You’ll visit your GP first and she or he will do some tests. After the tests and questions the GP will send a letter to the maternity hospital (of your choice) to tell them you are pregnant and to book your first appointment. This is called a ‘booking appointment’.

The hospital will send out an appointment card to your address; it is important they have the right address for you and you can get post. If you are having problems with the post talk to your Traveller Community Health Worker.

Your partner can go to your appointments but children are not usually allowed.

If you can’t make your appointment, please contact your hospital and let them know as soon as possible.

The hospital will ask you about your ethnicity or cultural background.

It is important to tell them that you are an Irish Traveller as they will test the baby for Galactosaemia once they are born. This is because Galactosaemia is more common for Travellers. If they don’t have this information it could be harmful for your baby.

Galactosemia

This condition is common for Travellers, even if it isn’t common in your family. It means that the baby can’t process the milk properly and needs to go on a special (soy) feed. All Traveller babies are put on this feed right away when they are born until the tests come back clear.

Some women might have a low mood or feel depressed during pregnancy. It is common to feel this way if you have a history of depression or anxiety. It is important to tell your midwife about this as they can refer you on to mental health supports. This means that you will get one-to-one support with a trained midwife who will be able to help you during and after your pregnancy.  These supports are confidential and will in no way affect your maternity care or after you leave the hospital.

Depends on mother and baby, and the hospital will let you know.

Usually there is a strict visiting policy but first check in with the hospital.

Registering your baby

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.

There is a full list of Registrars on our Places to Know page