Midwife unit a model for hospital births nationwide

IN recent weeks I have read and heard many discussions on our maternity services, which are in a deplorable condition.

Many women describe very traumatic birth experiences while a huge increase in Caesarean sections was also noted. The consensus among many, both consumers and health professionals, is that midwives view childbirth as a natural physiological process, unlike doctors who have medicalised childbirth.

I attended the midwifery-led unit (MLU) in Cavan General Hospital from December 2005 until the birth of my daughter, Muirne, on July 23 last year.