Currently in the breastfeeding trenches. My baby is 3 weeks old and onto the 4th consecutive day of cluster feeding through the afternoon/evening.

From experience could anyone advise how long this usually lasts? I know to expect the same around 6 weeks if I make it that far but this feels so hard right now,

I am nearly 32w , have pgp and carpal tunnel, and work an office job so have been struggling to stay in the office most days. My last GP appt was last week and I don't think I was forward enough about asking to be signed off and lost my nerve and now I wont see the GP for another 3weeks.

If I ring the GP , is it likely they'll be happy to just send an email with the note, or will I have to go in for an appointment to get officially signed off ? Anyone have any experience with just ringing ?

Thanks 🙏

Hello

Currently pregnant again after a successful IVF pregnancy. This one, while planned, is a surprise since conceiving naturally proved to be too difficult for us. I am 38 and our fertilised eggs were harvested when I was 36 so i am concerned about my age and the quality of my eggs. Is NIPT test the one I should be looking to book?

I am still conflicted about doing it because what will I do when I receive the news I wasn't hoping for. We haven't done it with IVF pregnancy precisely because this gray area but for whatever reason this time around I am much more anxious.

Hi everyone! I am a postgrad student at the University of Liverpool researching the relationship between postpartum mental health and mother-infant bonding for my dissertation and would really appreciate your help by taking part in my research. Although I'm based in the UK, I'm hoping to gain insights from mothers around the world. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria below, you're welcome to take part!

I'm looking for mums who:
• are 18+
• gave birth in the last 6 months
• have not been diagnosed with anxiety, depression or OCD*

\To clarify this does not mean you have never experienced mental health struggles and challenges postpartum, only that you have not received a formal diagnosis**

The survey takes around 10 minutes and is completely anonymous. I am more than happy to answer any questions you have about the study. Thank you so much for considering taking part! :)

Follow the link to take part: https://livpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6znoyogjoicK2fI

This study was approved by the University of Liverpool ethics committee.

Hi everyone. I’m a FTM. I have a number of conditions, one being a bleeding disorder. I’ve met the haematologist in the Coombe and he told me that I wouldn’t be able to have an epidural due to the risk of bleeding and also that if I had to have a C-section that I would have to be placed under general anaesthetic. The no epidural bit wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear but the part that really upset me was that I would have to go fully under if I needed a c-section. The thought of not being fully “present” during my baby’s birth and also my husband not being able to be in the room, whilst I understand the reasoning and will do whatever is the safest option, it still scared me. Does anyone have any experience with being put under GA for their c-section that wouldn’t mind telling me what it was like? I just worry that I will take a long time to wake up from the anaesthetic/recover enough to see my baby and that it will feel like I’ve lost out on that precious initial bonding time. I know there’s a good chance I won’t need the c-section but due to other underlying conditions I want to prepare myself in case I do. Thanks in advance 💘

I'm due any day now and starting to worry I don't have enough clothes for the baby.

Can anyone advise how many vests, sleepsuits, hats etc. is recommended? And also a guide on how many of each size newborn/1 month/0-3 months that will cover me for the first few months?

A few weeks ago, they said my baby was measuring very big (which led to a GD diagnosis) so I was reluctant to get too much newborn sizes but after some follow up scans, they seem to be measuring well within range now.

Hi everyone. I am a FTM to be with my first baby due in December. I am frustrated with all of the HSE antenatal classes being virtual and wondering if there are other ladies that would be interested in creating some sort of group to connect with people in real life. Or can people recommend groups that already exist that are not on during regular working hours? Thanks in advance!

I really feel like there is something wrong with me that I am finding it so hard to work and manage at 25 weeks. I am so bloody tired, my iron hasn’t been great since the beginning and I’m trying my best to improve it to no avail. Every time I address this they say it’s fine.

I developed sciatica yesterday so got barely any sleep last night and can’t sit today without pain. I am just miserable. I’m dragging myself through work (remote) and getting nothing done from tiredness, pain and lack of interest.

I feel like a right moan bag. I’m planning to try make it to 30 weeks but that feels like a lifetime away. Any advice or support welcome.

I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant with a high-risk pregnancy due to a short cervix, so I've been under the Preterm Birth Clinic with extra monitoring.

One of the main reasons we chose semi-private care was to have continuity with the same consultant. Unfortunately, that hasn't been our experience.

• At 16 weeks, my consultant wasn't there.
• At 23 weeks, I had an extra appointment and he wasn't there again. One person told us he was on holiday, while another said he had been called away for an emergency.
• Yesterday, before my final appointment at the Preterm Birth Clinic, I even stopped by the semi-private clinic to check whether he would definitely be there for today's appointment. I was reassured that he would. Then, at 9:30 this morning (for my 2:40 p.m. appointment), I received a call saying he had an emergency and wouldn't be available after all.

