In this latest episode Pamela speaks to journalist, broadcaster, MC and mum to Ferdia & Oscar… it’s Deirdre O’Shaughnessy.

Dee very honestly discusses her two births and the startling differences between them. Having practiced the Gentle Birth Method during her first pregnancy Dee shares how she used the method, albeit briefly, during her surprisingly fast labour with Ferdia. With her second pregnancy Dee’s own intuition told her that it wasn’t going to be a straight forward birth and at 36 weeks asked her own mum to stay with her in case an early arrival was imminent. Once Dee began to feel the early signs of labour, herself and her husband depart for the hospital only for her maternal instincts to become true.

Dee is very passionate about breastfeeding and we discuss the support role the HSE should and can provide to new mums. Starting with improving the meals provided during your maternity stays, paediatric tongue tie checks before mum and baby leave the hospital and additional at-home support.

As a new mum it’s often difficult to recognise unusual behaviour with your baby, as you may think that it is normal behaviour as we know no different. Dee shares with me how Ferdia was undiagnosed with reflux and CPMI for over a year and at one moment was told it was “a laundry issue not a medical issue.”

Dee’s wit and west cork charm makes this a very light hearted chat about motherhood but as we all know parenthood has it’s ups and downs.

To read more from Deirdre check out her website:

https://deshocks.com

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Surviving Reflux Ireland: Dealing with Reflux, Colic, CMSPI & Gi Issues

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RefluxIreland/

Dr. Justin Roche, The Tongue Tie Clinic

https://www.drjustinroche.com