Helpful sites, informations and contacts.

Nevyn

Maternity Hospitals

Dublin:

National Maternity Hospital
Holles Street
Dublin 2
(01) 637 3100
http://www.nmh.ie/iopen24/


Coombe Women's Hospital
Dolphin's Barn
Dublin 8
(01) 408 5200
http://www.coombe.ie/


Rotunda Hospital
Parnell Square
Dublin 1
(01) 873 0700
http://www.rotunda.ie/


Mount Carmel Hospital
Braemor Park
Churchtown
Dublin 14
(01) 492 2211


Cork:

Bon Secours Maternity Hospital
College Road
Cork
Co.Cork
(021) 542 807


St.Finbarr's Hospital
Douglas Road
Cork
Co.Cork
(021) 966 555

Erinville Hospital
Western Road
Cork
Co.Cork
(021) 275 211


Cavan:

Cavan General Hospital
Cavan
Co.Cavan
(049) 61388 / 61065

Letterkenny General Hospital
letterkenny
Co.Donegal
(074) 258 88


Longford / Westmeath General Hospital
Mullingar
Co.Westmeath
(044) 40221


Louth:

Louth County Hospital
Dublin Road
Dundalk
Co.Louth
(042) 933 4701

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Drogheda
Co.louth
(041) 983 7601

Galway:

Portiuncula Hospital
Ballinasloe
Co.Galway
(0905) 42140


University College Hospital
Newcastle Road
Galway
Co.Galway
(091) 524 222


Portlaoise Hospital
Portlaoise
Co.Laois
(0502) 21364


Sligo General Hospital
The Mall
Co.Sligo
(071) 71111


St.Joseph's County Medical and Maternity Hospital
Clonmel
Co.Tipperary
(052) 21900


St.Luke's General Hospital
Freshford Road
Kilkenny
Co.Kilkenny
(056) 511 33


St.Munchins Regional Maternity Hospital
Ennis Road
Limerick
Co.Limerick
(061) 327 455


Waterford Regional hospital
Dunmore Road
Co.Waterford
(051) 873321


Wexford General Hospital
Wexford Town
Co.Wexford
(053) 42233


Mayo General Hospital
Castlebar
Co.Mayo
(094) 21733


Monaghan General Hospital
Monaghan
Co.Monaghan
(047) 81811

Nevyn

http://www.positiveoptions.ie/index.php

Nevyn

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/employment/employment-rights-and-conditions/leave-and-holidays/maternity_leave

Information

If you become pregnant while in employment in Ireland, you are entitled to take maternity leave. The entitlement to a basic period of maternity leave from employment extends to all female employees in Ireland (including casual workers), regardless of how long you have been working for the organisation or the number of hours worked per week. You can also avail of additional unpaid maternity leave. The Maternity Protection Act 1994 and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 provide your statutory minimum entitlements in relation to maternity at work including maternity leave.

If you start maternity leave on or after 1 March 2007, you are entitled to 26 weeks’ maternity leave together with 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave.

Under the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 at least 2 weeks have to be taken before the end of the week of your baby's expected birth and at least 4 weeks after. You can decide how you would like to take the remaining weeks. Generally, employees take 2 weeks before the birth and the remaining weeks after. If you qualify for Maternity Benefit (see below) at least 2 and no more than 16 weeks must be taken before the end of the week the baby is due.
Payment during maternity leave

Your entitlement to pay during maternity leave depends on the terms of your contract of employment. Employers are not obliged to pay women on maternity leave. You may qualify for Maternity Benefit which is a Department of Social and Family Affairs payment you have sufficient PRSI contributions. However an employee’s contract could provide for additional rights to payment during the leave period, so that, for example, the employee could receive full pay less the amount of Maternity Benefit payable.
Additional maternity leave

From 1 March 2007 you are also entitled to take up to a further 16 weeks’ additional maternity leave, but this period is not covered by Maternity Benefit, nor is your employer obliged, unless otherwise agreed, to make any payment during this period - see below. If you become ill while you are on additional maternity leave you may ask your employer if you may end the additional maternity leave. If your employer agrees you will not be entitled to the remainder of the maternity leave but will be treated as being on sick leave and you may be entitled to Illness Benefit.
Public holidays and annual leave

You are entitled to leave for any public holidays that occur during your maternity leave (including additional maternity leave). The right of employees to leave for public holidays is set down in Section 21 of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.