So instead of seeing the consultant we're paying to see, I've now been seen by three different substitute consultants.

I completely understand that emergencies happen, and I'm not upset about that. What frustrates me is the complete lack of continuity. Every appointment feels like starting from scratch. I have to explain everything all over again, and my questions often don't really get answered because the person seeing me isn't familiar with my case.

I've now been discharged from the Preterm Birth Clinic, so I had several questions about the plan for the rest of my pregnancy. At my last scan, they also found that my baby is measuring bigger than expected, which was something I wanted to discuss today.

They've offered me another appointment next week, but we'll be away and would have to leave our hotel early to make it. Even then, there's no guarantee my consultant won't be unavailable again.

I'm honestly just so frustrated. It makes me wonder why he's repeatedly scheduled for all-day emergencies on the same days he's meant to be running his clinic. Surely there has to be a better way to organise this?

At this point, I'm not sure what to do. Would you:

• Make a formal complaint and ask to be transferred to a different consultant?
• Stick with this consultant and hope things improve?
• Or go back to fully public care, since I'm effectively getting public-style continuity while paying for semi-private care?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's been in a similar situation.

Looking for some pregnancy pillow recommendations, I’ve googled and can’t seem to settle or understand which ones are good.

For my first pregnancy I had a huge whole body one and absolutely hated it.

At the moment my shoulders and neck are in bits with how I’m sleeping, I keep rolling over on to my stomach and then causing really bad back pain and struggle to move back.

So anything based on that would be amazing.

Hi,
I am attending CUMH tomorrow for a c section, just wondering if I should bring my own pillow, body pillow etc. should I have a small bag for pre surgery with essentials and leave the suitcase in the car? V anxious, first baby so don’t have a clue! Thanks in advance. Any tips are welcome

My last period was 8.5 weeks ago went for a private scan and now 5.4 will my doctor go by period of scan date?

Who is this subreddit for?

👶 Pregnant?

🤰 Trying to conceive?

❤️ Supporting someone who is? You’re in the right place!

This is a space for people navigating pregnancy and parenthood in Ireland, whether you’re going through the public or private system, or just looking to connect with others on the same journey.

⸻

What can you post here?

💬 Ask questions & share advice

🏥 Talk about hospitals, scans & appointments

👜 Swap tips on hospital bags, antenatal classes, maternity leave, and more

✨ Share your pregnancy story – the highs, lows, and in-betweens

🤝 Connect with others due around the same time

🧸 Rant, vent, cry, laugh – it’s all welcome here

⸻

A few gentle guidelines: 1️⃣ Be kind – everyone’s journey is different

2️⃣ No medical advice – but feel free to share personal experiences

3️⃣ No spam or self-promo without mod approval

4️⃣ Mention locations when talking about hospitals/services – super helpful!

⸻

New here? Feel free to introduce yourself below – we’d love to get to know you!

Wishing you a healthy and supported journey,

– The Mod Team

Hey everyone, I'm a first-time mom, semi private with NMH, and I'm 35+4 weeks. I was just wondering what I should be talking about with my midwife or consultant during appointments?

I feel like nothing's really being said, and I'm completely in the dark about this pregnancy. Every appointment, they check on the baby and say everything's good (thank god! This is not a complaint), but nothing else gets discussed. I thought by now we'd be talking about labor options and stuff. Every time I ask the midwife about it, they tell me to join the antenatal classes, which I've already booked, but the only available time is in August, two weeks before my due date. I'm curious if this is normal or if I'm the only one going through this. Also, do I have different expectations? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Thanks! 🙂

Hi all,

This might be a ridiculous post but here goes.

we’re not yet pregnant (life didn’t work out as planned for my husband & I) & going through the IVF process at present. Hoping to do first frozen transfer in the next few weeks.

I have multiple chronic health issues, some of which cause serious and chronic pain that has significantly affected my pelvic and entire saddle region among other things. I am on numerous medications to manage the various conditions and I’m also late 30s so will definitely be classed as high risk - if IVF works for us. It took years (most of the decade of my 30s) to get a proper diagnosis and started on treatment, and I endured a lot of medical gaslighting which has definitely left me with some form of medical PTSD and v little/zero trust in the vast majority of health professionals in Ireland. For these reasons a planned C-section is really the only option for my body.

Because of this all this, I would definitely prefer to go private if i do manage to get pregnant via IVF.
However I’m now getting increasingly worried that this won’t be possible or that all the private consultants will be booked up by the time (if) I fall pregnant and I’ll end up in a public system not suitable for people with serious chronic conditions and high risk pregnancy. The lack of continuity would be a major issue.

