Working Life: Oona Donnelly, midwifery manager

8am

My day at Cavan General Hospital starts with a handover from the night staff. If there are women in labour they receive one-on-one midwifery care. We check the emergency equipment and review notes in preparation for the antenatal clinic. The Midwifery Led Unit (MLU) provides care for women who are expected to have a normal pregnancy and birth. Care is provided by a small group of midwives in partnership with the woman’s GP. The unit offers a calm relaxing family friendly environment for antenatal care, labour and birth with the unique option of using a birth pool for labour. A midwife from the team will provide a home visit after birth.

8.30am

The clinic gets underway. I spend approximately half an hour with each woman or couple. There is flexibility for women to choose their clinic day and time, minimising waiting times. Children are welcome. Routine checks are carried out, including taking blood pressure, determining the way the baby is lying, etc.

10am

Grab a cup of tea. Then continue with the clinic. The timings of our day depend on the arrival times of new babies.

12am

If there are women in labour I relieve my colleague for a break. Women in the MLU have the option to be active during labour and birth using: birth pool, birth mat, bean bag, birth stool etc.

1pm

Break for lunch

2pm

We provide a one-hour appointment to women on their first appointment when booking for MLU care. Women who attend the service are offered an ultrasound scan at booking and one further scan later in the pregnancy. Women can self-refer to the MLU by calling 049-4376059.

3-3.30pm

I go out to the family home to visit families who have had their baby in the MLU. I do a top to toe check of both the mother and baby.

5pm

I head home to my two sons to help with their homework and drive them to football.