06/10/2026
NEDRCβs Assistant Director and Director of Services had the privilege of attending Stormont, the Northern Ireland Parliament on Friday to celebrate the wonderful, dedicated, years of hard work and commitment of people to establish the first Perinatal Mother and Baby Unit (first on the whole island of Ireland!).
Well done to everyone on the ground who work tirelessly- the many volunteers, people with lived experience, healthcare professionals- all without funding/ finance, but with a genuine compassion, mission, understanding and love.
We also know, only too well, how difficult, tedious, long, at times soul destroying, it is to get βthe rightβ people to listen and build the political will for action (if at all)!
But you all did it.
Yes there are more stages of the process to happen but itβs already started and commitment has been given from all sides of your community.
We know, the positive impact this will have on women, their babies, their family and society as a whole, as a result of this support and care at the right time.
Congratulations to you all, Comhghairdeas libh π
Maternal Mental Health Alliance report that as many as 1 in 4 women will experience mental health difficulties in the perinatal period (pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth of baby). This also includes women with eating disorders in pregnancy and post.
It is vital that services for women and their babies are provided.
Letβs hope today brings better news for women, their babies and families.
We must always provide hope and keep keep going, especially for those whose hope and strength might be wavering. We see you, we feel you π
HSEIreland National Women's Council PSI Perinatal & Infant MH SIG Maternal Mental Holly Cairns TD Ivana Bacik Catherine Connolly Ruth Coppinger Fine Gael Fianna FΓ‘il Sinn FeΜin Social Democrats Mary Lou McDonald - Sinn FΓ©in Mary Butler TD Simon Harris MicheaΜl Martin
