About Our Service
The Coombe hospital is committed to providing high quality, evidence based maternity care tailored to meet an individual woman’s needs. Research supports that a planned home birth can be a safe alternative to a hospital birth for healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Women may consider home birth for a variety of reasons, such as:
✓ Wanting to feel more in control of their birth experience
✓ Wanting midwifery continuity of care and carer
✓ Feeling safer and more comfortable in a familiar home environment
✓ Wishing to avoid a hospital environment with unnecessary medical interventions
✓ Wanting to stay close to older children and family members
The Coombe offers the option of home birth to women who are healthy and are experiencing a straightforward pregnancy. We collaborate with a team of experienced, skilled midwives, who are self-employed and contracted by us to provide this service. This service comes under the umbrella of the Health Service Executive (HSE), but the Coombe oversees and indemnifies the midwives/service. Women are requested to book with the Coombe and link with midwifery, obstetric and other health care staff, as is necessary.
However, the home birth midwife is the primary carer throughout pregnancy, labour/birth and up to 14 days following birth. If any concerns arise with the woman or baby, the home birth midwife refers the woman to the hospital for review. Women may be transferred back to the care of the home birth midwife once all is well. If not, depending on the clinical situation, the home birth midwife may remain involved in care. This is done on an individual and case-by-case basis.
Email: pbarry@coombe.ie | mdado@coombe.ie
Home Birth Midwife Role
Along with monitoring the woman and baby's wellbeing, the home birth midwife provides health education and advice as well as assisting women prepare for labour/birth and caring for a new born baby.
There is an emphasis on natural birth and breastfeeding, but, the home birth midwife respects and supports whatever a woman decides. The midwife goes on call for the woman’s birth. A second midwife attends the birth.
If there any concerns during labour/birth, an ambulance is called to transfer the woman to hospital. Home birth midwives carry emergency medications and resuscitation equipment and attend regular training and skills and drills up-dates.
To support and oversee the service, the Coombe have employed a Designated Midwifery Officer (DMO). The DMO is a link between women booking for the service, the home birth midwife and the Coombe hospital/staff.
The DMO ensures women meet the necessary criteria for home birth, and supports all involved in the home birth pathway, including reviewing outcomes and quality assurance.
The DMO approves the woman for the home birth pathway, linking with Consultant Obstetricians, as necessary. Once approved, both the woman and the home birth midwife receive written confirmation and the home birth pathway begins. This is usually between 18-24 weeks of pregnancy. Women can combine their care with their home birth midwife/the Coombe and their GP.
Choose The Right Care For You
Our clinics offer tailored care for every stage of a woman’s life, from family planning and maternity to menopause and beyond. Whether you choose Public, Semi-Private, or Private services, we are here to provide expert, compassionate care that supports your health and well-being every step of the way.
Public Clinic
If you are living and working in Ireland and have the PRSI contributions or you have a medical card you can access free maternity and newborn care.
Semi Private Clinic
The semi-private clinic is a fee based option. Most women who choose this clinic use private health insurance to cover costs. .
Private Clinic
There are a number of consultant obstetricians offering services through our private clinic. Antenatal care fees vary between consultants..
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