The Coombe Hospital, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dolphin's Barn Street, Dublin 8, Crumlin (2026)

30/01/2026

Breastfeeding is a learned skill, for you and your baby. It takes time, commitment, patience and practice! Some common challenges in the early
days include:

A sleepy baby
If you had a long labour or were taking a lot of pain medication, your baby may just be recovering. However, it is important to wake your baby regularly and try to encourage them to feed.

Engorged breasts
Engorgement is uncomfortable swelling of the breasts whereby they feel hot, tight and firm. It’s common in the early days as your body works out how much milk your baby needs. Try warm compresses, light massage and hand expression.

Sore or cracked ni***es
Breastfeeding should not be painful. If it is, it’s often due to an incorrect latch. Don’t be afraid to adjust the latch or take your baby off and try again.
- Go back to basics: skin to skin, tummy to mummy, chin to breast, wide open mouth, bring baby to breast, and make sure your baby has a big portion of the breast in their mouth.
- If your ni***es are cracked and bleeding, it's best to rest them and express to maintain supply for 24-48hrs.

Cluster feeding
This is when your baby looks for lots of feeds close together and is very common in the first few weeks, especially in the evenings. Your baby’s tummy is small and their nutritional requirements are increasing. It can be very tiring, so it’s important to have support and plenty of drinks and snacks nearby. It’s particularly common on Night 2/3 as your milk comes in.

Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. It can be caused by a blocked duct, bacteria entering the ni**le, long periods without feeding, ineffective milk removal or an infection in another part of your body e.g. a sore throat. Symptoms include pain, soreness in one breast or a painful lump that may hot to the touch, a red wedge-shaped area on the breast and/or flu-like symptoms.

Take a painkiller and drink plenty of fluids. Use warm compresses and massage the area gently. Feed on the sore side as your baby is most effective at emptying your breast. If symptoms continue after 24hrs, call your GP, you may need antibiotics.

28/01/2026

A good latch helps your baby get enough milk, and ensures a comfortable experience for you.

While some tenderness and sensitivity are common in the early days, if you are finding breastfeeding painful, it’s often because the baby isn’t latched on properly.

Before you start:
- Make sure you are comfortable, perhaps with pillows to support you and/or your baby
- Have a drink – and maybe a snack - within easy reach
- Take pain relief if you are feeling pain or discomfort after your labour/birth

Latching your baby:
Some mothers like to hold their breast to help their baby latch on, but be careful not to cover the lower part of the ar**la as baby’s chin needs to rest there.
- Tummy to mummy - hold your baby close, tummy to you, supporting their back
- Chin to skin – your baby’s chin should be against your breast and their nose opposite your ni**le
- Wide open mouth - hand expressing a few drops of colostrum or milk can encourage your baby to open their mouth widely
- Bring baby to breast - wait until your baby’s mouth is open wide, before bringing baby to breast, aiming your ni**le towards the roof of their mouth

Your baby should be able to get a good portion of the breast into their mouth – not just the protruding part of the ni**le. The latch needs to be deep so they can draw the milk down from the breast.

When your baby’s chin is against your breast, their nose should be clear to breathe. If you’re worried, tuck their bottom right in and this will allow their head to tilt back.

If you are uncomfortable, adjust the latch, or take the baby off and try again. The deeper the latch, the more comfortable it will be for you.

Your baby’s cheeks should be round and full, and they should be actively sucking and swallowing.

Allow your baby to feed for as long as they want. They may fall asleep at the breast, or come off when they are satisfied.

Find out more at www.coombe.ie/breastfeeding

27/01/2026

In these early days, it’s important to recognise the signs that your baby is looking for a feed and to respond to those cues. This will help you to establish your milk supply to match your baby’s needs. A new baby feeds a lot – 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.

Try to offer your baby a feed when they show ‘early’ cues, to avoid your baby becoming distressed which can make it more difficult for them to latch at the breast.

Early cues: Your baby starts to stir, mouth starts to open, turns head to the side and starts looking or ‘rooting’ for the breast.

Mid cues: Your baby starts stretching, increasing their physical movements, and may bring their hands to their mouth.

Late cues: Your baby may start crying and becoming agitated. If your baby gets to this stage, they may be too distressed to latch.

If your baby does become distressed, don’t worry, spend some time calming them (and yourself!) before attempting to feed. Cuddle them, take a deep breath, talk calmly and stroke your baby gently. When your baby is calm, bring them to the breast again.

