GENERAL INFORMATION
abusive relationship. Often abuse or control begins in pregnancy or can get worse. You will have an opportunity to discuss your relationship with a midwife at your booking-in/first visit to the hospital. Also, if you would like to talk about your relationship in confidence, please call the Hospital Social Work Department on (091) 544089, your local Domestic Violence Support Service (Galway: (091) 585965; Mayo: (094) 903 5719; Clare: (065) 682 2435), or the Women’s Aid Freephone helpline: 1800 341 900.
TEEN PARENTS SUPPORT PROGRAMME
LABOUR WARD The staff of the Labour Ward in University Hospital Galway are dedicated to helping you and your family have the best possible experience at this special time. Our aim is to create a welcoming and supportive environment for you
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and your partner while creating a positive, supportive attitude towards birth. The rooms on the Labour Ward are single rooms with en-suite toilet facilities. The rooms are well-equipped with birthing equipment as well as birthing balls, bean bags and floor mats. We promote the use of upright positions using birthing aids, moving around and the use of the bath for the first stage of labour. Your partner is welcome to come to the Labour Ward with you. We do ask, however, that visiting is limited to one birth partner per woman. We offer some flexibility with visiting at the discretion of the senior midwife on duty on the Labour Ward. We encourage you to prepare a birth plan, which, if not already discussed with your antenatal midwife/doctor, can be discussed on your arrival to the Labour Ward. You are welcome to bring a radio or CD player with you if you wish to listen to music while on the ward. You will be cared for by a qualified midwife while in labour and he/she may be assisted by a
midwifery student working under his/her supervision. He/ she will talk you through your options for: ● Positions for labour and birth ● Pain management options ● Monitoring in labour ● Management of the third stage of labour ● Provide support and care to you during labour The midwifery team are experienced in all types of birth and welcome discussion on your thoughts and feelings around your pregnancy and birth. If complications arise, the midwife will involve the obstetrician in your care. A team of obstetricians, paediatricians and anaesthetists are available 24 hours a day and will become involved in your care should a complication arise. Once you have had your baby, you will be made comfortable on the labour ward and given some privacy to enjoy your baby prior to transfer to St Angela’s the post natal ward.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL GALWAY
The Teen Parents Support Programme provides a support service for young parents living in Galway city and county under the age of 20. We provide information, advice and support for both parents in relation to finances, accommodation, health, education, parenting and family issues. We also provide specific antenatal classes to meet the needs of young parents and follow-up for two years afterwards, if required. We are based at University Hospital Galway, close to the Maternity Unit on the ground floor of the building across the main car park (Old Nurse’s Home). Our contact details are (091) 544960. Our office hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. You can ask about us when you come for your first antenatal appointment at the antenatal clinic or pick up a leaflet there with our contact details. We can also help to link you with services in your local area if you live outside the county.
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