Time spent on maternity leave (including additional maternity leave) is treated as though you have been in employment, and this time can be used to accumulate annual leave and public holiday entitlement
Stillbirths and miscarriages

If you have a stillbirth or miscarriage any time after the 24th week of pregnancy, you are entitled to full maternity leave. From 1 March 2007 this means a basic period of 26 weeks and 16 weeks of additional maternity leave. If you have satisfied the PRSI requirements, Maternity Benefit is payable for the 26 weeks of the basic maternity leave.

To apply for Maternity Benefit following a stillbirth, you need to send a letter from your doctor with the Maternity Benefit application form, confirming the expected date of birth, the actual date of birth and the number of weeks of pregnancy.
Health and safety leave

An employer should carry out separate risk assessments in relation to pregnant employees and those who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding. If there are particular risks, these should be either removed or the employee moved away from them. If neither of these options is possible, the employee should be given health and safety leave from work which may continue up to the beginning of maternity leave. During health and safety leave, employers must pay employees their normal wages for the first 3 weeks, after which Health and Safety Benefit may be paid. The Health and Safety Authority website has a list of Pregnant at Work FAQs.
Father's entitlement to maternity leave

Fathers are only entitled to maternity leave if the mother dies within 24 weeks of the birth. In these circumstances, the father may be entitled to a period of leave, the extent of which depends on the actual date of the mother’s death. Where a father qualifies for leave under these circumstances, he also has an optional right to the additional maternity leave
Postponing maternity leave

Section 7 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 provides for postponement of maternity leave in strict circumstances, that is, if your baby is hospitalised. This right to postpone leave applies whether you are on maternity leave, or on additional unpaid maternity leave. Note, your employer has the right to refuse your application to postpone your maternity leave. Read "More about this topic" for further details about postponing maternity leave.
Returning to work

Under Section 26 of the Maternity Protection Act 1994 you are entitled to return to work to the same job with the same contract of employment. Section 27 of the Act states that if it is not reasonably practicable for your employer to allow you to return to your job, then they must provide you with suitable alternative work. This new position should not be on terms substantially less favourable than those of your previous job.

Otherwise, you are entitled to be treated as if you had been at work during your maternity leave. Your employment conditions cannot be worsened by the fact that you have taken maternity leave, and if pay or other conditions have improved while you have been on maternity leave then you are entitled to these benefits when you return to work.

PRSI contributions: you will automatically be awarded PRSI credits while you are getting Maternity Benefit. If you avail of unpaid additional maternity leave you must get your employer to complete an application for maternity leave 'credits' found in the Department of Social and Family Affairs information booklet SW 11 (pdf), after you return to work.

If you are breastfeeding you may be entitled to some time off or a reduction in hours without loss of pay for up to 26 weeks after the birth.

If you decide not to return to work after your period of maternity leave, you are required to give your employer notice in the usual manner.

You are protected against unfair dismissal for claiming your rights under maternity protection legislation - see 'How to apply' below
Medical visits

Once your pregnancy is confirmed you may take reasonable time off for medical visits connected with the pregnancy. There is no maximum or minimum amount of time off specified for these visits. Rather, you are entitled to as much time off as is necessary to attend each visit. This includes the time required to travel to and from the appointment and the time taken for the appointment itself.

You will need to provide your employer with medical evidence confirming the pregnancy, giving 2 weeks’ notice of your medical visits. You should show your appointment card if requested by your employer at any time after your first appointment. You may also take time off for medical visits after the birth for up to 14 weeks following the birth including any time taken on maternity leave after the birth. You are entitled to be paid while keeping these medical appointments both before and after the birth.
Ante-natal classes

You may also be entitled to take paid time off to attend some ante-natal classes. Your entitlement is for one set of ante-natal classes except for the last 3 classes of the set. Fathers are entitled to paid time off to attend the last 2 classes in the set of ante-natal classes.
Rules

Notice: You must give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice of your intention to take maternity leave and you must also provide your employer with a medical certificate confirming the pregnancy. If you intend to take the additional 16 weeks’ maternity leave you must provide your employer with at least 4 weeks' written notice. Both these notices can be given at the same time.