Find out more at www.coombe.ie/breastfeeding

26/01/2026

We recommend that you have your bag packed and ready to go a few weeks before your due date.
Let us know in the comments if we forgot anything you found useful! 🛍️

23/01/2026

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19-25th January), we are reminding women that cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable. We are proud to support the HSE Ireland ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and make it a rare disease in every community.

We are also proud to play a vital role in the National Screening Programme with The Coombe Hospital National Cervical Screening Laboratory, Ireland’s national centre of excellence for cervical screening and the primary provider of cervical screening in Ireland. Our work – from laboratory screening to our dedicated Colposcopy Clinic reminds us every day that when cervical cancer is found early, it can be treated and cured.

21/01/2026

Most women go into labour between 37 and 41+ weeks of pregnancy, and most women will experience a slow lead into labour.

There are 3 main signs:
1. The most obvious sign of labour is contractions that are increasing in frequency and duration.
2. The contractions may be associated with a 'show', which is a sticky, blood stained mucus discharge. This means the cervix is softening and thinning out in preparation for labour.
3. The 'breaking of the waters', that is the leakage of fluid vaginally. This usually means that baby's head is moving down and your body is trying to start labour.

When should I go to the hospital?
If you are having a low risk straightforward pregnancy with no complications, and no underlying medical conditions, you may prefer to spend early labour at home in familiar surroundings. Once contractions are becoming more regular, stronger and lasting longer it’s a good idea to come in. For a first baby, a good indication of active labour is when contractions are 3-4 minutes apart, last 45-60 seconds and you’ve had this pattern for an hour. For a second or subsequent baby, come in when you feel your contractions are getting stronger and forming a pattern.

If you are having a high-risk pregnancy, have experienced any complications, or have an underlying medical condition, please discuss with your team in advance to see when they would advise you to come in.

It’s important to call the Assessment Unit or come into the hospital if:
• You think your waters have broken.
• If you have had any vaginal bleeding other than a show.
• If you are concerned about your baby’s movements.
• You have any other concerns, or are struggling to cope at home.

Learn more at www.coombe.ie/labour-delivery

20/01/2026

Although labour can be divided into different stages, women experience labour and birth as one continuum or journey which gradually intensifies.

To learn more, watch our Labour & Birth videos at www.coombe.ie

16/01/2026

The Third Trimester (28-40 weeks) is the final stage of pregnancy before you meet your baby. Well done - you are nearly there! 🎊

Some common symptoms you may experience during the final weeks include:

Fatigue: It’s back! You may start to feel tired and low in energy again as your body works harder to support your growing baby. You may also find it harder to get comfortable or stay asleep. Try to rest as much as you can.

Shortness of breath: There is less space for your growing baby so they may press against your lungs making it difficult to take deep breaths.

Heartburn & indigestion: Hormones and your baby’s position can affect your digestion. Try small, frequent meals, avoid trigger foods like spicy, fried, citrus, tomato based and fatty foods, and avoid lying down for a few hours after eating.

Swelling: It’s common to experience ‘puffy’ hands, feet and ankles, especially later in the day. Elevating your feet and ensuring you are staying hydrated can help.

Frequent urination: Due to increasing pressure on your bladder from your growing baby!

Braxton Hicks contractions: Mild, irregular ‘practice’ contractions.

Back pain & pelvic pressure: The extra weight and posture changes can cause discomfort and as your baby moves lower in your pelvis in preparation for birth, you may feel increasing ‘pressure’. Things that can help include gentle exercise like prenatal yoga, swimming or walking, warm baths or compresses, seating with good lumbar support, sleeping on your side with pillows for support and avoiding heavy lifting or twisting of your torso.

Leaky breasts: You may notice a yellowish fluid (colostrum) leaking from your breasts in the final few weeks as your body prepares for breastfeeding.

Stretchmarks & itchy skin: Your belly is growing fast which can make your skin feel tight and itchy. A good moisturiser or body oil can be helpful.

Mood swings or anxiety: It’s very normal to experience fluctuations in mood – you are experiencing lots of hormonal changes, likely feeling physically uncomfortable and you may be feeling anxious about labour, birth or those first few weeks of parenting. Relaxation practices like deep breathing, yoga or meditation can be helpful and it’s always important to talk to someone about how you’re feeling – whether that’s your partner, a friend or your healthcare provider.

Be kind to yourself - it's hard work growing a baby! 💛

15/01/2026

The Second Trimester (13-27 weeks) is often the most enjoyable. Challenging symptoms like fatigue and nausea will have settled down, the baby isn’t big enough to cause too much discomfort - and you will start feeling your baby move which is both exciting and reassuring.

