard to get to ❃ Lack of interest in sex.
sleep or waking up very early. ❃ Obsessed with baby, not
❃ Racing negative thoughts that you wanting anyone else to hold or
can’t stop. mind the baby.
❃ No interest in food, or over-eating. ❃ Puerperal psychosis: Mum is
❃ Feelings of hopelessness. very high, doing things out
❃ Feelings of panic or anxiety, not of the ordinary for her, and
being able to relax. having hallucinations.
More often than not, mum does not realise that anything is wrong and it
is up to her partner to notice many of these signals for PND.
who have recovered from PND and are Recovering from Postnatal Depression by
willing to offer their support to others. Madge Fogarty and Bernie Kealey launched
We all need someone to listen to us in November 2010 and includes stories
and counselling certainly has its place in from real women’s experiences with PND,
the treatment of PND. Some women with helpful tips, and more. You can find the
very mild cases have found this to be a book in the parenting section of Eason
great help. However, be careful not to stores nationwide.
rush into anything before you are ready.
Women with postnatal depression do get
better. Professional, family and community
support helps speed recovery.
Finally, if things are bad in the middle of
the night and you have no one to talk to,
call the Samaritans (1850 609 090); they are
there to listen.
Madge Fogarty is
the founder and
chairperson of
Postnatal Depression
Ireland. For further
information on
Postnatal Depression
Ireland, call (021)
492 3162 or visit
www.pnd.ie.
POSTNATAL DEPRESSSION IRELAND
We are a voluntary organisation partly funded by the HSE
We are women with experience of post natal depression
We offer a friendly ear to women who often feel isolated and afraid
T: 021 4923162 | E: support@pnd.ie
Phone manned Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm
29/06/2012 11:43:52
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Maternity_137_192.indd 151 29/06/2012 11:44:07

 The Baby Years Returning to Work
©iStockphoto.com/laflor
B to
ack
{ Preparation is the key to making your return to work as
stress-free as possible, says TRISHA DOYLE.
You need to give your employer at least
four weeks’ notice of your intention to
return to work. While that’s legally all
you’re obliged to give, it’s a good idea
to decide when you want to return and
inform your employer as early as you
can, as it gives both of you plenty of
time to prepare.
Keeping in Touch
Some countries encourage ‘keeping in
152 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 152
work
touch’ (KIT) days, allowing women to
return to the office for up to ten days
to keep abreast of any changes within
the company without maternity leave
coming to an end. While there is no
legal provision for KIT days in Ireland,
an informal arrangement with your
employer, or an occasional coffee with
colleagues will give you the chance
to a) show off your little bundle of
joy, b) keep up with any changes that
{
have happened, i.e. new projects or
colleagues, and c) remind you of who
you were before you became a mum!
Childcare
When you’re assessing your childcare
situation, it’s important to factor in your
finances. Costs can be prohibitive for a
lot of parents, which is why the dynamic
of who takes care of baby is changing,
evident through the increase of stay-at-
29/06/2012 11:44:28
 Returning to Work The Baby Years

“Take it at your ❃ Take one amount from the other.

❃ Do the same for your partner.
Mental Preparation
Leaving your baby with someone
own pace and if you ❃ Consider the cost of childcare. Does
it make financial sense for you to
else is something most mothers find
very difficult. You’ve had at least six
feel you’re struggling, work? For your partner? months to bond with your baby, and
making the move from morning trips
speak to your partner You may have worked hard for your
career and wish to stay working, and
to the park, afternoon cuddles and
lengthy evening bath times to a frantic
and family or chat that’s perfectly understandable. If you are
in line for a promotion or salary increase,
hour in the mornings and tired
evenings can be tough.
with friends and see it’s workable in the short term. But if
you’re working into negative equity (i.e.
It’s easy to blame yourself and feel
guilty that you’re in some way letting
how they manage.” working to pay for childcare) and even
supplementing the cost through your
down your baby or being a bad mother for
working, either for financial or your own
partner’s wage, it’s worth rethinking
home dads. There are a few things to the situation and see if either parent
weigh up before you make your decision. could take a career break until you find a

Do the Math
childcare option that works for your family.
If you are a single parent,
Travel Tip
Do a few tr
❃ What is your actual income from unfortunately your choices are more ial runs in
traffic
at peak tim
your job including salary, bonuses limited. In most cases, you may have es on you
route. You r new
and perks (i.e. car, mobile phone, to work if you’re receiving little or no ’ll get a re
idea of tim alistic
health insurance, etc.)? support from the father of your child, ings and k
when you now
❃ Now consider how much being in but if you cannot work, there is help both have
leaving th to be
work costs you through transport, available. Visit citizensinformation.ie for e house.
lunches, etc. details of your entitlements.

maternity 153

Maternity_137_192.indd 153 29/06/2012 11:44:31

 New alternat ive f rom Scandinavia
BeSafe iZi Go is a new baby seat on the market. With great safety and user-friendly features, it is a given choice for
aware parents. It has won several tests, including the WHICH?. BeSafe iZi Go may easily be lifted in and out of the car
and fits most leading pushchairs. It is easy to use thanks to the magnets which keep the internal belt out of the way.
The large sun canopy is easily used with one hand only. It also provides high comfort for the child with extra padding in
the seat and on the internal harness. You can also choose to use the baby seat with the optional ISOfix base.

Superb safety Grows with your child ISOfixbase

The internal 5-point harness pro- Two removable cushions and an The ISOfix base is installed using the
vides high safety. A proof of the easy adjustable internal harness and car’s ISOfix system. The adjusting
great safety, is the various tests the headrest, lets the baby seat grow ISOfix arms ensure a good sitting
BeSafe iZi Go has won. with your child. position and angle for your baby.

For your local stockist contact Cyril Kealy at Baby Bedibies on 014294318.
For further information about Scandinavian Safety and our products, please visit our website.

Maternity_137_192.indd 154 29/06/2012 11:44:36


career reasons. If you’ve made the decision
to return to work, take heart in realising
that it’s the decision the mother of your
baby (that’s you!) has made and that you
know what’s best for your family. Plenty
of women have made this decision and
made it work for them. Just take it at your
own pace and if you feel you’re struggling,
speak to your partner and family or chat
with friends and see how they manage.
Routine
If you’re leaving your baby with a
regular childminder, start a routine
about a month before you return. Build
it up from one morning a week to at
least three days just before you go
back. By increasing gradually, it’ll help
you build trust in your childminder and
make it easier to hand your baby over
in the longer term. Plus it’ll allow your
baby to get used to being cared for by
someone else. Separation anxiety can be
crippling for mums going back to work,
who might be feeling guilty about their
Maternity_137_192.indd 155
Returning to Work The Baby Years
GETTING MUM AND BABY READY
Baby
❃ Label your baby’s clothes and equipment if going to a childminder or crèche.
❃ Write out your baby’s daily routine to give to your childminder.
❃ Write out a list of medications your baby is taking and any other
important information for your childminder, i.e. who to contact in an
emergency and a few back-ups if you happen to be in a meeting.
Mum
❃ Try your work clothes on and make sure they still fit well. You may
want to burn your maternity clothes at this point but some of your
wrap dresses or loose tops may still be useful.
❃ Power dress. On your first day back, to get you back into the ‘game’,
look the part. Put on one of your best suits or treat yourself to a really
smart ensemble.
❃ Get a haircut. It may seem simple but a good haircut will give an overall
manicured impression and do wonders for your self-esteem.
❃ Make sure you have all up-to-date keys and passes for the office.
❃ Pack your bag the night before and have your outfit ready, with a back-up in
the car too. If your baby spits up on you on the way to the crèche, you need
to be prepared!
❃ And most importantly, try to rest before you go back to work and get a good
night’s sleep the night before – although baby may have other ideas!
Write out
y
baby’s dail our
routine to g y
your childm ive to
inder.
maternity 155
29/06/2012 11:44:40
 The Baby Years Returning to Work

decision and are forced to leave their

baby while in distress. It’s a lot easier
to walk out the door to work if your
baby isn’t crying and you know they’re
in safe hands.
Work Situation
If you are returning or returned to
work and you’re finding it difficult in
your new dual role as mammy and
professional, talk to your employer.
While we’re not there yet, the options
for working mothers and parents have
definitely become more favourable.
Have a chat with your boss about your
situation and possible options such as
flexitime, a cut in hours or working from
home. With the current market as it is,
most employers are looking to cut costs
in any way they can, so a day off a
week for you will cut your overall salary
but also reduce your childcare costs
and make you feel more present in your
baby’s day-to-day life.
CHILDCARE
When returning to work parents must feel they are ready and willing to leave their
children in a childcare setting – and often it’s more difficult for mum and dad than
for their little one.
“A child will definitely pick up on a parent being reluctant or not ready to return
back to the workplace. It is very important that mothers feel their maternity leave
has been long enough and they are personally ready to return to work,” says
Susan Dunn of Belgrave Agency, Ireland’s leading Nanny Agency. “This is never an
easy transition but the best advice I could offer is to be more practical, organised
and make sure the right balance is met between family and work time.”
Often parents who return to work are worried about how their children are
settling without them. “A nanny will keep in good contact with both parents
during the day by text or phone, particularly when a nanny has been hired for
the first time. A diary will also be kept so parents feel involved and can see
what structure and routine is being achieved,” says Susan. “Belgrave Agency
always keeps in contact with our families to make sure everything is working
out well and we are always here to help in any way during the entire hiring and
placement process.”
“A nanny will become part of a family and always create a loving and caring
environment for the children during the working week.”
For more information visit www.nanny.ie.

