Search
Contact Us Book Online

Birth Reflections Service

The Birth Reflections Service is a listening service for women who wish to explore and reflect on their birth experience in a confidential and supportive environment.

Many women find that they wish to talk about their birth experience, this can be for many individual reasons, all of which are valid. How you feel about your birth matters.

You may wish for greater clarity and understanding about the events surrounding your birth, you might have unresolved questions you would like to explore, or you may simply want to reflect on your birth experience. Some women can feel worried or anxious about giving birth for the first time. Talking with our dedicated birth reflections midwife can help.

The Birth Reflections Service is available to anyone who has given birth in The National Maternity Hospital within the last year, and anyone who is currently pregnant and attending the hospital.

Contact Details

Birth Reflections Midwife: Helen McHale

Email: birthreflections@nmh.ie

Phone: 086 1658 777

*Please note the Birth Reflections Service is not a counselling or complaints service.

Who can access the service?

The Birth Reflections Service is available to anyone who has given birth in The National Maternity Hospital within the preceding 12 months and anyone who is currently pregnant and attending The National Maternity Hospital.

Where does the appointment take place?

Our dedicated Birth Reflections Midwife will meet with you in person or by phone depending on your individual needs. If the appointment is in person it will take place at our Birth Reflections room at 232 Medical Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6. If this location does not suit you it is also possible to meet in person at The National Maternity Hospital.

What happens at the appointment?

You and our dedicated birth reflections midwife will explore the aspects of your birth you wish to discuss. If your birth was at The National Maternity Hospital, there will be an opportunity to go through your birth notes. If you gave birth at another hospital, but have your birth notes, they can be part of the discussion with the Birth Reflections Midwife.

How many appointments will I have?

The service generally offers a one-off appointment, however, depending on your individualised needs a further follow up appointment may be arranged.  

Can I access The Birth Reflections Service if I have not given birth before?

Yes. You do not have to have given birth before to access the service. If you are currently pregnant and feel nervous, anxious or worried about your birth you can avail of the service.

How do I access the service?

You do not have to be referred to the service by your GP. All you have to do is call our birth reflections midwife on (086) 1658 777 or email birthreflections@nmh.ie.

Can I make a complaint through this service?

The birth reflections service is not a complaints service. It is a listening service for women who wish to talk about their birth experience in a confidential and supportive environment. For information on making a compliment or complaint please visit our Compliments and Complaints page.

Can I receive counselling through the birth reflections service?

The Birth Reflections Service is not a counselling service. The Birth Reflections Service is a listening service for women who wish to talk about their birth experience or upcoming delivery in a confidential and supportive environment. Our dedicated birth reflections midwife is not a counsellor, but will help your explore your feelings about your birth and listen and support you. If further support is needed, they will be able to direct you to other services.

Can my partner and/or baby attend the appointment with me?

Yes, partners and your baby are welcome to attend the appointment.