NMH

NMH | 2024 82 Maternity & Obstetrics Birth Preparation and Breastfeeding Classes The Domino and Homebirth service run their own Antenatal Classes include birth preparation and breastfeeding classes. These are all in-person classes offered in both Wicklow and Dublin venues. Over 70% of women attending the service avail of these classes which promote physiological birth. Additionally, we conducted a research project to evaluate our breastfeeding classes, and the results were very positive. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this research in 2025. Antenatal Care in Outlying Clinics External clinics provide both assisted and supported care to women in their local areas who are attending the hospital. Women can access midwifery- led care or obstetric-led care at these clinics. The clinics are primarily run by midwives, with Consultant Obstetricians attending to provide to days 7/8 play a vital role in supporting women through the early breastfeeding challenges. This added support ensures women receive the guidance they need during those crucial first days, helping to foster a successful breastfeeding experience. Homebirths In 2024, we had 35 planned homebirths, of which 18 proceeded to have a homebirth. As in previous years, the majority of these women were multiparous. Notably, there were no intrapartum transfers, and the 17 women who did not have a homebirth continued to receive care under our service and only their place of birth changed. There has been a continued decrease in homebirth numbers nationally, with some women opting for private service providers offering homebirth options. Table 8 lists the details on the reasons for transfer out of the Homebirth service. obstetric-led care for women who require additional input. These combined obstetric and midwifery clinics are available in Loughlinstown, Bray, Arklow, Greystones, and Wicklow Town. Table 2 provides a breakdown of each clinic's activity. In total, 531 women booked into these clinics, and 3,765 women attended appointments, benefiting from a combination of consultant and midwifery- led care. Postnatal Care Table 9 outlines the number of visits made to mothers and babies at home in 2024 which totalled 10,396 visits. This number reflects a combined effort between the Early Transfer Home Programme (ETHP), Domino, and Homebirth services, as all visits are coordinated between both teams based on geographical location. This approach is necessary due to congested traffic and it allows for a more efficient use of the teams' time. Prof Shane Higgins, Master, Martina Queally, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and South East, Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health, Wife of Michael D Higgins, Pres- ident of Ireland, Sabina Higgins, Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health and Mary Brosnan, Director of Midwifery & Nursing at the Community Midwives event celebrating 25 years of the service.

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