BREASTFEEDING
Under section nine of the Maternity Protection
Act 2004, if you are breastfeeding when you
return to work, you are entitled to time off to
breastfeed if your employer cannot provide
suitable facilities on-site for you to do so. For
more details on your options, the HSE have
created a leaflet called ‘Breastfeeding and Work’,
and it’s available from www.healthinfo.ie.

156 maternity

Maternity_137_192.indd 156 29/06/2012 11:44:51

 Getting ready
for the new arrival

:HSURYLGHSDUHQWVRI\RXQJLQIDQWVZLWKFRQ¿GHQFHDQGUHDVVXUDQFH
that their baby is being cared for and nurtured by staff that are passionate
in delivering an excellent early years experience. Our daily routines
incorporate the following:

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&$//01 44 30 882 RU(PDLO info@giraffe.ie 

www.giraffe.ie
Maternity_137_192.indd 157 29/06/2012 11:44:59
 ie
n ny.
a
w w.n
w

Belgrave Agency understands childcare. We have provided a dedicated

nanny service since 1996, always offering a professional and personal
service to all our clients.

Belgrave Agency will make the process as easy as possible for you
and find you the best candidates to interview. We offer our clients a
personal home visit, or if preferred an appointment can be arranged
at our offices to discuss all your requirements.

• Nannies • Montessori Teachers

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Please contact us today to find out more or visit our website

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Maternity_137_192.indd 158 29/06/2012 11:45:00


Choosing your
Childcare
The decision to return to work following
the birth of a baby represents the second
largest outlay to the new family following
mortgage or rent and is certainly one of
the most difficult for parents. In an ideal
world many more parents would prefer to
forego the return to work until children are
older but our current economic climate and
the desire to retain jobs make this scenario
unlikely for most working mums. However,
there is a range of available services,
which should support the individual needs
of the family.
The desire for quality childcare
goes without saying, but the reality is
determined by the type of childcare
provision that meet the budgetary
requirements and the needs of each
individual family.
Maternity_137_192.indd 159
Finding Suitable Childcare
Sourcing the childcare best suited to your
needs need not be a difficult task but
should be given time and effort in order
to ensure that your choice is reflective of
your baby and parental needs. You should
ideally begin researching your childcare
options while you are still pregnant.
The most common childcare choices
are crèches or childcare and early
learning centres, childminders, au Pairs
and nannies.
Once you have made your choice
always ensure that you talk to friends and
colleagues, as verbal recommendations
are invaluable. Follow your gut feeling
and if you feel uneasy about your choice
take the time to reconsider your decision.
Remember, your child will be in this
Childcare The Baby Years
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Asking yourself these questions may
help in your search for the most suitable
childcare for you and your baby.
❃ Do I require full-time or
part-time care?
❃ Do I require out of normal hours care?
❃ Do I require back-up emergency care?
❃ Do I want my child cared for in my
own home?
❃ Am I happy to travel to my
care provider?
❃ Would I prefer my child to be cared
for in someone else’s home?
❃ Would I prefer my child to attend
a crèche?
❃ Will I require after-school care?
maternity 159
29/06/2012 11:45:24
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Maternity_137_192.indd 160 29/06/2012 11:45:27

 Childcare The Baby Years

VISITING CHILDCARE
PROVIDERS
Important questions to ask:
❃ What is the daily routine for
the children?
❃ What is your settling in policy for
the children and how will this
acclimatise my child?
❃ Do you operate a key worker
system?
❃ Do you cater for special dietary
requirements?
❃ Do you provide nappies and creams
or do I provide my own?
❃ What is your discipline policy?
❃ What is your sickness policy?
❃ Can I visit the outdoor play area?
❃ Do you have qualified first aiders?
❃ Are staff qualifications available
to view?

environment for a few years and you

need peace of mind that they are
receiving the love, care, and nurturing that
they deserve.
Crèches, Childcare and Early
Learning Centres
These centres provide varying levels
of childcare and early years education.
They offer a full day service for children
aged from six months to five years
and are normally open from 7:30am to
6:30pm all year round. Many services
offer the opportunity to take full day or
sessional part-time care whilst others
offer ‘Breakfast Clubs’ that incorporate a
school drop off and collection service for
after-school provision.
These centres are warm, stimulating
environments that are very child-centred
in their developmental and educational
approaches. They offer continuity of
care from a young age to pre-school and
beyond. These are staffed by experienced
childcare workers who must have
completed a recognised childcare course
and who work with the various age groups
of their personal preference. This enables
children to build up a close relationship
with their carers. In the event of staff
illness the child is familiar with other staff
in the centre.
NORMAL STRUCTURE AND
STAFF-TO-CHILD RATIO
Baby Room (0-12 months) 1:3
Wobbler Room (1-2 years) 1:5
Toddler Room (2-3 years) 1:6
Pre-school Room (3-5 years) 1:8
ADVANTAGES Childminders
❃ All facilities are regulated and inspected Childminders are based in their own homes
annually by HSE. and care for children in this environment.
❃ Buildings are designed to meet the Childminders who care for more than three
individual age and stage developmental pre-school children from different families
needs of the children. are required to notify and register with
❃ Staff are Garda vetted. their local HSE Office. They are prohibited
❃ Centres must have comprehensive from caring for more than five pre-school
policies and procedures that are children under six years and no more than
available to parents. two children under 15 months unless they
❃ Children’s dietary requirements are met are from the same family.
by in-house chef who provides fresh and Not all childminders are currently
healthy meals and snacks. required to register with the HSE so there
❃ Indoor space determines the number is a concern that there is a growing area of
of children and staff permitted in unregulated care emerging, particularly in
the building. areas of higher unemployment. If you are
❃ Buildings are inspected annually unsure of the childminder’s status contact
by Environmental Health and Fire your local HSE Office. You should ask to see
Safety Officers. Garda Vetting, as a good childminder will
ensure they have this clearance.
COSTS
Average costs vary from €900 to €1200 ADVANTAGES
per month. Many childminders are known locally to
In Ireland there are a number of bodies who can assist in providing additional
information about the childcare of your choice. The Health Service Executive (HSE)
regulates and inspects all pre-school services and information can be found at
www.hse.ie.
The National Children’s Nurseries Association (NCNA) issues free listing of its
members who have passed strict membership criteria. Contact www.ncna.ie for
further information.
Local County Childcare Committees (CCCs) provide information about services in
their area, and will also highlight the services offering free pre-school places in the
ECCE Scheme. Contact www.pobal.ie.

maternity 161

Maternity_137_192.indd 161 29/06/2012 11:52:17

 The Baby Years Childcare
Nannies
Susan Dunn from Belgrave Agency gives her top five reasons to choose a nanny.
1. Great cover and flexibility – most
nannies work from Monday to
Friday, between 8am and 6pm.
2. The children are kept in their own safe
and secure environment, aiding nap
times, play and outdoor activities.
3. You get exceptional one-to-one care.
A trained and experienced nanny
will aid all developmental stages,
introduce basic reading and writing,
as well as providing learning through
play, arts and crafts, baking, etc.
4. When looked after in their home
children can be protected from
illness and infections until their
immune system is equipped.
parents and as a result, the best carers
are booked fairly quickly. They usually
have a lot of practical experience as they
are generally mothers themselves and this
provides client parents with reassurance.
They provide children with a variety of
play experiences and most provide some
form of outdoor provision, either in
gardens or to local parks.
Childminders provide either full-day
or part-time sessions, but holidays,
gut
F o l l o w your u feel
“ o
and if y
feeling y about your
uneas take the
choice econsider
r
time to ecision.”
your d
162 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 162
5. Employing a nanny to care for
two or more children is very
cost effective.
Cost:
Nannies earn between €10 and €12
per hour net plus taxes, depending on
their qualifications, experience and job
description/requirements.
Duties:
Nannies are responsible for all the
children’s meals, laundry, school runs,
activities, and tidying up after the
children during the day.
For more information visit
www.nanny.ie.
sickness and emergency care should
be discussed prior to booking. Although
this arrangement may seem less formal
it is important that a contract detailing
conditions is put into place to protect
both parent and childminder.
COSTS
These vary from region to region. Costs can
be anything from €150 to €300 per week
dependant on qualifications and experience.
Au Pairs
Au pairs are normally more transient
young women who are looking for work
experience while visiting or studying in
Ireland. Families who employ an au pair
usually require them to live on the premises
so they integrate as part of the family. They
usually work 30 to 35 hours per week and
stay for anything from two to 12 months.
Their contract usually includes an element
of babysitting and household duties. They
usually enjoy creative and fun activities with
children, but language difficulties can pose
a problem for more educational outcomes.
Many foreign girls bring experience of caring
for children in their native country, whilst
others have little practical experience other
than babysitting. Au pairs are popular
with families of mixed nationality or who
undertake travel themselves because of
work or personal reasons.
It is important to use a reliable
recruitment source to ensure that the
correct family match is found. Ensure
that references and all communications,
verbal and written are clear and concise,
and also try and make contact with their
family if possible. www.aupairireland.ie
COSTS
Au pairs cost between €80 and €120
per week
Dolores O’Donnell is the Director of
Childcare for Giraffe Childcare and Early
Learning Centres. See www.giraffe.ie for
more information.
29/06/2012 11:52:30
 For all your baby’s needs
www.babybiz.ie
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 Finance Feature

