About Our Service
The IRIS Clinic is a specialist perinatal mental health service that works in conjunction with your obstetrician, midwives and everyone involved in your care to ensure that you have the best possible experience of pregnancy and post birth.
Pregnancy is a time of great change - physical, emotional and psychological. It is important to be mindful of your emotional health and wellbeing during this time. It is normal to feel a wide range of emotions including excitement, joy, worry, stress and responsibility.
If you are currently experiencing mental health difficulties, or have in the past, we are here to support you during the pregnancy and into the postpartum period.
We are here to support you
Hear from Dr Sabrina Coyle, Senior Clinical Psychologist at The Coombe and her colleague Conal Harpur, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist as they support you on this journey to becoming a Mum.
Additional Mental Health Support
Mental health difficulties in pregnancy and after the birth of your baby are relatively common. Up to 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health problem in pregnancy or in the first year after birth. If you have suffered from a mental health problem in the past, you may be more vulnerable to relapse at this time.
This is nothing to feel ashamed of. With the right help and support, you will get back on track and begin to grow in confidence as a Mum and enjoy being with your baby.
You may need additional support in relation to your mental health if:
✓ Your symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.
✓ Your symptoms interfere with your ability to work or to carry out your usual day to day activities.
✓ Your symptoms cause considerable upset and distress.
✓ You have experienced mental health difficulties in the past.
Who we are
Our team is made up of the following specialists in perinatal mental health:
Consultant Psychiatrist
Psychiatry Registrars
Clinical Nurse Specialists (including in CBT)
Mental Health Midwife
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Senior Social Worker
What do we do
We will provide you with any specialist intervention you may need in relation to mental health difficulties that you might be experiencing during pregnancy and in the post-partum period. These essential interventions encompass a wide range of options, including medication management, psychological therapy, psycho-social support, as well as comprehensive information and advice tailored specifically to your unique situation.
How to access the service
If you are currently experiencing a mental health difficulty or have previously suffered difficulties in the past, please request a referral to our team.
You can be referred by:
Any healthcare professionals in the hospital involved in your care
Your G.P., community mental health team or public health nurse
Contact the specialist perinatal mental health service on 01 4085569
Guided Relaxations
The below are guided relaxations provided by Dr. Sabrina Coyle our Senior Clinical Psychologist in Specialist Perinatal Mental Health.
Belly Breathing
This is a very brief relaxation tool which you can use anytime you’re feeling anxious. Continue to practice for at least 3 minutes. And remember that the more you practice and the better you get, the more useful this will be. This is also a skill you can use when you’re out and about, as with practice you will no longer need to place your hands on your belly to connect with the sensation of breathing.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Like the previous exercise, this is skill you can learn to help manage the physiological symptoms of anxiety. Like all skills, this one needs practice.
Mindfulness of the Breath
This is a gentle exercise which you can practise at any time, particularly if your mind is feeling busy. With practise this exercise can help to bring you back into the moment and stay with what’s going on for you right now.
Mothers in Mind
If you would like more information on our services, please download this booklet titled Mothers in Mind developed by our specialist perinatal mental health team.
Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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The Resource Page:
Browse our collection of patient resources, brochures, and information leaflets—all in one place. Downloadable and easy to access, these documents cover everything from appointments and procedures to maternity, newborn care, and more.
Contact Us
Tel: 01 408 5200
Find Us
The Coombe Hospital
Switchboard:
Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X