CNME Connects

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

Welcome to CNME Connects, a podcast sharing stories that inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Fiola Murphy and Gertrude Doddy open a thoughtful and down-to-earth discussion on bedwetting in children, tweens, and teens — a topic that’s often whispered about, yet deeply impacts family life.

🎙️ What We Explore in This Episode

Why bedwetting happens
Development, genetics, bladder maturity, sleep patterns — and why it’s rarely “their fault.”

💡 The bowel–bladder connection
How constipation and stool retention can directly affect night-time wetting, and why recognising patterns early matters.

💬 Emotional impact
Supporting children with kindness, reducing shame, and helping them stay engaged socially and academically.

🛏️ Practical management tips
Hydration, routines, bladder training, bedtime strategies, and small environmental tweaks that make a big difference.

⏰ Bedwetting alarms
When they work, how to introduce them, and the common pitfalls parents can avoid.

✔️ Do’s and Don’ts
Clear guidance to help families manage the condition without stress or blame.

🎙️ This conversation brings empathy, reassurance, and clarity — helping parents feel less alone and giving healthcare staff practical insights to support them.

📚 Resources Mentioned
          Leaflet for Parents:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/continence/healthcare-professionals/leaflet-bedwetting-in-children.pdfERIC Assossiation

https://eric.org.uk/childrens-bladders/bedwetting/

         Bristol Stool Chart for Children

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/continence/public/poo-passport-part-2-pdf-for-the-parent-and-child-.pdf

Welcome to CNME Connects, the podcast that shares stories to inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Ken Hogan sits down with Donna McGee, Addiction Services Lead for Social Inclusion in the North West, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed practice.

Donna brings warmth, honesty, and deep professional insight as she explores:

What adverse childhood experiences are and why they matter;

How early adversity can shape lifelong health and wellbeing;

The meaning of trauma-informed care and how we can bring it into everyday practice;

Why compassion, trust, and understanding are the foundation of healing.

It’s a wonderful conversation — both reflective and practical — reminding us that trauma is not just about what happened to someone, but also about what didn’t happen: safety, connection, and belonging.

Support Resources
If this episode brings up any difficult emotions for you, please remember support is available:

HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP):
Free and confidential wellbeing support for all HSE staff.
📞 1800 409 388 | 🌐 www.samaritans.ie

Pieta:
Professional therapy and crisis support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
📞 1800 247 247 | 📱 Text HELP to 51444

🎙️ Produced by CNME Sligo–Leitrim–West Cavan
💡 Empowering healthcare professionals to connect, reflect, and grow.