Money
Matters
{ Your bundle of joy will also be a
big financial commitment. So how
can you prepare for the costs of
bringing up a baby?
{

At one level, it’s not pleasant to create
an equation with a baby on one side
and the economic or financial realities
on the other. But, having said that,
anyone having a baby has to recognise
the financial implications. From birth
(with medical services, the midwife and
the hospital) the cost is very high, and
it builds pretty exponentially in the first
15 years of the child’s life. In the early
days, there’s clothing, food and childcare
– and it all goes up.” Jim Power, chief
economist at Friends First, sounds grim
but knows what he’s talking about. As
the father of two children (now 13 and
16 years old), he discovered first-hand
that bringing up a child in Ireland is an
expensive business.
Many families will find themselves to 21 would cost between €250,000
spending almost €10,000 a year for and €300,000. It’s little wonder, then,
the first five years of their child’s life. that Jim Power recommends doing
By secondary school age, a child often some saving even before a child comes
costs €15,000 a year, and the cost of into the world. “People should start
supporting a young adult in third-level budgeting today rather than the day the
education can be as high as €20,000. baby is born,” he insists.
“People need to think about how they’ll budget for this
major spending commitment that’s coming into their lives.”
It’s proved difficult to quantify just how While you’re trying to save, it’s even
much it costs to raise a child to 18 in more important to plan – and to work
Ireland, but the last major attempt (made out some kind of budget that will allow
by John Geraghty of LA Stockbrokers you to raise a child. “People need to
in 2002) pegged it at €120,000. Today, think about how they’ll budget for this
Geraghty estimates that getting a child major spending commitment that’s

maternity 165

Maternity_137_192.indd 165 29/06/2012 11:53:06

 Available from Smyths, Mothercare and all leading nursery stores

Maternity_137_192.indd 166 29/06/2012 11:53:11

 Finance Feature

coming into their lives. In the middle of

an economic boom, these issues aren’t
terribly important for many people. But in
the middle of a recession, where people
have incomes under pressure, where taxes “People should
are rising, where employment prospects start budgeting today
are deteriorating, obviously the financial rather than the day
implications become significantly more
serious,” says Jim, endorsing the age-old
the baby is born.”
approach of the monthly budget.

Balancing the Budget

Firstly, you’ll need to take stock of the
things your baby will need once they’re
born, including a cot, a pram, a car seat
if you drive, a stock of baby clothes and
a breast pump for mum if breastfeeding
(obviously, there are many more cute
things you’ll really want, but it’s best to
start with the ‘must-haves’). Talk with
friends or family who have raised kids
to refine your list of essentials – nothing
beats first-hand experience, and you’d
be surprised at some of the things you
forget! By checking online, in catalogues
and in stores, you can build up a good
idea of how much it will cost to get
these essential items – and how much
you’ll need to set aside before your baby

is born.
Next, it’s time to do the monthly
budget. Take a look at your regular
outgoings, including your rent, utility
bills, and food. If you don’t have a good
off-hand idea of how much some things
cost, your credit card bill, any receipts you
have, and bank statements (in the case of
direct debits) are all useful. When you’re
counting the cost of these outgoings, don’t
forget to add the extra things your baby
will need: some six to eight nappies a day
and trips to the doctor.
Your next step is totting up your total
monthly income after tax. Don’t forget to
account for any lost earnings from you or
your partner staying at home to mind your
little one – or, if you both plan to carry on
working, you can add childcare to your list
of costs. On the plus side, you can also add
any State benefits you may be entitled to.
Now it’s time for the moment of truth:
subtracting your regular outgoings from
this income. If you find yourself with
a small surplus, that’s great – you’re
officially in a better place than many
families in Ireland today! If you’re just
breaking even or (more likely) on track to
spend more than you earn, it’s time to
look at where you can make economies.
“Before you have children, you’re
budgeting for yourself and your partner.
When a child is born, an extra person has
come into the equation, and the spending
commitments for that person are very
high. You have to adjust accordingly,”
notes Jim. “Most people who believe they
can continue with their present lifestyle
after they have a baby are being naive in
the extreme.”
©iStockphoto.com/ciseren
STATE SUPPORT
State supports are available, such as:
❃ Child Benefit is paid to parents
of children under 16. If your child
has a disability or is in full-time
education or FÁS Youthreach
training, it’s paid up to the age
of 18. The payment is €140 per
month for the first two children,
€148 for the third and €160 for
fourth and subsequent children.
You must apply for this within 12
months of baby’s birth.
❃ Family Income Supplement is
a weekly tax-free payment for
parents on low incomes. The level
of payment depends on both your
family’s income and the number of
children in your family.
❃ One-Parent Family Payment is
made to a parent bringing up
children without the support of a
partner and earning €425 or less
per week. Again, the amount you
get will depend on your earnings.

maternity 167

Maternity_137_192.indd 167 29/06/2012 11:53:14

 Feature Finance
“There are ways to cut
back the financial burden,
such as looking to other
members of the family for
hand-me-down clothes or a
high chair and so on.”
Making Savings
Obviously, when you’re looking at things
to cut back on, you can start with things
in your own lifestyle that look set to
change. It’s unlikely that you’ll find the
time to go out on the town quite as
much, for example. While nobody expects
parents to quit having fun altogether,
you’re looking at a natural saving as
you start entertaining and relaxing more
around the home.
There are plenty of other tried-and-
tested methods for saving money on
your everyday expenses. These range
from small savings that build up over
time (bringing your own lunch to work,
using public transport, or dropping the
takeaway coffees) and larger ongoing
savings (such as the lower insurance
premiums that you’ll pay after a bit more
shopping around) to once-off, but useful,
ideas. Claiming back any tax you may have
overpaid, and making sure to claim tax
credits for your medical expenses, are both
no-brainers – you can visit www.revenue.ie
for more information on this.
It’s also possible to make savings in the
money spent on your baby, particularly
when it comes to once-off costs. “There
are ways to cut back the financial burden,
such as looking to other members of the
family for hand-me-down clothes or a high
chair and so on. I think that’s something
people will be looking at a lot more than
during the Celtic tiger years. Maybe back
then, you wouldn’t get much second-hand
anything, but people now have to change
their behaviour to accommodate the
new realities,” says Jim. Certain items are
particularly suitable as hand-me-downs:
baby wear, which rarely lasts longer than
a month before being outgrown, is ideal;
a sturdy high chair is also perfectly safe to
use second-hand as long as it has a harness;
and a used crib is fine as long as it was
manufactured after 2000. Baby strollers are
more problematic – new safety standards
issued in 2007 make older models obsolete
– and you should always avoid incomplete
or broken items. Even where hand-me-
168 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 168
downs aren’t an option, you’ll probably have “Every spending and career decision you
many relatives and friends in a generous make after you have a baby becomes
mood, and your baby will only need so totally different, because you have to
many teddies – there’s nothing wrong in think about the long-term implications
asking them to club together in order to buy of it,” says Jim, adding that the cost
a good pram or cot. of education and your child’s other
activities need to be thought of well
The Long Term in advance. Try to establish a habit of
Even after you’ve made any cuts saving a certain amount of money every
needed to get by safely month-to- month – over time, it’s even better than
month, you should still keep an eye on setting aside a lump sum for later. When
the future and try to save. After all, the you’re deciding on what to do with your
cost of a child only rises over time and, money, stick to a low-risk option like a
in these times, there’s no guarantee regular saver or term deposit account –
your income will keep rising to meet even though you hopefully won’t need
it – or even stay static. In truth, you’ll this money for a while, uncertainty is
need to take a long-term view on just the last thing you want when you’ve
about everything in your life now. been responsible!
JOIN THE SAVINGS GANG
Just as you should start budgeting for baby before he or she even gets here, you
should also think ahead in terms of educating your children about money and
savings. Developing saving habits at an early age will help your children build better
financial skills for the future. You can help them to understand the concept and
value of money by opening a child’s first savings account for them when they are
old enough.
Many banks now understand the importance of teaching children
about saving money and have created special accounts that are both
appealing and educational for young
ones. ‘The Savings Gang’ from
AIB are a group of characters
designed to help teach and
encourage pre-school
children about saving
with the AIB Junior
Saver Account
and the website,
www.aib.ie/
thesavingsgang, is
full of interesting
information for children
and parents alike. You
can download images to
colour in or print out
the latest issue of
the newsletter for
more games and
activities – all
designed to
teach your
child about
the world of
finance.
The
©iStockphoto.com/hidesy
Junior Saver
Account is
available in
any AIB branch
nationwide.
29/06/2012 11:53:17
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Maternity_137_192.indd 169 29/06/2012 11:53:21

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Maternity_137_192.indd 170 29/06/2012 11:53:32

 Baby’s Nursery Feature

Boori Nursery in White, Little Dreamers

(www.littledreamers.ie).

Baby’s nursery
{ Creating baby’s nursery can be great fun in the run
up to the big day. ARLENE HARRIS explains how to
prepare the perfect space for your new arrival. { so much conflicting advice as to what’s
required, it can be difficult to know
where to begin.

