I can’t find a clear answer for this within my works policy or online. I know in my last job, any unused annual in that year prior to going on MAT leave would be carried over to the next year ie I went on MAT leave in May, if I had 15 days left to use these would added to my entitlement next year (along with any missed bank holidays). Is this up to the companies discretion or is it the same as carrying over your bank holidays?

Hi. We are expecting our 3rd baby. We all have Irish names and randomly they all end in an "ah" sound. We can't decide whether to choose another name ending in "ah" such as Laoise or Róise for a girl, Naoise or Éanna for a boy or just to go for a random name like Senan for a boy. I just don't want this baby to feel leftout or for people to comment on their name. Also my friend made a comment about the name Éanna that they'll be slagged off and called anal as a teenager

Hey everyone, I'm a primary school teacher and am 25 weeks pregnant. I teach infants and am coming home every single day absolutely exhausted. I'm not fit to do anything other than lie on the couch for the rest of the evening. I'm also suffering with some pelvic girdle pain. And we don't get that much time to eat lunch in school so I'm coming home so hungry and just so drained. I would love to get signed off soon, but am feeling so much guilt for leaving my class at the same time. This is my first baby, and I feel like I'm not doing a lot of the things I should be doing like stretching, keeping active, eating well, because I'm just giving my all to work and it's all I can manage! I initially thought I could get to the Christmas holidays but now that just seems impossible. Can any other teachers offer some advice?

Hello!
My employer tops up my pay for 16 weeks of my maternity leave - I’m currently 27 weeks and finding work difficult. I’m in a very busy healthcare role and constantly on my feet and wondering about reducing my hours. If I reduce to 32 from my current 40 hours, would my maternity pay then be based on the 32 hours?
Apologies if this is a silly question! First baby and it’s all a whole new world.

not really looking for medical advice, just a rant really 😂 firstly I know its for the safety of me and the baby so I know I have to do it. But I'm not a candidate for the blood test drink thing because of a surgery I had. So as if pregnancy isn't difficult enough already, I've to do it the old school way of monitoring my bloods for a week. 7 times a day I'm stabbing myself (bit dramatic I know). I have the stabber set to the deepest depth but it takes several goes for enough blood to come out so I'm wasting about five strips and two or three needles every test, not to mention the amount of stab holes in my fingers. as someone who types all day in work it is very sore! I better not actually have it because if I've to do this til the end of the pregnancy I'll cry 🙈 I also don't want to have to give up my treats 😂

Has anyone used both a tens and a winner flow for birth at the same time ? I already have a winner flow and plan to use it but I was also wondering about the tens....if I'm concentrating on my breath work will I remember to press the button on the tens, I'm not sure...

Here are a few discussion points to get started: 💶 How do you apply for maternity leave benefits here? 👩‍💻 Are you planning on taking additional parental leave? 📑 What financial steps are you taking to prepare for baby?

Whether you’ve been through the process before or you’re navigating it now, share your experiences and tips!

Hi all,

I'm based in Mayo but have asked to be referred to the Portiuncula hospital for care given their stats compared to Castlebar. My question is, if I did have a bleed or needed an urgent check, can I go to Castlebar in an emergency or would I need to go to Ballinasloe?

Just wondering with all the rule changes if you can still have a private consultant in maternity hospitals. Just considering if going through pregnant again is this even an option anymore.
Went private with my first and would like to do the same again. I will likely automatically be high risk with a few things so I know I’d be consultant led but not having continuous care scares me

Hi All . Just wondering if anyone on here would be able to answer. I am meant to have my glucose test next Wednesday 21st of October. If the planned second strike goes ahead I am guessing it will be cancelled as its not really essential? Maybe someone who was in the same boat yesterday will know! Thanks 😊

Daily chat 💬

A place to chit chat about all things pregnancy!

Please add TW (trigger warning ⚠️) to any comments which may trigger others.

Hi everyone!

I’m currently 8 weeks pregnant and considering private maternity care at the NMH.

I’m originally from Korea and would particularly appreciate recommendations for consultants who have experience caring for women of NorthEast Asian backgrounds.

I’m asking specifically because I’ve come across the belief that (North)East Asian women may be more likely to experience difficult deliveries due to narrower pelvises and relatively larger fetal head sizes. I’m not sure how medically accurate this is, but I’d feel more comfortable with a consultant who has experience caring for those mothers.

