CNME Connects

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Forced Early Marriage (FEM) are serious human rights violations that continue to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. While these practices may be perceived as occurring elsewhere, healthcare professionals in Ireland are increasingly likely to encounter women, girls and families who have been affected. This episode aims to increase awareness, improve understanding and equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and confidence to respond safely, compassionately and appropriately.

In this episode of CNME Connects, Selene Daly Tarpey speaks with Bethlehem Solomon, Project Coordinator with AkiDwA, whose work focuses on supporting migrant women and advocating for the rights of women and girls affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and forced early marriage.

Together, they explore:

What Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is and the different forms it can take.

What constitutes forced early marriage and how it differs from arranged marriage.

The short- and long-term physical, psychological and emotional impact of these harmful practices.

The role of healthcare professionals in recognising risk, responding to disclosures and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

How to provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, person-centred care.

The support services and referral pathways available throughout Ireland.

This conversation is particularly relevant for nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health professionals, social care staff and anyone working with women, children and families across acute, community, maternity, primary care and mental health services.

Useful Resources and Support Services
Health Service Executive (HSE)

Information on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), treatment services and support:
HSE – Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

AkiDwA – Migrant Women's Network Ireland

National organisation supporting women affected by FGM, gender-based violence and forced marriage:
AkiDwA

Irish Red Cross

Information on humanitarian and community support services:
Irish Red Cross

Tusla

Child protection and welfare concerns:
https://www.tusla.ie

An Garda Síochána

If there is an immediate safeguarding concern or someone is at risk, contact An Garda Síochána by dialling 999 or 112.

Support for HSE Staff
Discussions relating to FGM, forced marriage and safeguarding can be emotionally challenging. HSE staff who feel affected by the issues explored in this podcast can access confidential support through the HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

24-hour confidential support line: 0818 327 327

Website:
HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Thank you for listening to CNME Connects, where we bring healthcare professionals together to share knowledge, strengthen practice and improve care for patients, families and communities.

Episode Overview
In this episode of CNME Connects, Selene, Dennis and Ken explore the power of coaching conversations and how deep listening and thoughtful guidance can support personal growth, professional development and wellbeing.

The discussion explores what coaching is, how it differs from mentoring or counselling, and how reflective conversations can help individuals gain clarity, build confidence and navigate challenges.

The episode also reflects on self-awareness, emotional regulation and reflective practice, particularly for healthcare professionals working in busy clinical environments.

Key Themes in This Episode

What coaching is and how it differs from advice-giving

The importance of deep listening

Guiding rather than directing conversations

The role of reflection in personal and professional growth

Coaching as a tool for leadership and wellbeing

Asking thoughtful questions that support insight and change

Resources Mentioned
HSE Coaching Supports
Healthcare staff in Ireland can access confidential coaching through the HSE.

HSE National Coaching Service
Coaching supports are available to HSE staff and Section 38 organisations. Coaching can support leadership development, career progression, confidence building and navigating workplace challenges.

https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/training-and-development/coaching/

 

Authors and Influences Mentioned
Brené Brown
Researcher and author exploring vulnerability, courage, empathy and leadership.

Recommended reading

Dare to Lead

Atlas of the Heart

The Gifts of Imperfection

Website
https://brenebrown.com

Anne Lamott
Writer known for thoughtful reflections on spirituality, compassion and personal growth.

Recommended reading

Bird by Bird

Help, Thanks, Wow

Website
https://annelamott.com

Iyanla Vanzant
Spiritual teacher and author who speaks about emotional healing, self-awareness and spiritual hygiene.

Recommended reading

Acts of Faith

In the Meantime

Peace from Broken Pieces

Website
https://iyanlavanzant.com

Why Coaching Matters in Healthcare
Coaching skills can strengthen communication and leadership in healthcare settings by helping professionals:

listen more effectively

support colleagues through reflection rather than advice

encourage psychological safety

develop insight and self-awareness

improve teamwork and decision-making

Even simple coaching skills such as curiosity, listening and thoughtful questioning can transform everyday conversations.