Throughout pregnancy, you will have
been for countless appointments, spent
hours trying to decide on a name, and
will probably have read thousands of
articles on what to expect once your
baby has arrived.
Most of the time, you will simply be
waiting for your little bundle to arrive.
This is why planning the baby’s nursery
(or corner of your room, if space is an
issue) can be such a fun activity.
Doing something practical will make
you feel like you are somehow speeding
up the process and doing your bit to
prepare for your little one’s arrival, but
with so many items to choose from and
Making a Start
When Anna Connolly was expecting her
first child in November 2009, she and her
husband Paul were overcome with the
plethora of products that were ‘essential’
to kitting out their new baby’s nursery.
But, being a primary school teacher,
Anna allowed her calm, practical side to
take over and set about talking to other

maternity 171

Maternity_137_192.indd 171 29/06/2012 11:53:38

 Feature Baby’s Nursery

Hand Cut Name Picture, Cake & Jelly, Elephant Wall Stickers, Cherish Me,
€75.58 (www.etsy.com). €34 (www.cherishme.ie).

“If you’re expecting a new member of your and fun projects you can
do is decorate your baby’s nursery,”
family, one of the most rewarding and fun projects she says. “However it is very important
that you keep safety for the baby
you can do is decorate your baby’s nursery.” in mind at all times. Make sure that
there are no small pieces that could be
mums and began writing a list of what exploring and if safety measures are not choking hazards, no strangling hazards,
exactly was necessary. put into place at the start, they can be no toxic chemicals or items are used,
“We are lucky enough to have a overlooked when time is of the essence. and all electrical safety hazards are
lovely room overlooking the quiet back “It was hard to imagine that my properly covered.”
garden, so we had earmarked it as a growing bump would uld ever be crawling
nursery,” Anna explains. “But when it about or pulling things
ings down from
came to decorating the space, we were shelves, but my mum um assured me that it
bombarded with advice from every would happen veryy fast,” she says. “So
quarter. So, after talking to a few friends, we made sure everything
rything in the room
myself and Paul sat down one evening was child-friendly, so now as Ciara is
and compiled a list,” she adds. beginning to pull herself
erself up in
The obvious items such as cot, the cot, she can’t do any
changing table, and feeding chair were damage to herself.””
top of the list, but the Cork couple also Anna goes on to
added a chest of drawers, a toy chest add: “It just meanss
and a small book case. that her room is perfect
erfect
“We had a little bit of money put away for her and we can
for doing up the room so we added some relax in the knowledge
edge
pieces that would be useful when our that she is safe while
hile
baby (Ciara, who celebrated her first she is in there.”
birthday last winter) got bigger,” she Geraldine Flanagan
an of
explains. “Now we are really glad that we Little Dreamers nursery
rsery
did, because her room will be practical store in Galway agrees
rees and
for a long while yet and, because so says that while creating
ating
many people have given us toys and a room for your new w
clothes as presents, there is plenty of baby is a wonderfulul
space for storing them.” experience, safety
should always be your
Baby-proofing main priority.
Anna also made sure that her nursery “If you’re expecting
ing a
was baby-proofed, as it only takes a new member of your ur family, Maize Moses Basket with Rocking Stand, The Little
few months before little fingers begin one of the most rewarding
warding Green Sheep, €122 (www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk).

172 maternity

Maternity_137_192.indd 172 29/06/2012 11:53:39

 Baby’s Nursery Feature

Sleep Tight
Geraldine says the first factor you will
need to consider is where your newborn
will be sleeping.
“Many parents will opt for a Moses
basket, cradle or co-sleeper which
provides a cosy, safe and secure
environment in those all important first
weeks and months, it also offers parents
total flexibility in the choice of where
baby sleeps as it can be moved around
easily”. Later baby can transition to cot
or cot bed. “The cot or cotbed will be
the cornerstone of your nursery and
will provide safety, security and comfort
for your baby,” Geraldine adds. “A cot
bed is a great option as it will help to
ease the important transition from cot
to bed later on – on top of this, you
will also save money, space and be
environmentally friendly.”
Big Changes
The next item on the list is a changing
table and, with many new mums
suffering from backache, it can be an
invaluable addition to your newborn’s
new nursery.
“The last thing you want to do is to
bend down low to change your baby,
especially if you have just given birth,”
says Geraldine. “A good, safe changing
table with a comfy mat has proved
essential time and time again. Choose
While crea
a room for youting
baby is a wondr new

er
experience, safe ful
should always ty
your main prio be
rity

Ladybird Bassinet and Drape Set,

Littlewoods Ireland, €219
(www.littlewoodsireland.ie).

maternity 173

Maternity_137_192.indd 173 29/06/2012 11:53:46

 F OR A LL Y OUR B ABIES N EEDS

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Maternity_137_192.indd 174 29/06/2012 11:53:49

a solid changing table that is equipped
with shelves or drawers to provide storage
for baby nappies, powders and lotions
and other baby essentials”.
Although your baby is only tiny, you
will be surprised how extensive his or her
wardrobe can be, so if you have the space
and the finances, a nursery dresser is a
great bonus.
“A dresser or wardrobe can be a very
good addition,” says Geraldine. “You
can organise clothes, bedding, toys
and even equipment. It is a good idea
“Starting with a neutral theme before baby is born is always
a good idea as there are many ways you can customise the
room to reflect the gender of your new baby later on”
Rocking Sheep, Story North,
€415 (www.storynorth.com).
Maternity_137_192.indd 175
Orchid Dresser, Little Dreamers
(www.littledreamers.ie).
to find something to match the rest of
your nursery furniture as it will help to
maintain a consistent atmosphere.”
Keeping Baby Comfy
Two items that are very important to the
wellbeing of your child are a nursery room
thermometer and black-out blinds. The
former will ensure your baby is never too
hot or too cold, and is vital in creating a
safe sleeping environment for baby, the
latter will allow everyone in the house to
get a good nights’ rest. “It is well worth
Baby’s Nursery Feature
investing in these two basic items for
your nursery to get yourself off to a great
start with your baby’s sleeping habits,”
Geraldine says.
The Non-Essentials
Well-accustomed to helping new
parents plan their baby’s nursery,
Geraldine says there are a number of
other items that are also very useful
but, if your budget won’t stretch, then
you can manage without.
“A nursery glider chair is the perfect
place to feed your baby or rock her/him
to sleep – it is also a great place to relax
while watching, reading or playing with
your growing infant.
“If you have the space, then a toy
chest is always a good option as, very
soon, baby will be crawling around the
room and it is nice to have a central area
for all their toys.”
Planning the theme of your baby’s
nursery is always great fun, but
Geraldine says it is probably wise to stick
to fairly neutral tones until your little
one has arrived. “Starting with a neutral
theme before baby is born is always a
good idea as there are many ways you
can customise the room to reflect the
gender of your new baby later on,”
she advises.
“Nursery lighting should also be
carefully thought out. For feeding and
changing you need task lighting, but you
also need a night-light that will give you
sufficient light but is also dim enough
so that baby can go back to sleep after
night-time feeds,” she adds.
“And finally, a beautiful rug can be
an essential element of nursery décor
that can anchor the entire project into
a pleasing design. Choose one that will
blend in best with the décor of the
nursery and the personality of the child.”
Bunting, Cake & Jelly,
€30.24 (www.etsy.com).
maternity 175
29/06/2012 11:54:07
 maternity& P R EG N A N CY * B A B Y * T O D D L ER &CHI L D

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Maternity_137_192.indd 176 29/06/2012 11:54:10

 Miscarriage Feature

Copingwith
MISCARRIAGE
{ Discovering you’re expecting is one of life’s most exciting
moments. Your life starts taking shape ahead of you. Sadly, some
pregnancies end in miscarriage and, after the joy of finding you
are pregnanct and making plans for the future, it can be a very
difficult experience to deal with, writes JOHANNA PAYTON.
{

©iStockphoto.com/skynesher

According to the Miscarriage Association
of Ireland, around one in five
pregnancies end in miscarriage, with
approximately 14,000 Irish women
losing a baby each year. A miscarriage
is most likely to happen in the early
stages of pregnancy and the further
along you are, the less chance there is
of losing your baby.
A miscarriage occurs when a
pregnancy is spontaneously lost before
24 weeks. After 24 weeks, a baby may
be mature enough to survive outside
the womb, although special care will
be needed. Lots of women count the
12-week mark as a milestone in their
pregnancy, but the odds of miscarrying
actually reduce at an earlier stage. Using
data from early ultrasound scans, the UK
Miscarriage Association says that if your
baby has a heartbeat at eight weeks,
the chance of your pregnancy continuing
normally is 98 per cent. At ten weeks it
increases further to 99.4 per cent.
Although miscarriage is common, the
majority of women go on to have healthy
pregnancies – a miscarriage does not
necessarily mean there’s anything
wrong with your fertility. But when it
does happen, miscarriage can be an
unhappy and frightening experience,
particularly after you’ve started to
enjoy your pregnancy and preparing
for your new role as a mum.
Why Does it Happen?
It’s really important to remember that
a miscarriage is not your fault and you
shouldn’t blame yourself if it happens.