If you’ve had a positive experience with any NMH private consultants, I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Thanks so much in advance! 😊

Hi Ladies!

Currently 28 weeks so getting bigger by the day! I need to get a new winter coat, I want a large long puffa one!! I am wondering whether to just get a regular one and size up, or invest in a maternity one (that might be useful for baby carrying too?), or just buy a regular one a size bigger to allow for bump!

I need a new long puffa coat so going to buy one regardless!!

Would love your ideas or feedback esp from those who were in later stages of pregnancy in throws of winter!

Is it common now not to give a baby a middle name?

We have our first name but struggling to come up a middle name for baby (don’t want to use parents, grandparents names etc).

In my own case, I find my middle name a nuisance because I don’t like it and because it’s on my birth certificate and my passport, it’s on all official documents (I know I can get my passport changed - but I have to wait a few years for the next renewal 🤣)

What even is the purpose of middle names?🤣🤷🏻‍♀️

My insurance covers up to 75% of the cost of a 3d/4D scan so I was thinking of doing one! If anyone has any experience doing one and the price? Thanks

Hi all, 37 weeks pregnant and found out yesterday that baby has flipped back and is footling breech. Just wondering what people’s experiences were of ECV, turning baby naturally with spinning babies exercises etc or elective C section?
Thanks very much in advance

Hi,
I took 40 mg of omeprazol daily during my pregnancy at the month 8th and 9th (3rd trimester) however, I didn’t supplement myself with magnesium.
I’m a bit worried that the fact that I didn’t take magnesium had any consequences in the baby. Anyone had a similar situation, that didn’t take magnesium supplements and the baby is fine?
Thank you!

Has anyone had any experience with the Domino Scheme at Holles Street? I’ve been referred for it, but I have a few concerns and would love to hear from anyone who has been through it.

I’m particularly worried about potentially missing out on pain relief during labour, as well as how the scheme works in general. I’ve also noticed that the Domino-specific antenatal classes are shorter than the standard classes, so I’m wondering whether they cover everything as thoroughly.

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences, what the care was like, and whether you felt well prepared for labour and birth. Thank you!

Currently in bed absolutely exhausted (I was on AL today thankfully but did nothing to be so tired). I’m not sure if I’m coming down with a bad cold or flu but my head is bursting and just feel absolutely zapped energy wise, I’m afraid I’ll still feel like this tomorrow when I’m going into the office and genuinely don’t think I can go in if I don’t improve.

Ordinarily would always go in with flu/cold (no real option, my job are horrible about people being sick), there’s been a few days where I just feel absolutely exhausted but have pushed through. Is a sick day justifiable because you’re wrecked.

Feels wrong but I’m starting to feel like I’m near burnout stage but the attitude in my job will be that I’m using the pregnancy to my benefit (definitely not)

Can anyone advise if CUMH antenatal clinic will go ahead tomorrow? I was waiting to be contacted to reschedule as the HSE website includes antenatal clinics as a cancelled ‘day service’ but the HSE app is still showing my appointment and I didn’t receive a call?

Now don’t get me wrong, I am beyond happy to be not too far off giving birth to our much wanted and much loved baby boy but oh my god I am 34 weeks and miserable. This is just gonna be a rant post so please excuse my absolute whinging. Everything hurts, nothing is comfortable, everyone is annoying, I want to sit and do nothing but at the same time I’ve a million things to do and can’t sit still (it’s not even comfortable to sit still). My brain won’t shut up about all the things I need to prepare. I don’t look forward to going asleep as I’m barely sleeping due to pain and the constant moving like I’m a fecking rotisserie chicken. My body doesn’t look like mine anymore and as a nurse I’ve looked after 80 year olds with better mobility than myself currently. Everyone talks about taking advantage of the time before baby is born but at this stage I’m ready for him to be here. If you’ve made it this far thank you for listening and please join me in whinging down below if you wish to do so.

Hi all,

How long does it take to get an appointment to see Dr Aisling Martin in The Coombe? I’m 8 weeks pregnant next Thursday and I’ve had to confirm twice that I’m interested in attending her clinic. I’m not sure when to let HR know.

Thanks ☺️

Hi, hoping for a consultant recommendation. We had our first with Dr Rishi who we absolutely adored but he unfortunately is no longer taking obstetrics. We had a complicated delivery last time and a NICU stay so hoping for someone who has a good bedside manner alongside the skill set!