Most women are released from the hospital after a few days and the public health nurse comes out to you to see how you’re doing and weigh the baby. If you haven’t heard from the public health nurse, contact your Traveller Community Health Worker.

Your Traveller Community Health Worker will also call out to you and check in with you and the baby.

The first couple of days you might have lots of visitors and it can be a bit stressful.  It is normal to feel like this as your hormones need to get back to where they were. If this goes on for more than 2 weeks talk with your GP, Public Health Nurse or your Traveller Community Health Worker.

Every woman is entitled to a free check-up with their GP after they have a baby. This will happen about 6 weeks after the baby is born.

It is very important you attend this appointment to make sure everything is okay with you and the baby.

During your 6-week check-up might be a good time to talk with your GP about family planning.

If you have a medical card, you are entitled to free GP services including contraceptive advice. You will have to pay a small fee for the prescription.

The hospital does not register your baby.

You need to do this as soon as possible, no more than 3 months after the baby is born.

A birth certificate is needed for family allowance and other entitlements. Your baby will not be automatically added to your medical card as you will need the birth certificate.

To register you need to go to your nearest Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. Ring ahead of time for an appointment. You can ask Public Health Nurse or Community Health Worker about this.

You can find a full list of Registrars around Ireland on our Places to Know pages.