maternity 177

Maternity_137_192.indd 177 29/06/2012 11:54:30

 Feature Miscarriage

“Although miscarriage is common, the majority of women If your miscarriage is after 12 weeks
it can take longer to adjust, physically
go on to have healthy pregnancies – a miscarriage does not and emotionally, but time is a great
healer and most women go on to have
necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with your fertility.” another healthy pregnancy.
It can be hard for some women to
About 50 per cent of miscarriages in baby died at some point in the first think about trying again, while others
the first 12 weeks are thought to happen trimester but your body has not yet want to get pregnant as soon as
because of a chromosomal abnormality rejected the pregnancy. possible. Most doctors advise women
– and this is usually down to bad luck. to wait until they have had at least
It is unlikely to signify any underlying Will it Happen to Me? one period; this is to make it easier to
problems with either you or your partner. Miscarriage after 12 weeks is much less calculate dates in the next pregnancy,
Other causes of miscarriage in the early common and happens in approximately not because you are more likely to
stages of pregnancy can be imbalances one in 100 pregnancies. The later a miscarry again. It’s really down to you
in pregnancy hormones or immune miscarriage is, the more likely your and your partner to decide in your own
system problems, and twin or multiple healthcare team will be able to determine time and try when you both feel ready.
pregnancies also increase the chances of what went wrong and offer you the Whatever you decide, it’s helpful to
miscarriage. Miscarriage is more likely as right help and treatment for future know that the vast majority of women
you get older because your egg quality pregnancies. Late pregnancy loss can who have experienced a miscarriage go
decreases with age. If you’re eating be very hard to bear and you should be on to have a healthy baby; only one in
well, getting lots of rest and following offered lots of support and counselling to 100 couples will experience recurrent
your GP’s advice, there’s not much else help you recover. It can also help to mark miscarriages and be offered further
you can do to decrease the chance of your baby’s passing, whatever stage of investigations. Miscarriage, whilst a
miscarriage. Drinking alcohol and smoking pregnancy you were at. The Miscarriage traumatic experience, is a very common
while you are pregnant does put you at a Association of Ireland has memorial one. Talking to other people who have
higher risk – but doing moderate exercise stones in various locations, dedicated to been through it and contacting support
and having sex during pregnancy won’t. babies lost through miscarriage. groups for advice and information will
Once you start to miscarry, there is help you recover and enjoy a happy,
little that can be done to prevent it and What Happens After healthy pregnancy in the future.
you may never find out exactly what a Miscarriage?
caused it to happen. Although your You may feel tired and weepy Supporting your Partner
pregnancy may appear to be progressing following a miscarriage due to your If your partner has a miscarriage you may
normally, the 12-week scan can hormones getting back to normal and the feel helpless, but you can provide a vital
sometimes reveal a missed miscarriage, emotional toll. Try to rest when you can role in loving and caring for her as you
which means that your and take some time off work if possible. both recover.
❃ Don’t expect her to bounce back; even
an early miscarriage takes time to
recover from.
‘I WAS HEARTBROKEN’ ❃ Talking about what has happened
helps you both heal – but don’t push
Christine Powell is mum to Robert (six) and Lily (four).
her to discuss it if she’s not ready.
She miscarried at 21 weeks.
❃ Ask her if she wants to remember the
When I found out I was having a girl at my 20-week scan in July 2003, I was
baby in some way; planting a tree or
over the moon.
making a donation in memory of your
The day after the scan I felt pressure in my pelvis, which didn’t seem
loss may help.
right. Hours later, I was in pain and went straight to the hospital. The doctor
❃ Eating healthily and getting some
examined me and said my waters had broken. There was nothing he could do
fresh air is beneficial – try cooking a
and my baby was too tiny to survive.
nutritious meal and taking her out for
My partner and I were heartbroken. To find out we were having a little girl 24
a walk or to see a film when she feels
hours earlier and then have everything taken away was unbearable.
up to it.
After losing my baby I was referred to the top gynaecologist at the hospital
❃ Friends and family may try and avoid
and he diagnosed a weak cervix after tests. I found out I was pregnant again in
the subject, particularly with you,
November 2003. I was happy, but worried that I would miscarry again.
because they feel uncomfortable. If
My gynaecologist placed a stitch in my cervix at 10 weeks. At 20 weeks I was
you want to talk, tell them so.
terrified that I’d lose my baby again, but I took things slowly and prayed every
❃ If she had a miscarriage previously
day. At 38 weeks my little man came into the world. I couldn’t believe my
and is pregnant again, try to be
healthy boy was safe in my arms – the joyous look on my partner’s face made
understanding if she has any fears
everything seem real.
or is particularly protective over her
I still get upset when I think about my miscarriage, but I’m thankful for
pregnancy. Although the chances are
my two beautiful children. Going through that horrible experience made me a
she’ll give birth to a healthy baby, it’s
stronger person and it also made us a stronger couple.
completely normal for her to
feel nervous.

178 maternity

Maternity_137_192.indd 178 29/06/2012 11:54:33

 Miscarriage Feature

‘I HAD NO IDEA HOW COMMON MISCARRIAGE IS’

Silvia Hope-Mason, is mum to
Massimo (eight), Luca (six) and
Marco (four). She miscarried in
April 2002.
I was 13 weeks’ pregnant when I
found out at a routine scan that I’d
miscarried at nine weeks. I had no idea
how common miscarriage is, or that I
could still feel pregnant after the fetus
had died. We’d tried unsuccessfully for
three years to get pregnant, so it felt
like we had failed yet again.
I decided to buy a plant for the
garden in memory of the lost baby. My
friend warned me to be careful over
how much emotion I tied into the plant,
because if it died it wouldn’t mean I
had failed my baby. This was sound
advice because when the plant faded, I
didn’t feel the loss of the miscarriage all
over again.
We were advised to have one free
cycle before trying again. It was good
to have a small break and regroup
our thoughts, so the two pregnancies
didn’t roll into one emotional mass. I
knew that miscarrying once has no
impact on future pregnancies, but I
did have numerous scans at the early
pregnancy unit and was careful about
investing too much emotion until the
second trimester. My husband was
devastated by the miscarriage and
couldn’t connect with any of our other
babies until after they were born.
In this situation few people
can really help. Friends who
haven’t had children or had
uncomplicated pregnancies don’t
understand. The true support I
got was from friends who had
experienced miscarriage, and their
words of wisdom were invaluable.

FURTHER SUPPORT
AND INFORMATION
❃ Miscarriage Association of Ireland:
www.miscarriage.ie
❃ A Little Lifetime Foundation:
www.alittlelifetime.ie
❃ National Infertility and Support &
Information Group (NISIG):
www.miscarriage.ie
❃ UK Miscarriage Association:
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
❃ Miscarriage Association of
Northern Ireland:
www.miscarriageassociationni.org.uk

maternity 179

Maternity_137_192.indd 179 29/06/2012 11:54:34

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Maternity_137_192.indd 180 29/06/2012 11:54:36


