The Domino and Community Midwives scheme is a midwifery-led service that offers 24 hour care to expectant mothers from the first few weeks right up until after Baby is born.

 

The scheme provides antenatal care in certain locations across Ireland for women who are considered low-risk and looking for an active birth without an epidural. It is also there for mothers who want to give birth at home.  

 

The scheme encourages mums to use natural methods to help with contractions including massage, movement, heat packs, and good mental health.

 

1. Medical care: What do they do?

 

Along with combined care with your GP, the Community Midwife will check your blood pressure, urine and the baby’s heart beat. Should the need arise they will refer you to an Obstetrician.

 

What is the schedule of care for those who choose to go with the Community Midwife scheme:

  • Week 12 - 14: After you have registered with your GP, your first visit with the Domino midwife will be around the 12 week mark. Here bloods will be taken and your ultrasound scan will be booked in.
  • Week 18: You will have an antenatal check with your GP.
  • Week 22: An ultrasound will be performed by the scan department in your chosen hospital.
  • Week 24 – 26: Your midwife will do an antenatal check and test for gestational diabetes, if necessary.
  • Week 30 - 37:  You will have an antenatal check every two weeks, alternating between your midwife and GP. On the 37th weeks your midwife will discuss any particular wishes that you have.
  • Week 38 – 41: You will receive weekly antenatal appointments alternating between your midwife and GP.

 

2. Post birth:

  • Once your baby is born, you will be discharged between six and 12 hours after delivery, once everything is ok.
  • You will be visited by the Community Midwife at your home for ten days after the birth.
  • The public health nurse will also call and and arrange follow-up care in your local clinic.
  • At week two and six you will receive a postnatal check for you and your baby with your GP.

3. Where can I avail of these services: 

 

The following is a list of hospitals that provide the Community Midwife service in selected locations.

 

Please check your maternity care provider to see if the scheme is available to you.

  • National Maternity Hospital, Holles St. - South Dublin and Wicklow
  • Coombe – Along with hospital appointments, certain care can be provided postnatally from a midwife in the home for women living in Dublin 8, 12, 22, 24 and Lucan as well as Naas, Sallins, Newbridge, Johnstown and Kill in Co. Kildare.
  • Rotunda - Cabra, Finglas, Ballymun and Coolock 
  • Cork University Hospital
108 Shares

Latest

Trending