Postcode lottery still a crucial factor in maternity care access

We have 19 maternity units but just two are midwife-led; Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda, and Cavan. In contrast, London offers 30 similar centres

It would be nice to think a pregnant woman in Bantry could have the same options as in Ballsbridge for pregnancy care or birth options but we seem to be a long way from that just yet. File photo

Childbirth can be joyful and wonderful while also being fraught with decision-making for women and their families as they opt for public or private, hospital or home, midwife or obstetrician.

Since 2016 the National Maternity Strategy has aimed to give more choices to women with further changes to the public-private maternity options potentially coming under Slaintecare, however, those options still appear limited by geography or income.