Family
planning
{ Now that you’ve given birth, you may want to review your family
planning needs. MARGARET MERRIGAN-FEENAN outlines the many
contraceptive methods, to help you decide the most appropriate for you.
Getting the wrong advice leads to
ineffective choices, which in turn can
lead to an unwanted or unplanned
pregnancy – a stressful event at any
time but all the more so when you’ve
just had a baby. Finding out which
methods are available to you, especially
in relation to lactation, operative
delivery and hypertension, is vital, as
is knowing when best to recommence
contraceptive measures. For example,
non-breastfeeding mothers need to
begin a method before ovulation returns.
Your first period after birth can occur
as early as 35 to 40 days following
delivery and because ovulation occurs
12 to 16 days before a period starts,
contraception needs to commence
by day 21 after delivery. An effective
method must not interfere with
breastfeeding or adversely affect your
child’s health. Breastfeeding can be a
very effective method of contraception,
offering 98 per cent efficiency if the
mother is fully breastfeeding and the
baby is under six months old, and when
menstruation has not yet returned.
Traditionally, family planning advice is
given in the post-partum period, a time
when most women are focused on the
wellbeing of their newborn, not on their
sexual or contraceptive needs, and a time
when, for many women, resuming sexual
activity is not high on their list of priorities.
For some, the antenatal period may be a
better time to consider contraception and
the right method to choose for them once
their baby is born. Contact your hospital,
general practitioner, midwife or family
planning clinic for advice.
Natural Methods
❃ The Billings Method: This method
relies on the woman observing
and recording her cervical mucus
Maternity_137_192.indd 181
discharges. It can be used to plan
or avoid pregnancy regardless of
cycle length. It is suitable for women
who are approaching menopause or
breastfeeding. Breastfeeding delays
the return of ovulation (lactational
amenorrhoea); its successful use
requires full or almost full
breastfeeding without the addition
of other milk, juice, solids or use
of soothers. After the first post-
partum period there is an increased
risk of pregnancy.
❃ Temperature Method: This
determines ovulation and requires
taking and recording your
temperature daily using a special
fertility thermometer.
❃ The Calendar Method: The calendar
method is based on the calculation
of your fertile time over the past
six to 12 menstrual cycles. It can
be used in conjunction with other
family planning methods but is
not recommended for use on its
own or for women with long or
irregular cycles.
❃ The Muco-Thermal Method: This is
based on a combination of both the
Temperature and Billings methods
❃ Sympto-Thermal Method: This method is
a combination of the Temperature and
Billings methods with careful monitoring
of other signs, including mid-cycle
pain or bleeding, breast fullness or
tenderness, or changes to the cervix.
Artificial Methods
❃ Male Condom: This is a sheath of
rubber that is rolled over the erect
penis before intercourse (or any
contact with the vagina), blocking
the sperm from entering the vagina
during ejaculation. Withdrawal must
take place before the penis loses
Family Planning After the Birth
{
its erection. It is safe to use and
provides good protection against
STIs, including HIV.
❃ Female Condom: The female condom
or ‘femidom’ is designed to line
the inside of the vagina and act as
a barrier between sperm and egg,
preventing fertilisation. It also offers
good protection against STIs and HIV.
❃ Spermicides: These are various types
of chemicals contained in creams,
EMERGENCY
CONTRACEPTION
Emergency contraception allows
women to prevent pregnancy after
unprotected sexual intercourse,
regular contraceptive failure or sexual
assault. It is a safe and effective
method that reduces the risk of
pregnancy by 75 to 89 per cent when
used within three days of unprotected
sexual intercourse. It can be effective
up to five days, but the sooner it is
taken the more effective it is. It is not
an abortifacient and will not terminate
an established pregnancy or harm
an embryo or fetus. Side effects are
generally few. Though its mechanism
of action is not entirely understood
(it depends on which phase of the
menstrual cycle the woman is at) it
may work in one of three ways:
1. Suppressing ovulation.
2. Inhibiting fertilisation.
3. Preventing the implantation of a
fertilised egg.
In February 2011, the Irish Medicines
Board sanctioned the sale of a
morning after pill without prescription.
It can now be obtained over the
counter in pharmacies.
maternity 181
29/06/2012 11:54:40
 After the Birth Family Planning
LUBRICANTS
These can be used when vaginal
dryness is experienced, which can
occur for a number of reasons
(feeling tired and stressed, or
hormonal changes during the
menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the
menopause). Available in different
forms, pessaries, creams and gels,
they can relieve symptoms of
dryness for a few days. Lubricants
are not a form of contraception.
jellies, foams and pessaries that are
inserted high into the vagina before
intercourse and act to destroy sperm.
Used alone, they offer poor protection
against pregnancy and are best used
in conjunction with other methods,
such as a condom or diaphragm.
❃ The Diaphragm and Cap: These are
barrier methods that fit inside the
woman’s vagina, forming a barrier at
the entrance to the womb (cervix) and
stopping the sperm from reaching an
egg. Use of a spermicide is essential.
Both are about 98 per cent effective
and work immediately. They must
be left in place for at least six hours
after intercourse and no longer than
24 hours. Vaginal diaphragms are
circular domes made of thin rubber
with a flexible edge. They are kept in
shape by a pliable metal rim covered
in rubber. You should be fitted for
a diaphragm at a family planning
clinic and resizing may be necessary
if you lose or gain more than 3kgs
or 7lbs, and also following birth or
miscarriage. Cervical caps are smaller
devices that are designed to fit neatly
over the cervix.
❃ Oral Contraception: A strict pill-taking
regime is required. You should be
well informed of how long to wait
between pill packets, how to make
up missed pills and when to use a
back-up method. Most pill failures
are due to incorrect or inconsistent
use, not to a failure of the pill
itself. Modern, low-dose pills require
even stricter compliance than the
older, high-dose ones. Your doctor
will advise you on which type – the
combined pill or the progestogen-only
pill – is most suitable for you.
❃ Injectable Contraception: Injectables
work in a similar way to the
progestogen-only pill and always
prevent ovulation. It is a deep,
182 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 182
intramuscular injection given for the
first time within the first five days
of menstruation and is 99 per cent
effective (effective immediately)
and gives protection for up to 12
weeks. It is generally recommended
that injectables should not be
used until five to six weeks after
birth. Periods may be irregular or
stop. If you experience heavy or
prolonged bleeding, consult your
doctor. Return of regular periods and
fertility may take up to one year.
Injectables should be used with
caution in women with osteoporotic
risk factors and for no longer than
two years unless other methods of
contraception are unsuitable.
❃ Contraceptive Patch (Evra): Evra is
a thin, square, smooth beige patch
that is worn on the skin to prevent
pregnancy. Each patch is worn
either on the upper arm, abdomen,
buttock or upper back for exactly
seven days every week for three
consecutive weeks, with the fourth
week patch-free. Evra prevents
pregnancy in a similar way to the
combined pill. The sticky part of the
patch contains hormones, which
are released continuously through
the skin and into the bloodstream.
These hormones stop the release of
eggs from the ovaries, and thicken
the cervical mucus, making it harder
for sperm to enter your womb.
Evra is not recommended if you
are breastfeeding since, as with all
combination hormonal contraceptives,
the composition and quantity of
breast milk may be affected. The
most common side effects associated
with Evra are breast symptoms,
headache, nausea and skin reactions
at the application site.
❃ NuvaRing: The NuvaRing is a
once-a-month method of low-dose
hormonal contraception. It is a
flexible vaginal ring that can be
easily inserted and removed by the
woman herself. Suitable for most
women of all ages, it has the same
effectiveness as the combined
contraceptive pill. Once inserted, the
ring is left in place for three weeks,
then removed and disposed of. After
a one-week ring-free period, during
which a bleed normally occurs, a
new ring is inserted.
❃ Intrauterine Contraceptive Device
(IUCD or Coil): A small plastic and
copper device that is inserted into
the womb, providing 98 to 99 per
cent reliability, the IUCD is fitted by
a specially trained doctor towards
the end of a woman’s period. The
exact way that an IUCD works is
still not certain, but there are a few
possible explanations:
❃ It may thicken the mucus at the
cervix preventing sperm entering
the womb.
❃ The copper used in the device
has a spermicidal effect.
❃ The presence of the device
in the womb changes the
lining of the womb and therefore
does not encourage the (fertilised)
egg to embed and grow.
Periods may become heavier and
there is a slight risk of miscarriage or
ectopic pregnancy.
❃ Mirena, an Intrauterine System
(IUS): Mirena, the hormone
releasing system, is a highly
reliable, effective, long-term and
reversible contraception. It consists
of a small, plastic T-shaped device
that is inserted into the womb
where it slowly releases a low-dose
contraceptive hormone. The Mirena is
fitted, preferably, day three to seven
of your menstrual cycle. Effective
for five years, Mirena makes periods
lighter and less painful. Most women
have irregular light ‘spotting’ for the
first few months.
❃ Contraceptive Implants: Implanon
is a single-rod implant and is similar
to progestogen-only contraception.
A long-acting reversible method, it is
about the size of a matchstick, which
is injected by local anaesthetic under
the skin on the inside of the upper
arm and is usually invisible. Effective
for three years, once removed,
normal reproductive function
returns rapidly.
Margaret Merrigan-Feenan is a parent
education teacher, family planning
counsellor and midwife manager at the
Rotunda Hospital. She also runs private
antenatal classes, which can be booked
via www.newbaby.ie.
Your personal contraceptive needs
will obviously depend largely on
your age, experience, family size,
general health, cultural and religious
beliefs, and lifestyle.
29/06/2012 11:54:41
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The B-AGILE’s easy and safe one-handed

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Travel System adaptors included

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Chili Pepper Black Thunder BABY-SAFE
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Maternity_137_192.indd 183 29/06/2012 11:54:45

 Regulars Mummy Wide Web
M u m m
eb
y
Wide W
{ { Thank goodness for the advent of
the internet! There may be plenty of
buys you need for baby, but new and
expectant mums are busy bees, so
why not take the hassle out of buying
for your bundle and get online.
www.allthingsbaby.ie
All Things Baby is an Irish online store,
offering a convenient, simple and
easy-to-use online shopping boutique
to meet all your baby needs from
pre-conception to preparing to bring
your newborn home, and beyond.
You will find products for everything
from pregnancy and ovulation tests to
maternity underwear, essentials for new
parents, gifts, gadgets and much more.
If you are on the lookout for something
a little different for your baby or are
searching for that special baby gift
which you can’t find on the high street
then www.allthingsbaby is the place
to shop.
www.cherishme.ie
Cherish Me is one of Ireland’s newest
and coolest award-winning online baby
stores and is your one-stop shop for
all your baby’s needs. Cherish Me
stock a wide and unique range of baby
products ranging from those all important
essentials such as sterilisers, baby
monitors, strollers and high-chairs to
designer baby changing bags, beautiful
184 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 184
©Thinkstockphotos.com/istockphoto
organic cotton baby clothes and soft German range AlmaWin, dermatologically
leather baby shoes. Decorating your little tested, 100% natural and bio-degradable
one’s nursery can be fun and easy as washing detergents and powders for the
they also stock a beautiful selection of gentlest, cleanest wash. These are just
nursery products from wall stickers to a selection of the award-winning natural
children’s beanbags and accessories. Take and organic products in the ‘Mums and
the hassle out of shopping for your baby Babies’ section at Nature7.ie. This site
and visit www.cherishme.ie, offering next also offers good product advice for mums
day delivery nationwide. and a loyalty scheme with rewards for the
frequent buyer.
www.nature7.ie
Nature7.ie brings you u the best
range of natural and d
organic products
for pregnancy and
baby, including
the new Natalia
range of natural
and organic productss
for pregnancy, birth
and new parents. The he
full range of Green
People Organic Babieses
and Children’s rangee
of skin care productss are
also available; thesee are
packed with active, certified organic Natalia new Parent
ingredients. They also
so stock the unique Survival Kit from
www.nature7.ie
29/06/2012 11:54:46
 NewBaby.ie Antenatal Classes
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have featur • One Day Saturday Class
3 as m idw ifery
TV • Refresher Class
advise r.
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Directed
Di t db by experienced,
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Midwives, providing up to date guidance on Pregnancy,
Labour, Breathing Techniques, Birth, Baby Care, Feeding
Choices and the future demands of Parenthood.

