UMHL hosts Information Evening for women experiencing pregnancy loss
Medical and Midwifery Staff at University Maternity Hospital Limerick will outline the support services available for women who have experienced Early Pregnancy Loss, and those who support them, at a special information evening in Limerick in early September.
The Early Pregnancy Loss/Miscarriage, Ectopic Pregnancy Information Evening — taking place at The Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, from 7-8.30pm on Monday September 9th — is aimed at women who have experienced pregnancy loss before 12 weeks. It is estimated that approximately one in five pregnancies in Ireland ends in Early Pregnancy Loss (up to 12 weeks).
Staff from UMHL will discuss the different types of Early Pregnancy Loss, and the physical and emotional effects that women may experience. Although this is not a counselling event and individual cases will not be discussed, time will be provided for questions, and UMHL staff will have information on the range of support services available.
Rita O’Brien, a Clinical Midwife Specialist in Bereavement Support at UMHL, encouraged anyone directly or indirectly affected by Early Pregnancy Loss to come to the free event and find out where they can access support at this most difficult time in their lives.
“While the psychological effect of early Pregnancy Loss is unique to each person, many couples describe the experience as traumatic and “a lonely grief”. The loss in many cases is not talked about and yet there is a deep sadness and anxiety about the future with many questions unanswered,” Rita explained.
For further information, please contact Rita O’Brien on 061-483196.
Staff at UMHL, meanwhile, are preparing for Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month in October. On October 15th, a number of prominent buildings in Limerick City will be lighting up in blue and pink to raise awareness on pregnancy loss. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
PHOTO: Pictured preparing for the Information Evening on Early Pregnancy Loss were UMHL staff, Rita O’Brien, Clinical Midwife Specialist, Bereavement Support; Dr Uzma Mahmood, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist; Marie Hunt, Clinical Midwife Specialist, Bereavement Support; Josephine Keating, Ward Clerk, Maternity Emergency Unit/Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit; Jean Rafferty, Staff Midwife, Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit; and Valerie McInerney, Clinical Midwife Manager 2, Maternity Emergency Unit.