Early birth: If your baby is born more than 4 weeks before your due date, you will have fulfilled the notice requirements if you give your employer written notice within 14 days of the birth.

Medical certification: Section 11 of the Maternity Protection Act 1994 provides that if you are certified by your doctor as needing to start maternity leave for medical reasons, your maternity leave will start on the earlier date as specified on the medical certificate. In this case you are considered to have complied with the notice requirements.

Return to work: You must give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice of your intention to return to work

It is important to comply with these notice requirements, as failure to do so may cause loss of rights.

You must notify your employer as soon as possible if you wish to postpone your maternity leave (but remember, your employer can refuse this application).
How to apply

You should apply to your employer in writing to take maternity leave.

If you need further information about maternity leave you should contact the Equality Authority.

If you have a dispute with your employer about maternity leave you may make a complaint to a Rights Commissioner using the Rights Commissioner complaint form under the Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004 (pdf).

If you have been dismissed due to a matter connected with your pregnancy or for claiming your rights under maternity leave legislation you can refer the matter to a Rights Commissioner or to the Employment Appeals Tribunal.

At least 6 weeks before your baby's due date you should apply to the Maternity Benefit Section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs for Maternity Benefit.
Where to apply

Equality Authority
Line 1:
2 Clonmel St
Line 5:
Dublin 2
County:
Dublin 2
Country:
IRELAND
Tel:
+353 (0)1 417 3333
Locall:
1890 245 545
Fax:
+353 1 417 3331
Homepage:
www.equality.ie
Email:
info@equality.ie
Wheelchair Access:


Maternity Benefit Section
Line 1:
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Line 2:
Social Welfare Services Office
Line 3:
St. Oliver Plunkett Road
Line 5:
Letterkenny
County:
Donegal
Country:
IRELAND
Tel:
+353 1 704 3000
Locall:
1890 690 690
Homepage:
http://www.welfare.ie
Email:
maternityben@welfare.ie
Wheelchair Access:

http://www.equality.ie/index.asp?locID=19&docID=15

Maternity Leave Information
Summary:

Below is a brief summary of the main provisions of the Maternity Leave legislation. There are many provisions that are not listed here, such as Health and Safety Leave and Breastfeeding. For a complete list of entitlements please refer to the Maternity Leave explanatory booklet which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
Standard Maternity Leave

* A pregnant employee is currently entitled to 26 consecutive weeks of maternity leave.
* An employee who wishes to avail of her entitlement to maternity leave must notify her employer in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than 4 weeks before the beginning of the leave, of her intention to take the leave. She must also provide a medical certificate specifying the expected week of confinement.

Additional Maternity Leave

* A pregnant employee is also entitled to 16 consecutive weeks additional maternity leave beginning immediately after the end of the 26 weeks.
* A woman who wishes to avail of her entitlement to additional maternity leave must notify her employer in writing of her intention to take additional maternity leave. This must be done no later than 4 weeks before the day on which her additional maternity leave is due to commence.

Allocation of Minimum Period of Maternity Leave

* A pregnant employee can begin and end her maternity leave on any day she selects but must:
o take a minimum of 2 weeks leave before the end of the expected week of confinement; and
o take 4 weeks leave after the end of the expected week of confinement.

Antenatal / Postnatal Care

* Pregnant employees and employees who have recently given birth are entitled to time off from work, without loss of pay for the purposes of receiving antenatal and postnatal care. However the employee must inform her employer in writing of the time and date of the appointment no later than 2 weeks before the date of the appointment.

Antenatal Classes

* A pregnant employee is entitled to time off from her work, without loss of pay to attend one set of antenatal classes (other than the last 3 classes).
* An expectant father of a child (if he is employed under a contract of employment) is entitled to time off from work, without loss of pay to attend the last 2 antenatal classes in a set before the birth.
* Members of the Defence Forces and the Garda Siochana in certain circumstances are exempted from the provisions of this section.