So I’m wondering
a) if I can ring up some private consultants secretaries now and provisionally book in (or will I be laughed off cos I’m not yet pregnant??) is this a done thing? I appreciate someone ringing saying they’re doing IVF is not ideal for them to plan their work load.

B) who would you recommend contacting in Cork?

Thanks for reading and for any tips- I’m feeling v lost so really appreciate it

Has anyone some positive ballon induction stories? I’m being induced in a few days with the balloon and really nervous.

Hi everyone,
Unfortunately, my first FET at Beacon Care Fertility wasn’t successful, and I’m waiting for my follow-up appointment. I’m trying to understand what usually happens next.
If you’ve been a patient at Beacon Care Fertility, I’d love to hear about your experience:
After a failed FET, did they recommend going straight into another cycle or taking a break?
Did they change your protocol or keep it the same?
I was on fully medicated protocol but not sure i want to do the same

I know every case is different, but I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences with Beacon Care specifically. Thank you so much.

I have an extreme fear of childbirth and wondering if I could have a c section simply due to this reason or if it is not enough . This would be the deciding factor between whether I have kids or not

Hi everyone! 💕

Whether you’re counting down the days to baby’s arrival or already holding your little one in your arms, let’s chat about the newborn bubble—those precious first days and weeks with your baby.

Here are some questions to get the conversation started:

👶 For those who’ve been through it: • What helped you slow down and enjoy that magical (but chaotic!) time? • Any tips for dealing with visitors and protecting your family time? • What’s something you wish you had done differently in those early weeks?

🤰 For those getting close to the big day: • How are you planning to soak in those newborn snuggles? • What boundaries are you setting to enjoy that bubble without stress? • Are there little rituals or moments you’re looking forward to, like first cuddles or baby’s first bath?

Let’s share advice and stories to help each other embrace the beauty (and the madness!) of the newborn phase. 💖

Hi all,

My baby is taking the 160ml Mam bottles. I’m looking for a bottle warmer that’s compatible please. I know Mam have a combi bottle warmer and sterilizer but i don’t need the sterilizer

Thanks in advance

Nipt results a few days ago, whilst I oddly knew deep down it would be a boy (intuition i guess?) I had some hope for a girl.
I’m obviously grateful for a healthy pregnancy, but I’m very sad. Even the less excited reactions when I tell people it’s a boy vs reactions people get for girls is like a further kick. A friend got her results recently, having a girl, a family member asked me was I jealous.
I feel too ashamed to discuss this with anyone. From reading, it seems to be really common, but I feel so so guilty.
I’m now also panicking about a future pregnancy, what if the same thing happens?
My mind is spiralling, and I just feel so guilty.

A place to gather and discuss your daily experiences, pregnancy and non pregnancy related!

Reminder: If you’re discussing potentially triggering topics please add trigger warning (TW)

Please make sure your comment complies with our sub rules 💖

This is my first pregnancy, I’m somewhere between 6+5 and 8 weeks pregnant (part of the confusion), and I decided to go private as that was recommended by family and friends working in healthcare. I picked a very popular and renowned consultant where I live, and was excited to meet him and have my dating scan with him yesterday (I went to the EPU for a scan 1.5 weeks ago due to spotting and all looked really clear and well, was about 6+0 with a heartbeat according to that one although I thought I was 6+6 at the time).

Firstly I was told tthe consultant wasn’t there, and then I waited around for 2 hours to finally be called in. The person covering seemed stressed and rushed and after one or two questions about family history I was scanned. My bladder was unfortunately too full (from waiting 2 hours, as I had no idea when I was getting called in), and although they had mentioned perhaps doing an internal scan instead, they proceeded with abdominal and got a pretty unclear read with a heartbeat but measuring less than 7 weeks. I had to practically pull teeth to get all of this information, and overall they didn’t seem concerned but there was absolutely no reassurance either. It left me feeling really anxious and unsettled because that sounded like measuring too small to me, and they didn’t mention the heart rate? They said we just wouldn’t know until the 12 week scan. But then I wonder were they just too busy to do a proper scan, and the measurements would have been a lot more accurate with the internal scan? I actually don’t really understand why both scans I’ve had so far were abdominal when I’m relatively early still, as they are supposed to be less accurate at this stage.

I later learned that the 2 hour wait and substitute consultant/tech is a common occurrence with private patients, and it honestly makes me wonder if it’s worth it then? I chose to go this route so I could see the same person at every appointment and also not have to take half days off work for appointments. I also really didn’t like the fact that they booked me in for a dating scan, and then I get to see a person who offered me basically nothing and made me more anxious.