If you are a public patient, you will attend the hospital's antenatal clinic (or hospital clinics based in the community). You may see the same doctor on each visit, or you may not. Alternatively, if your pregnancy is uncomplicated, you may elect to visit the midwives' clinic if the hospital has one. This is staffed by experienced midwives and again, can ensure you continuity of care.
When you come into the hospital for labour and delivery, you will be delivered by staff midwives and may not see a doctor unless you experience complications. You may not have met the midwives or doctors who attend your labour and delivery. After the birth of your baby, you will be moved to the public ward for your stay, generally about 3 days.
If you want to avail of the National Home Birth Service, you will first need to contact your Local Health Office. You will be put through to the designated official who is a qualified midwife. You will be sent an information pack.
You then contact a self-employed community midwife (SECM). You and the midwife should fill out an application form for the service. You send the form to the designated official who will assess your eligibility for the service. If your application is accepted, this will entitle you to free antenatal, delivery and postnatal services. The HSE will also provide you with a Home Birth Pack with all you will need for a home delivery. You can find more information about the process in Appendix 4 Pathway of Care on hse.ie.
Alternatively, you can engage a self-employed community midwife (SECM) privately and your antenatal, delivery and postnatal care will be provided by them.