Many hospitals in Ireland now offer more flexibility in their maternity services, operating early discharge schemes, home births (also known as 'domino deliveries') and 'midwives' clinics.
The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, is currently operating a Domino/Home Birth Scheme in certain parts of Dublin City. This scheme enables women who are deemed at 'low risk of complications' to see members of a dedicated midwives' team for their antenatal visits and to have a member of this team deliver their baby, either at home or in hospital.
Antenatal visits are made either to the Community Midwives' Clinic at Holles Street, or to certain local health centres. Additional visits are made to the woman's home. Each woman interested in the Domino/Home Birth Scheme will have a routine scan at around 18-22 weeks and a full physical examination to assess suitability for the scheme.
If any problems develop during the pregnancy or in labour, you will be immediately transferred back to full hosptial care (around 31% of cases are transferred). Under the Domino/Home Birth Scheme, you are entitled to an early discharge after birth, if you wish, and the midwife will visit you at home for up to a week after the birth.
The scheme is free.
You should make contact with maternity services in your area and ask about schemes operated by them.
A guide to maternity services in Ireland is produced by Cuidiu: Irish Childbirth Trust. It is entitled Consumer Guide to Maternity Services in Ireland, and is available from Cuidiu, for 3.81 euro or free of charge from their website. Cuidiu is a parent to parent community based voluntary support group.
These schemes are available free of charge.
Ask your doctor or midwife at your next antenatal appointment or make contact with the maternity service directly.
If you are interested in the Domino/Home Birth scheme, contact the Community Midwives at the National Maternity Hospital (01) 6373100 or (01) 6373177.