Reflection Question for Listeners
As you listen to this episode, consider:

When was the last time someone truly listened to you without trying to solve the problem?

And equally:

How often do we offer that same quality of listening to others?

In this episode of CNME Connects, we are joined by Rachel Wirtz, Clinical Specialist Paediatric and Neonatal Chartered Physiotherapist at Sligo University Hospital, alongside Fiola Murphy, for a practical and evidence-based discussion on newborn positioning.

Rachel shares clear, clinically grounded guidance on how early positioning strategies can help prevent common infant conditions while supporting healthy development in the first months of life.

🍼 What We Discuss

The importance of safe sleep positioning

Why tummy time matters — and how to introduce it safely

Recognising early signs of positional head shape changes (such as flattening)

Practical tools and supports to optimise infant positioning

How to balance safe sleep guidance with developmental needs

When to seek professional advice

This episode is particularly valuable for:

Parents and caregivers

Public health nurses

Midwives

Neonatal and paediatric healthcare professionals

👶 Key Takeaways

Back to sleep, every sleep remains essential for safe sleep.

Supervised tummy time while awake supports motor development and reduces the risk of positional head shape changes.

Early recognition and simple positioning adjustments can prevent more complex interventions later.

Clear, consistent messaging across maternity, community, and acute services is vital.

🔗 Useful Resources
For trusted, evidence-based information on infant safe sleep and positioning:

The Lullaby Trust
www.lullabytrust.org.uk

Health Service Executive – MyChild
www.mychild.ie

These resources provide up-to-date guidance for parents and healthcare professionals.

As always, CNME Connects shares stories and expertise that inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with colleagues, students, or parents who may benefit from practical guidance on newborn care.

In this episode Fiola Murphy is joined by Rachel Wirtz, Clinical Specialist Paediatric and Neonatal Physiotherapist at  Sligo University Hospital, for a rich and practical conversation on infant development and early movement.

Rachel brings nearly 19 years’ experience in children’s physiotherapy, including 13 years in early intervention and school-age community services. She is a member of the Executive Committee of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. During the episode, she shares insights from her specialist neonatal role.

The discussion explores:

The importance of infant positioning and tummy time

Practical do’s and don’ts for carrying and handling babies

Night-time routines and safe sleep considerations

Supporting parents with clear, evidence-based guidance

This is an engaging and informative episode for parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone involved in early infant care.

Helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk

https://www.mychild.ie

January can be one of the toughest months of the year.
After the pace and pressure of Christmas, many people are left feeling tired, flat, overwhelmed, or out of rhythm — just when it can seem like everyone else is “back to normal” and full of plans.

In this episode of CNME Connects, Selene Daly Tarpey is joined by Dennis O’Brien and Ken Hogan for an honest and compassionate conversation about the January Blues. Together, they explore the new year in a realistic, grounded way — without pressure, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.

The discussion looks at:

Why January can feel emotionally and physically heavy

Reflecting on the new year without falling into comparison or self-criticism

Setting goals that don’t overwhelm or exhaust

Navigating post-Christmas challenges such as fatigue, low mood, financial stress, and loss of routine

Practical, achievable ways to create a positive start to the year

Building healthy routines that feel supportive rather than restrictive

Embracing change gently, at a pace that works for you

This is an informative and reassuring episode for anyone who finds this time of year difficult, confusing, or draining. There is no pressure to feel motivated, optimistic, or “fixed”. Instead, this conversation offers permission to pause, reflect, and take small, meaningful steps forward — one day at a time.

If this episode resonates with you, you’re not alone. Support and resources are available, and a selection is linked below:

HSE Health & Wellbeing
Practical information and supports on mental health, wellbeing, and coping strategies:
👉 www.yourmentalhealth.ie

Samaritans Ireland 
Free, confidential listening support, available 24/7:
👉 www.samaritans.org

SpunOut (for young people and young adults)
Trusted mental health information and signposting to supports:
👉 www.spunout.ie