Contact:
Margaret Merrigan-Feenan on 086 3392155
Carmel Kearns on 087 9039255
E-mail: info@newbaby.ie
www.newbaby.ie

„ Parent First Aid Course

„ Paediatric First Aid
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Orla is a qualified Paediatric and General

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Irish Heart Association, Cardiac First Response
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Contact details: Tanya Nolan

Orla Murphy T: 059 9723736
M: 086 4046541 M: 087 4130374
E: childsafefirstaid@gmail.com E: tanya@childsafefirstaid.com
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Maternity_137_192.indd 185 29/06/2012 11:54:51

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Maternity_137_192.indd 186 29/06/2012 11:54:53

 Mummy Wide Web Regulars

www.sweetnursing.com
firststepsforever.ie Sweet Nursing is an online
As seen on Dragon’s Den! First Steps Forever is the ideal gift for a wide range of breastfeeding specialist store, offering
special occasions. Newborns, christenings, birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, stylish and affordable nursing wear,
Father’s Day and more. Contemporary and stylishly framed, they are designed to including nursing tops from top
hold your tiny one’s first pair of shoes. Super simple to create – just open the nursing brands, covers including
frame, remove card and press shoes onto the special adhesive. Designed and hand their own Irish-made nursing covers
made in Tipperary, with solid wood and real glass, this is a gift to last a lifetime. and breastfeeding poncho, as well
Choose from a range of contemporary border styles and colours. as brands including Mamascarf and
Breastfeeding Butterfly. They stock
nursing bras, including the innovative
nursing bra by Mammae, breastfeeding
slings, breast pads, creams and the
Booby Booster aid for breastfeeding
with large breasts. They also have
a range of personalised baby gifts,
clothes and safety products. They
are offering 15% off purchases for
maternity readers – simply use coupon
code MYBABY at the checkout.

www.childsafefirstaid.com
Child Safe First Aid offer a range of first
aid courses from heartsaver CPR and AED
to occupational first aid courses. Their
speciality is paediatric first aid. Most
parents do not want a certified course;
but they want to know what to do if
something were to happen at home.
Child Safe First Aid provide a Parent First
Aid Course, two hours in duration and
very informative yet relaxed. It covers
infant and child CPR, choking, common
childhood injuries and ailments such as
head injuries, burns, temperatures and
seizures. Courses can be tailor made as
required. Large group sessions are held
regularly in venues around Ireland and
they cater for mother and toddler groups.
They can also do coffee mornings in the
comfort of your own home and are even
available at evenings and weekends.
www.tweekaboo.ie
Ever wondered how you could record
each of the little wonderful moments
you share with your new baby?
Tweekaboo is an easy to use family
app that helps record the story of your
child’s life. From first scan, Tweekaboo
takes your text messages, photos and
milestones and helps you share them
to reach families around the world and privately, with family and close friends.
to offer the best deals to every new Safe and secure, Tweekaboo saves your
customer. There is also free delivery on moments today, so you and your family
all orders over €50 in Ireland. can remember them forever.
www.littledreamers.ie
A beautiful environment awaits you at www.littledreamers.ie where you can buy
quality nursery furniture and accessories to help you create the most delightful
nursery for your baby. All of the finest names in nursery furniture are featured
here with a huge choice of unique accessories from exclusive bedding, lights,
lamps, rugs, clocks, wall decorations and much more. There is also a huge range
of very unique gifts for mum, dad and new baby.

www.kidisgo.com
KidisGO baby shop is dedicated to
bringing high quality, award-winning
nursery products for the arrival of your
new baby as well as everything you’ll
need as they grow. KidisGO products
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maternity 187

Maternity_137_192.indd 187 29/06/2012 11:55:19

 Regulars Support & Advice
Support & Advice Directory
A wealth of information, help and support is available.
CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND/
OR SUPPORT FOR NEW MOTHERS
Community Mothers Programme,
First Floor, Park House,
North Circular Road,
Dublin 7.
Tel: (01) 838 7122
Web: www.hse.ie
Cuidiú – Irish Childbirth Trust,
Carmichael House,
North Brunswick Street,
Dublin 7.
Tel: (01) 872 4501
Web: www.cuidiu-ict.ie
Home Birth Association of Ireland,
30 Cushla Downs,
Monksland,
Athlone,
Co. Roscommon.
Tel: 087 164 0847, (0906) 405267
Email: enquiries@homebirth.ie
Web: www.homebirth.ie
La Leche League of Ireland,
Please refer to your local telephone
directory.
Email: leader@
lalecheleagueireland.com
Web: www.lalecheleagueireland.com
CHILDCARE SERVICES
The Childcare Directory Ltd,
Burnaby Buildings,
Church Road,
Greystones,
Co. Wicklow.
Tel: (01) 201 6000
Email: info@childcare.ie
Web: www.childcare.ie
Childminding Ireland,
9 Bulford Business Campus,
Kilcoole,
Co. Wicklow.
Tel: 01 287 8466
Email: info@childminding.ie
Web: www.childminding.ie
Early Childhood Ireland,
Hainault House, Belgard Square,
Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Tel: (01) 405 7100
Email: info@earlychildhood.ie
Web: www.earlychildhood.ie
188 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 188
DEPRESSION AND Treoir
MENTAL HEALTH 14 Gandon House,
Aware Custom House Square,
LoCall Helpline: 1890 303 302 International Financial Services Centre
Web: www.aware.ie IFSC
Aware conducts support group meetings Dublin 1.
across the country. Manned by trained Tel: (01) 670 0120
volunteers, their Depression Helpline is LoCall Info Line: 1890 252 084
a listening service that operates Email: info@treoir.ie
Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 10.00pm. Web: www.treoir.ie
Aware also provide an email support Information and advice resource for
service. Please visit their website for more unmarried parents,
information.
MISCARRIAGE AND CHILD
Postnatal Distress Support Group LOSS SUPPORT
Support Line: (021) 492 2083 A Little Lifetime Foundation,
(Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.00am to Carmichael House,
2.00pm) North Brunswick Street,
Email: support@pnd.ie Dublin 7.
Web: www.pnd.ie Tel: (01) 872 6996
Monthly support meetings are held on Email: info@alittlelifetime.ie
the last Tuesday of every month at Cork Web: www.alittlelifetime.ie
Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork.
Irish Sudden Infant Death
FAMILY PLANNING Association,
Irish Family Planning Association Carmichael House,
National Pregnancy Helpline: North Brunswick Street,
1850 495 051 Dublin 7.
Email: post@ifpa.ie Tel: (01) 873 2711
Web: www.ifpa.ie LoCall Helpline: 1850 391 391
Email: isida@eircom.net
LONE PARENTS Web: www.isida.ie
Doras Buí – A Parents
Alone Resource Centre Miscarriage Association of Ireland,
Bunratty Drive, Carmichael House,
Coolock, North Brunswick Street,
Dublin 17. Dublin 7.
Tel: (01) 848 1872/4811 Tel: (01) 873 5702
Email: info@dorasbui.org Email: info@miscarriage.ie
Web: www.dorasbui.org Web: www.miscarriage.ie
One Family, Cherish House, MULTIPLE BIRTHS
2 Lower Pembroke Street, Irish Multiple Births Association,
Dublin 2. Carmichael House,
Tel: 01 662 9212 North Brunswick Street,
LoCall Info Line: 1890 662 212 Dublin 7.
Email: info@onefamily.ie Tel: (01) 874 9056
Web: www.onefamily.ie Email: info@imba.ie
Web: www.imba.ie
OPEN – One Parent Exchange and Network,
7 Red Cow Lane, SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR AN
Smithfield, UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY
Dublin 7. Cura,
Tel: (01) 814 8860 LoCall Helpline: 1850 622 626
Email: enquiries@oneparent.ie Email: curacares@cura.ie
Web: www.oneparent.ie Web: www.cura.ie
29/06/2012 11:55:22
 FIRST AID & CPR
Simple and easy to understand
First Aid & CPR training in a fun enviroment
Need to know information for every parent in
the comfort of your own home or at a
venue close to you
www.littlelifesavers.ie
Tel: 085 115 1232
(CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation)

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Maternity_137_192.indd 189 29/06/2012 11:55:26














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Maternity_137_192.indd 190 29/06/2012 11:55:43