Increased energy: Less fatigue.

Growing belly and breasts: You may also notice darkening of the ar**las.

Skin changes: You may notice increased pigmentation (melasma), stretch marks and a dark line on the belly (linea nigra).

Increased appetite: Try to focus on nutrient dense foods that will support your health and the development of your baby.

Back and pelvic girdle pain: Hormones cause your ligaments to loosen and the increasing weight of the baby may cause back pain and pelvic discomfort. Some women experience ‘round ligament pain’, a sharp jabbing pain in the lower abdomen or groin caused by stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. Try gentle exercise, warm baths or compresses, seating with good lumbar support, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees – or a pregnancy pillow for full body support and avoid heavy lifting or twisting of your torso.

Bleeding gums & nosebleeds: Hormonal changes make your gums more sensitive. Some women experience nose bleeds due to increased blood volume, hormonal changes and dryer nasal passages/congestion.

Heartburn: A very common symptom causing a burning sensation in the chest of throat, sour or bitter taste in the mouth and bloating or burping. Try eating small, frequent meals, avoid trigger foods like spicy, fired, citrus, tomato based and fatty foods.

Constipation: The addition of an iron supplement in your Second Trimester can often worsen constipation – ensure you’re drinking plenty of water, add more fibre rich foods to your diet (vegetables, fruit, wholegrains) and stay active with light walking, yoga or stretching.

Feeling the baby move! The most exciting part of the Second Trimester. Most women start to feel ‘flutters’ from 18-22 weeks. As your baby grows, the movements will become stronger and more frequent. You may feel kicks, rolls, stretches, or even hiccoughs! 💗

14/01/2026

The First Trimester of pregnancy (0-12 weeks) can be overwhelming. Understanding the symptoms you might experience, and how to support yourself through them can make it a little easier!

Fatigue: The vast majority of women will experience tiredness or fatigue due to rising levels of the hormone progesterone. Rest as much as you can, and go to bed a little earlier if you need to.

Tender & swollen breasts: Often an early sign of pregnancy and due to the surge in hormones. The discomfort typically eases after a few weeks.

Morning sickness: Despite the name, this can happen at any time of the day or night! For most women, it eases as you move into the 2nd Trimester. If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, try to avoid an empty stomach - eat small amounts regularly and opt for blander foods like dry crackers, bananas, toast. Stay hydrated, sipping on plenty of water throughout the day.

Appetite changes: Frequent small meals and having nutritious snacks to hand can be helpful. You may experience cravings for certain foods, or food aversions to things you previously enjoyed.

Frequent urination: Most women will need to p*e more often when they are pregnant. It's annoying - but don't be tempted to cut down on your water intake!

Constipation: Another not-so-nice symptom that many women will experience. Progesterone is the culprit as it slows down the movement of food through your digestive tract. Try slowly increasing your fibre intake (fruit, vegetables, wholegrains) and drink plenty of water.

Mood swings: It's completely normal to experience mood swings during pregnancy, similar to those you may have experienced around your period. Hormonal changes, physical discomforts and the emotional adjustment of finding out you're pregnant can all contribute towards fluctuating feelings. You may feel anxious about the pregnancy, fear of miscarriage or being a parent. Coping strategies that you might find helpful include engaging in activities that promote relaxation (yoga, meditation, light exercise), talking about how you are feeling with your support system. If you are finding it difficult to cope, do speak to your GP or maternity healthcare provider.

08/01/2026

Motherhood is often painted as a joyous, life-affirming experience. But what happens when you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or even miss your old life? In this blog, Dr Sabrina Coyle our Principal Specialist Clinical Psychologist in Perinatal Mental Health looks at why the idea of 'perfect motherhood' can feel heavy, and highlights that mixed feelings are completely normal. Read more here - https://www.coombe.ie/our-news/the-myth-of-new-motherhood

07/01/2026

Updated

Our Postnatal Hubs are designed to provide community midwifery-led support for women and babies, for up to six weeks after birth. We offer scheduled and drop-in midwifery-led appointments, welcoming group sessions providing women with p*er support and postnatal education, and women’s health physiotherapy appointments (for up to 6 weeks post birth). Our Postnatal Hubs are located at Primary Care Centres in Celbridge, Newbridge, Tallaght, Crumlin and Clondalkin, with one clinic open per day. See ‘Postnatal Hubs’ on www.coombe.ie for more.

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