Hey there mama-to-be! 

You don't have to give birth in the hospital....

Having a home birth can provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for the birth of your baby. It allows you to have more control over the birthing process and can provide a more personalised experience. This option is safe for low-risk pregnancies.

Currently the HSE run a National Home Birth Service. I have chatted to lots of Mum’s in the studio about home birth. Some have gone the route of a private home birth while others have gone this new HSE route. and have given me great feedback on both ! I have linked the HSE info below and a private provider.

HSE Home Birth Information

Birthfit - Private Midwifery led care

Epidurals are not the only form of pain relief available during labor....

Epidurals are a common form of pain relief during labor, but they are not the only option available. Other forms of pain relief include nitrous oxide (aka the Happy Gas), spinal blocks, and natural methods such as hypnobirthing, acupuncture and massage. These options can provide a more natural and less invasive form of pain relief.

Personally I used hypnobirthing during both my pregnancies. I listened to the meditations every night going to sleep & had my affirmations stuck around the house. I found these to be extremely helpful when it came to having both my children. I am an anxious person by nature so I got great reassurance and a sense of calm from it.

Gentlebirth - This is the one I used. They now have a handy app with everything, it was cd's when I used it !!!

Mindful Hypnobirthing Course   - The Coombe

Private Hypnobirthing Class - The Rotunda

Hypnobirthing Cork - Private Class

You can bring your own music or sounds to the delivery room....

Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, and it can help create a calm and soothing environment for you during labor. You can bring your own playlist, a sound machine, or even your own voice to help you relax and focus during labor.

Set yourself up a playlist and listen to it during your pregnancy so it will be familiar and comforting !

Birthing pools can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during labor.

Warm water can help ease the pain and discomfort of contractions, and it also allows you to move around more easily, which can help the baby move down the birth canal. Birthing pools can also provide a sense of privacy and intimacy during labor. You can also listen to your hypnobirthing while your in there !

The Coombe Hospital Birthing Pool Information

Water for Labour - The Rotunda Hospital

Wexford General Hospital

Our Lady Of Lourdes Drogheda

You will probably poop during labor (and that's okay!).

It's a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. Don't let this concern hold you back, it's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Birthing positions - there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.

There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying down. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.

HSE Information on Upright Birth Position

Doulas are a great support and aren’t only used for birth.

A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth. I also heard they cook you yummy meals when you get home too !!

Doula Association of Ireland - Find a Doula

You can eat and drink during labor, if you want to.

Having a light snack can help keep your energy levels up. It's important to listen to your body and your healthcare provider during labor, and to make sure you are well hydrated and nourished. Check with your care provider what their policy is on eating and drinking during labour.

Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem - THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT ONE !!!

C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It's important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.

I ended up having two c-sections, the first was an emergency one at 33 weeks. The nurses and doctors took amazing care of me and my son. It all happened very fast and felt very scary to me at the time, but looking back on it they had it all covered and we were both looked after so well (big shout out to the Coombe) !! The second time I ended up with a more ‘planned’ section, well I knew 24 hours in advance. This was due to reduced fluid levels and my previous section history. This time I was exceptionally nervous after having a previous emergency section. Well I need not have been at all, it was an altogether different experience, lovely and calm, music in the theatre and everyone having a great chat !!

HSE Information on C-Sections

Preparing for a C-Section Meditation

And last but not least..... don't forget to book your newborn photographer!