Local author's new book for pregnant women

Pregnancy can be a time of excitement and happiness. But mums-to-be may also feel worried or anxious when thinking about the birth and the first months with a new baby. It can be difficult to navigate the maternity system. Even for women who have given birth before, many questions may remain unanswered: what happens during labour and birth? What are my options? Can I say no?

Su Huschke, a local birth doula and health researcher based in Cloughjordan, has co-edited a book that helps with this. The book is entitled ‘Giving Birth in Ireland’ and is an initiative of the Irish Birth Movement, a group that aims to improve maternity services in the Midwest. It’s a collection of 23 chapters written by midwives, mothers and doulas. Doulas, for those who may not know this yet, are trained professionals who support women during pregnancy, birth and postpartum – in any kind of birth, including hospital births.

This book is unique because it is written for and about women giving birth in Ireland. It explains how the maternity system in Ireland works, what the options are, and what it really feels like to birth in this country, whether in the hospital or at home.

In the book, the authors discuss uncomfortable truths about the failings of the Irish maternity system. Ireland has very high intervention rates, including inductions, episiotomies and c-sections.

These interventions are not always necessary, and sometimes lead to women feeling disappointed or even traumatised. But the book also includes stories of hope and joy, and many useful resources for parents-to-be.

Co-editor and author Su Huschke explains: “If you’ve given birth before, this is the kind of book that you wish you’d read before you had your baby, and which you should read now to make sense of your experience. If you’re a first-time mother, this is the book you need to read before you give birth so that you are informed and aware of your choices.”

ORDER THE BOOK

The book can be pre-ordered via a Kickstarter campaign until October 31 for €20. To find the campaign, go to www.kickstarter.com and search for “Giving Birth in Ireland”, or follow the Irish Birth Movement on Instagram or Facebook @irishbirthmovement.

The Nenagh Bookshop has pre-ordered copies of the book as well and will be stocking them in the coming spring.