PACT, Arabella House,
18D Nutgrove Office Park, Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.
Tel: (01) 296 2200
Crisis Pregnancy Line:
1850 673 333
Email: info@pact.ie
Web: www.pact.ie
SUPPORT FOR NON-NATIONALS
(INCLUDING ASYLUM SEEKERS)
Cáirde,
19 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1.
Tel: (01) 855 2111
Email: healthworker@cairde.ie
Web: www.cairde.ie
The Lantern,
17 Synge Street, Dublin 8.
Tel: (01) 405 3868
Email: info@lanterncentre.org
Web: www.lanterncentre.org
Tallaght Intercultural Action,
West Tallaght Resource Centre, 16
Glenshane Lawns, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Tel: (01) 452 2533
Email: tiai@ireland.com
SUPPORT FOR
ASYLUM SEEKERS
The Integration Centre,
18 Dame Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 645 3070
Email: info@integrationcentre.ie
Web: www.integrationcentre.ie
Spirasi,
213 North Circular Road, Dublin 7.
Tel: (01) 838 9664
Email: info@spirasi.ie
Web: www.spirasi.ie
The Irish Vincentians, Provincial Office,
Sybil Hill, Raheny, Dublin 5.
Tel: (01) 851 0840
Web: www.vincentians.ie
SUPPORT FOR
CHILDREN AND PARENTS
UNDER STRESS
Barnardos, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8.
Callsave: 1850 222 300
Tel: (01) 453 0355
Email: info@barnardos.ie
Web: www.barnardos.ie
Childline,
24-hour Freephone Helpline:
1800 666 666
Text: ‘TALK’ to 50101 (2pm-10pm daily)
Web: www.childline.ie
Maternity_137_192.indd 191
Support & Advice Regulars
Parentline, Clontarf, Dublin 3.
Carmichael House, Tel: (01) 818 6400
North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Email: info@iwa.ie
Tel: (01) 873 3500 Web: www.iwa.ie
LoCall: 1890 927 277
Email: info@parentline.ie Meningitis Research Foundation,
Web: www.parentline.ie 63 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1.
Helpline: 1800 413 344
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WITH Tel: (01) 819 6931
SPECIAL NEEDS Email: info@meningitis-ireland.org
Asthma Society of Ireland, Web: www.meningitis-ireland.org
42-43 Amiens Street, Dublin 1.
Helpline: 1850 445 464 (10am-1pm, National Council for the Blind,
Monday-Friday) Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Tel: (01) 817 8886 Tel: 1850 334 353
Email: office@asthmasociety.ie Email: info@ncbi.ie
Web: www.asthmasociety.ie Web: www.ncbi.ie
Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland, WOMEN’S NEEDS
36 Woodlands Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Women’s Aid,
Co. Dublin. 5 Wilton Place, Dublin 2.
Tel: 087 131 9803 Helpline: 1800 341 900 (10am-10pm daily)
Email: info@cleft.ie Tel: (01) 678 8858
Web: www.cleft.ie Email: info@womensaid.ie
Advice and support for women and
Down Syndrome Ireland, children experiencing domestic violence.
Citylink Business Park, Old Naas Road,
Dublin 12. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Tel: (01) 426 6500 AND ADVICE
LoCall: 1890 374 374 Department of Justice and Equality,
Email: info@downsyndrome.ie 94 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.
Web: www.downsyndrome.ie Tel: (01) 602 8202
Lo-Call: 1890 221 227
Enable Ireland, Email: info@justice.ie
32F Rosemount Park Drive, Rosemount Web: www.justice.ie
Business Park, Ballycoolin Road,
Dublin 11. Equality Authority,
Tel: (01) 872 7155 2 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2.
Email: communications@enableireland.ie LoCall: 1890 245 545
Web: www.enableireland.ie Tel: (01) 417 3336
]Email: info@equality.ie
The Hope Project (Disability/Autism), Web: www.equality.ie
St Joseph, Ballinabearna, Ballinhassig,
Co. Cork. Maternity Benefit Section,
Tel: (021) 488 8503 Department of Social Protection,
Email: info@hopeproject.ie McCarter’s Road, Ardarvan, Buncrana,
Web: www.hopeproject.ie Co. Donegal.
LoCall: 1890 690 690
Irish Deaf Society, Tel: (074) 916 4491
30 Blessington Street, Dublin 7. Email: maternityben@welfare.ie
Tel: (01) 860 1878 Web: www.welfare.ie
Email: info@irishdeafsociety.ie
Web: www.deaf.ie Health Protection Surveillance Centre,
25-27 Middle Gardiner Street, Dublin 1.
The Irish Society for Autism, Tel: (01) 876 5300
Unity Building, 16/17 Lower O’Connell Email: hpsc@hse.ie
Street, Dublin 1. Web: www.hpsc.ie
Tel: (01) 874 4684
Web: www.autism.ie Parental Equality,
15a Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Irish Wheelchair Association, Tel: (042) 933 3163
Áras Chúchulainn, Blackheath Drive, Web: www.parentalequality.ie
maternity 191
29/06/2012 11:55:48
 Regulars I Wish I Knew
I wish
{
I knew {
Maternity has gathered the real experts – mums – to
impart their words of wisdom to expectant parents.
Even though everyone who’s had a baby
tells you this, somehow you just shrug it
off and I really wish I’d listened - make
the very, very most of your last few
weeks of pregnancy! At the time you want
it to be over and desperately want to hold
the newest addition, try on all the cute
outfits you bought for them and time just
seems to stand still. Take advantage of it!
Get as organised as you possibly can for
the months ahead – get all your affairs in
order – you’ll thank yourself a thousand
times over when you’re joined by your
little bundle of joy.
Marina, mum to baby Sofia, 7 months.
oirse, 5.
Carol with her daughter Sa
When you’re told to do pelvic floor
exercises while pregnant and after,
do it! Otherwise you will find yourself
having little accidents a couple of
years down the line. Also, don’t
listen to other mothers telling you
about what their baby does, whether
that is that they sleep through
the night, or on their own; Saoirse
walked at nine months – every child
is different. It is what works for you
and your family that matters.
Carol, mum to Saoirse, 5.
192 maternity
Maternity_137_192.indd 192
The best advice I have is to trust your
heart. It is so scary being a new mum
and not knowing how to do any of it! You
have this new precious life in your hands
and you don’t want to do anything wrong,
So you listen to your family, doctors, other
people with kids, etc., because they’ve
all been through it. It’s the hardest thing
in the world not to compare your child
to someone else’s; if they are sleeping
better at night, eating more food, sitting
up, crawling, talking. All babies have their
Marina with her daughter Sof own timeline, so just sit back and enjoy
ia, 7 months.
them experiencing the world at their pace.
Final note: Everyone always seems to
tell horror stories about how your life
is over now, that you’ll never go out,
Try to get out for a walk every day with you’ll never sleep again, etc. Yes it is
your baby – it will stave off cabin fever challenging, but it is the most amazing,
and will help your child to sleep. rewarding experience you’ll ever have.
Clare, mum to Laura, 27, Aisling, 3, and Julia Stuart, mum to baby Finn, aged one.
baby Cormac, 7 weeks.
The day we came home from the hospital and after the last visitor closed the front door
I nearly died; it all became so real that I had this tiny little baby depending on me and
I just burst into tears. It was the most overwhelming feeling I have ever experienced. I
was pretty much warned about everything coming up to the birth except that bit. Baby
Alex is now six months and flying! Gillian, mum to Alex, six months.
Oh I wish I knew that trying be perfect mum
in every way was not the best way to start a
life in parenting. Eight years and three children
later, it seems only yesterday that I gave birth
to my son Aidan. I wish I understood more
what ‘baby blues’ were and that I had more
courage to ask questions about it. The truth
is there is no manual to giving birth, but you
don’t need one. Start by loving your child,
create the bond and the magic that only a
parent and baby know, hold on to it because
my children, and yours, will grow up in the
blink of an eye. Aidan 8, Jane, 4 and R
Aisling, mum to Aidan 8, Rory, 5 and Jane, 4. ory, 5.
29/06/2012 13:41:09
 Murphy’s Est 1942

Pram and Nursery Stores

Trusted by
parents for
70 years

“As a first time mum the practical

advice and customer service were
just fantastic, can’t recommend
them enough.”
Niamh, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

“Murphy’s paid attention to every

detail and asked questions we
never even thought of to ensure
we bought what suited our needs.
It was a wonderful customer
experience and great value.”
Anna, Malahide, Co. Dublin

Trusted by parents for 70 years

Dublin: Main Street | Rathcoole | Co Dublin (Exit 4 off N7) | Ph: 01 458 6793
Wexford: Coach Road | Gorey | Co Wexford | Ph: 053 948 3714
Formerly of Murphy’s Pram & Nursery Store | 17 High Street | Christchurch | Dublin 8

www.murphysprams.ie | info@murphysprams.ie

Main Stockists for:

Mamas & Papas, Teutonia, Kiddy, Cybex, Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Britax, Baby Jogger, Silver Cross, Phil & Teds, Baby Elegance, Dr. Browns, Avent, Born
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*available in our Gorey showrooms – call for special offers (053) 9483714

Cover ads.indd 2 19/06/2012 11:42:16

 NE
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Nutritional support
for you and your baby

Centrum Pregnancy Care is a specially formulated multivitamin-multimineral range for women planning
a baby and for pregnant and breastfeeding mums. Containing 19 vitamins and minerals, including Folic Acid
and Calcium, Centrum Pregnancy Care has been developed by the experts at Centrum to help support the
nutritional needs of you and your baby.
For more information ask at your local pharmacy or visit: www.centrum.ie

www.centrum.ie
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Citywest, Dublin 24. * Trade Mark.

Cover ads.indd 3 19/06/2012 11:42:22