Disputes

* Disputes are heard by the Rights Commissioner Service.
* Further information on dispute procedures and complaint forms are available from the Rights Commissioner Website

http://www.equality.ie/index.asp?locID=79&docID=-1

Aimee_gleeson

Cork main maternity hospital CUMH
021-4920500 or 021-4920600

embee

Irish Miscarriage Association

http://www.miscarriage.ie/

SIDS Ireland

http://www.sidsireland.ie

Homebirth Association of Ireland

http://www.homebirth.ie

Association for Improvement of Maternity Services (Ireland) - AIMS Ireland

http://www.aimsireland.com

Down Syndrome Ireland

http://www.downsyndrome.ie

Multiple Birth Association

http://www.imba.ie

Irish Stillbirth and Neo-natal Death Society - ISANDS

http://www.isands.ie

Breastfeeding information and support.

http://www.breastway.ie

Irish Childbirth Trust.

http://www.cuidiu-ict.ie

La Leche League - Breastfeeding support, information and advice.

http://www.lalecheleagueireland.com/

Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

http://www.iasbah.ie

For children and adults with disabilities.

http://www.enableireland.ie

Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland

http://www.cleft.ie

Information on club foot/Congenital Talipes Equinovarus.

http://www.talipesireland.com

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland

http://www.cfireland.ie

Slainte_sf

Doula Association of Ireland
www.doula.ie

Irish Massage Therapist Association
www.massageireland.org

International Association of Baby Massage Irish Chapter
www.babymassageireland.com

cassid

Irish voluntary organisation for parents of preterm babies in Ireland:

www.irishprematurebabies.com


Other useful premature baby websites:

www.bliss.org.uk

www.marchofdimes.com

www.prematurebaby.ie

www.tommys.org

Websites helpful in relation to expressing/breastfeeding premature babies:

www.alcireland.ie

www.drjacknewman.com

http://www.llli.org/NB/NBpremature.html

www.kellymom.com

Jessica C

Amazing childcare agency - loved their professionalism and quality of nannies.
www.careway.ie

Couldnt have done it without these resources either...
www.rollercoaster.ie
www.tots2teens.ie
www.childcareonline.ie
www.helpme2parent.ie

elius

http://www.babycenter.com/2_inside-pregnancy-weeks-15-to-20_10308111.bc

A good site!!!

lynski

Here is a great one for all concerned moms out there http://www.bigbaby.org.uk/

Feileacain

I know this thread is a small bit old but I just want to let you know about a new charity that was launched last October called Feileacain (Stillbirth and Neonatal Association of Ireland). We are a group of bereaved parents who got together to offer support and comfort to other parents out there that unfortunately go through the loss of their baby. Our web-site is www.feileacain.ie or we are also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Feileacain-Stillbirth-and-Neonatal-Death-Association-of-Ireland/114951088552179. Please check us out.

Cat Melodeon

Cuidiu - The Irish Childbirth Trust - have launched a new consumer guide to the maternity services in Ireland - http://www.bump2babe.ie/
full of stats and information on what to expect from the maternity services at each stage of pregnancy.

nicowa

Really excellent breasfeeeding website. Extremely useful and inspiring.

www.thebreastway.com

A similiar link was given earlier but it isn't working.

Purinargo

http://www.bodyelements.ie/physiotherapy-women.php

with Deborah Fernandes, MISCP

The site has some useful articles concerning pregancy

she does Pregnancy physiotherapy, pregnancy massage, Manual lymphatic drainage and also teaches Antenatal and Postnalay Physiotherapy based pilates classes

doubletrouble?

theres a toy show coming up in the R.D.S
http://www.toyshow.ie
but i was more interested in the link below :-)
www.mummypages.ie

Moonbeam

http://www.bump2babe.ie/

alisonask

1. Don’t smoke
2. Get your iodine
3. Eat good fats
4. Go organic and eat fresh foods
5. Drink safer water
6. Choose better body care products
7. Identify lead sources & avoid them

For details and more check out 10 healthy pregnancy tips from ewg

beatrice33

www.meetmums.ie

New website with a guide to pre and post natal classes and parent & toddler groups

Ben Moore

Hi all,

here are some great new HSE Approved Free Apps covering topics from pregnancy through newborns and taking care of Mum!

Please check out

http://whatsupmum.ie/

When you get a moment.

rufs

Fantastic sticky thread for firsttime expectant mum...ill be busy reading these...thanks y'all

olaola

I think the NHS website is brilliant. No fluff or faff, factual & straight to the point! http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pregnancy-and-baby-care.aspx#close