Episode 4 - Perinatal Mental Health - It’s Okay to Feel This Way
Perinatal mental health covers the time from the preconception period right through to twelve months after birth. Planning a pregnancy, being pregnant, and becoming a parent can all trigger feelings of anxiety or depression, and women can experience mental health challenges regardless of their circumstances. Perinatal mental health services are available to support women with mild to moderate difficulties during this time.Jan O’Donoghue, Perinatal Mental Health Midwife at Tipperary University Hospital, speaks about the typical symptoms she encounters and how she helps patients normalise their feelings. She discusses intrusive thoughts and worries such as “Am I going to be a good parent?” or “Have I done the right thing?”, common concerns during the perinatal period. In conversation with Dr. Doireann O’Leary, Jan explains how she guides women towards resources and practical tools that can help them manage their emotions and look forward with confidence.
--------
27:14
--------
27:14
Episode 3 - Complex Menopause - Finding the Support that fits your Journey
In this episode of the HSE Women’s Health Podcast – Your Body, Mind and Baby, Dr. Brenda Moran joins Dr. Doireann O’Leary to discuss the need for a specialist complex menopause clinic. While most patients can be assessed and treated by their GP, some women, particularly those who cannot take HRT or have other complex conditions, require the expertise of a dedicated complex menopause service.Dr. Moran describes a range of treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help ease symptoms, emphasising the importance of health promotion and highlighting treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy. The clinic also links patients to local support centres to provide additional care and resources, to manage symptoms effectively and improve quality of life for women.The CUMH Complex Menopause Clinic opened in September 2023 with the support of the HSE, the National Women and Infants Health Programme, and the Women’s Health Taskforce.The service is based at Kinsale Road Clinic serving patients from Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford
In episode 2, Ms Gillian Walsh and Alex Campbell, Senior Midwives from CUMH sit with Dr Doireann O' Leary to highlight the positive impact the Birth Reflections service can have for women in the post natal period.Perinatal events may affect women in different ways. The research and evidence advocates supporting the emotional wellbeing of the mother, and this may have a positive impact on neonatal mental health in the longer term. The National Maternity Experience Survey (2020) reported that 30% of women did not have a chance to discuss their birth. We acknowledge that women can have an individual and subjective reaction to a birth experience. Healthcare professionals may not identify or recognise their experience as being a cause of confusion or upset. At the Birth reflections service, we support mothers to feel heard and respected in a friendly environment where they can reflect on any aspect of their perinatal experience.Feedback from mothers who have used the service speaks to its positive impact. One mother shared that after accessing the Birth Reflections Service at CUMH, "I felt I got a lot of closure on issues I had," encouraging friends to engage with the service as well.
--------
36:57
--------
36:57
Episode 1 - The First 6 Weeks: Take the Help
Dr Aisling Garvey and Dr Neidin Bussmann, Consultant Neonatologists at CUMH, join Dr Doireann O'Leary to share their personal experiences during the first few weeks of parenthood. As neonatal consultants, Aisling and Neidin spend their working lives caring for newborn babies at their most vulnerable, supporting families through some of the most difficult moments in the NICU. Yet, despite their professional expertise, both were struck by just how challenging those first days with their own babies could be. They speak openly about breastfeeding difficulties, vaccinations, the RSV immunisation, and the physical and emotional toll that can accompany the joy and love of welcoming a new baby. Neidin also bravely reflects on her own struggles in the postnatal period, describing how she felt as though she was "walking through a fog." Their key message to parents, and to themselves, is clear: ask for help, and accept it when it's offered. Even baby doctors need support.
About HSE Women's Health Podcast - Your Body, Mind and Baby
Women's Health Podcast - Your Body, Mind and Baby from the HSE - brings together experts across Ireland South Women and Infants Directorate, to inform, support and empower women and families on obstetrics, gynaecology and newborn health topics.
In conversation with Dr Doireann O'Leary, the podcast addresses challenges and experiences faced by women.
Each episode delivers expert insight into a specific topic, offering information that women and healthcare providers can rely on. This series is a tool designed not only to raise awareness, but also to become a valuable part of treatment plans and
Ireland