In this episode of the HSE Women’s Health Podcast – Your Body, Mind and Baby, Clinical Nurse Specialist Susan Vaughan and Neonatal Clinical Psychologist Dr Roisín Reid join Dr Doireann O’Leary to explore care in the neonatal unit and life after discharge.

Together, they share how the team supports the tiniest patients and their families, from understanding a baby’s cues and promoting bonding, to helping parents prepare for going home. They also discuss the emotional journey for parents, the importance of mental health support, and the strong sense of community within the unit. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and in the neonatal unit, we have a city.

In this episode of the HSE Women’s Health Podcast – Your Body, Mind and Baby, Professor Barry O’Reilly, Clinical Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with a subspecialty in Urogynaecology, joins Dr Doireann O’Leary to discuss pelvic floor dysfunction, a topic that affects many women, yet often remains surrounded by silence and stigma.

Professor O’Reilly explains that pelvic floor dysfunction is an umbrella term that includes urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. He notes that around one in two women will experience some form of pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime, with pregnancy and childbirth being significant contributing factors. Despite how common these conditions are, many women feel embarrassed to seek help or assume that symptoms such as urinary leakage or prolapse are simply an inevitable part of ageing or motherhood.

During the discussion, he breaks down the two main types of urinary incontinence: overactive bladder, which causes urgency and frequency, and stress incontinence, which results in leakage during coughing, laughing, or exercise. Understanding the difference is key to identifying the most appropriate treatment, which may include lifestyle adjustments, physiotherapy, medication, or surgery.

He also stresses the importance of education and prevention, advocating for pelvic floor health awareness to begin early so that young women can understand, protect, and strengthen these essential muscles before pregnancy or menopause.

Professor O’Reilly’s message is clear: pelvic floor dysfunction is common, but it is not something women should accept or endure in silence. With the right information, support, and care from lifestyle measures to physiotherapy and medical management, women can regain control and confidence in their daily lives.

In this episode of the HSE Women's Health Podcast – Your Body, Mind and Baby, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Aenne Helps, joins Dr Doireann O'Leary to discuss heavy periods, a common concern that can have a profound impact on women's lives.

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, may affect women in different ways, from disrupting work and family life to taking a toll on physical health and emotional wellbeing. Research suggests that up to one in three women will experience heavy periods at some stage, yet many delay seeking help, often assuming it is something they have to live with.

Dr Helps explains that while the causes can vary, there are several treatment pathways available, and the right approach will depend on each woman's individual circumstances and preferences.

Menorrhagia Care Pathway: https://irelandsouthwid.cumh.hse.ie/gp-and-clinicians/pathways/ireland-south-gynaecology-care-pathways.pdf

In this week's episode, University Hospital Kerry's Infant Feeding Coordinator, Mairead O'Sullivan, joins Dr Doireann O'Leary to explore all aspects of breastfeeding and the support available to new mothers.

Mairead discusses practical topics such as breastfeeding positions and techniques, as well as emerging approaches like the use of red light therapy in managing mastitis. She emphasises the value of partners attending classes, noting that "two sets of ears are better than one," and highlights the vital role of skin-to-skin contact in supporting bonding, milk supply, and the wellbeing of both mother and baby. Returning to work is another important theme, with Mairead outlining the supports and resources available to help women continue breastfeeding during this transition.

Research shows that around 80% of women in Ireland initiate breastfeeding after birth, but many encounter challenges in the early weeks, particularly with milk supply and feeding technique. Mairead reassures mothers that these concerns are common and that support is always available. She encourages women to seek help not only in the early days but also later in the postnatal period if issues arise, and reminds them that reaching out for guidance is a sign of strength, not failure.

Her message is clear: breastfeeding is a journey, and with the right support at the right time, challenges can be overcome and confidence restored.

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.

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.

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.