At Knock Medical Centre, we aim to provide you with the most complete, professional and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy journey and into early motherhood. With two practice Midwives on our team, we see evidence based antenatal and postnatal care as cornerstones of our practice and we are keen to share our experience and expertise with you every step of the way.
Our Midwifery Services at Knock Medical Centre are provided under the HSE’s Maternity and Infant Scheme. Under this programme, all women who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and have a PPS number, are entitled to the free provision of shared maternity care between your GP practice and your chosen hospital. This is called the Mother and Infant Scheme.
For normal, uncomplicated pregnancies you will be looked after for your scheduled GP consultations by our Midwives, Maura or Nikki. After your booking visit with us you will attend the Hospital for your initial visit with them (approx 12 weeks for your dating scan and blood tests). Your ‘big scan’ generally takes place in the hospital at 18-22 weeks gestation.
What happens at your ‘Booking Visit’?
If you have a positive home pregnancy test, we would encourage you to make an appointment to see us for your first antenatal visit. We will:
- Confirm your pregnancy
- Calculate your due date
- Get a baseline for your Blood pressure
- Discuss any concerns or worries that you may have
- Give information and advice on healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy
- Give information on healthy eating choices during pregnancy
- Discuss recommended vaccines during pregnancy (add HSE links here to flu vaccine/pertussis vaccine/covid vaccine during pregnancy)
- Discuss breastfeeding
- Advise on support groups that may be relevant to you
- We complete your Mother and Infant care scheme application with you.
After the birth of your baby, we encourage you to make an appointment with us for a 2 Week Baby Check, usually carried out by our GP. This checks the overall well being of your baby and your baby’s growth and allows you to discuss any worries you may have. It also gives you an opportunity to share any concerns you may have with your own recovery after the birth.
A 6 Week Baby Check for both mother and baby is also recommended. We are available to discuss any worries or concerns you may have for either yourself or your baby. We offer a baby weight check and can discuss feeding. We can also discuss your family planning needs.
Your local Public Health Nurse also visits you and your baby at home during the first days and weeks after the birth. This service is also provided free of charge and is a great source of support for new mothers.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start in life as it has lots of benefits for both you and your baby that last a lifetime. The Midwives at Knock Medical Centre are here to support and advise you on your breastfeeding journey.
There are excellent breastfeeding information resources to be found at The National Maternity hospital’s website www.nmh.ie
Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression may affect up to 1 in 7 new mothers, although some experts believe it affects more than this. Symptoms may start as baby blues and then get worse, or they may take some time to develop. It may be most obvious when your baby is 4 – 6 months old. If you are finding it difficult to cope, please reach out. We at Knock Medical Centre are here to support you. There is a link below to some information which you may find helpful.
Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriage is a really sad and often lonley journey for women and their partners as it means the loss of your precious baby . It is important to know that miscarriage is not your fault and is outside of your control. If you are affected by miscarriage we can offer you support and advice. Some helpful links of support groups are listed below.
Grief counselling is available at Knock Counselling Centre, contact:
counsellingoffice@knockshrine.ie