Considering The Domino Scheme? These Irish Mums Tell Their Story

If you have just found out you are pregnant, the chances are that you are currently weighing up your options when it comes to childbirth. You might be investigating whether or not to use the public, semi-private or private services at your closest maternity hospital, or the possibilities of having a home birth. Another option may be to use the Domino Scheme – a midwife-led service which allows you to have the bulk of your ante-natal appointments in a local clinic or at your home. There are certain criteria involved which will deem you suitable for the Domino scheme – primarily your pregnancy needs to be low risk. We covered this report on the scheme which will give you a little more information on what is involved and in the meantime, we asked our readers who have previously used the scheme what their personal experiences of it were. Here are some great stories for you to help with your research: 

"I chose it as I had my first baby in London which on NHS is midwife led. I wanted the same experience here in the Rotunda. The care from the domino midwives is really great. The nice part was my first few appointments were at my house. When the appointments were in the Rotunda they were in the afternoon from 4.30 and by that stage the day clinic madness would be over and it was nice and quiet. I used to go about 5pm and it was very relaxing." Stephanie O'Sullivan "The Domino Scheme is excellent. I've had three children at the Rotunda and getting home and having the domino nurse call in was very comforting. I'd especially recommend the scheme for first time mums. I wish it could be rolled out throughout the country." Gillian Ward

"The Domino scheme wasn't recommended by my doctor on my first pregnancy. I applied on my second pregnancy but left it too late. I rang on my third pregnancy when I was seven weeks gone to be sure I got a place! I would highly recommend it - the midwives in University Hospital Waterford are completely on the ball. I loved the fact I could go home within 24 hours of giving birth & that the midwives called to our home for post-natal appointments." Grainne Flannagan

"I did the Domino scheme way back in 2007 when it was quite new. It was fantastic. Luckily, my pregnancy was fine (a bit of hyperemesis but otherwise healthy) and I went to Holles Street. The midwives were fantastic and I left the hospital just 7 hours after Conor was born. It was fantastic - he slept from midnight until 8am as there was no noise and the midwife visited each day at 8am for 5 days so we had excellent care.  I would highly recommend the Domino scheme as you get unbelievable support from the midwives and it's like a personal service without the pricetag of private care. You're also freeing up the beds for those that really need the care." Helen Curran "I used the Domino Scheme and thought it was brilliant. The midwives were always at the end of the phone and were always so lovely and supportive. The midwife on duty when my son was born was unbelievable - I can't thank her enough." Denise Meehan "I did the Domino Scheme in the Coombe and all my midwifes were amazing. They made me feel so calm as I was so nervous having my baby. They would tell jokes and stories to keep your mind off the labour.. can't thank them enough they're just so good at their jobs." Kim Richards

"Their service and care were fantastic. Had full private care with first born and went to the Domino midwives for 2nd and 3rd babies.  Without a doubt I got a higher standard of pre- and post-natal care overall with the Domino midwives, would definitely recommend them!" Julie Hunter "Cannot recommend Domino in Waterford highly enough. Throughout pregnancy, birth and aftercare they were fantastic! Being able to leave the hospital on the day my daughter was born and get into my own bed was pure luxury. All follow ups for my daughter and I were done in our own home - no queues, no stress, just lots of support." Sinead Cronin

"I used the Domino scheme in Cork in 2012 on my fourth baby when it was just introduced. While it wasn't my easiest labour it was by far my most positive. I could not recommend it highly enough. Each of the midwives I met were fantastic and the standard of care that I, my baby daughter and my husband received was exceptional. My only regret is that the scheme wasn't available for my other pregnancies." Eanna Downey

"I had my first child 14 years ago in Galway using the scheme and it was the best experience ever. My midwife was fantastic all way through, she came out to my house the night I was in labour and stayed with me until it was time to go to hospital. After the birth she called regularly for checkups - I would highly recommend it." Sue Jackson