Reassurance of private maternity care

Sir, – I am writing as a bereaved mother and a woman currently undergoing IVF treatment.

In February 2025, my husband and I lost our daughter Evie, who was stillborn at 40 weeks. Throughout this devastating and traumatic experience, I was under the care of a consultant obstetrician in the Rotunda Private. The care, compassion and support she provided before, during and after Evie’s death were invaluable and helped us navigate the most difficult period of our lives.

As we continue our IVF journey and hope to become pregnant again, the prospect of a subsequent pregnancy brings with it significant anxiety. Anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby knows that a future pregnancy is not approached with innocence or certainty. It is often accompanied by fear, grief and the need for increased emotional and clinical support.

One of the greatest sources of reassurance for me has been the knowledge that, if we are fortunate enough to conceive again, I would have continuity of care with a consultant who knows my medical history, understands the circumstances of our loss, and has supported me through my bereavement journey. This continuity is not simply a matter of preference – it is an important part of feeling safe enough to undertake another pregnancy.

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I am deeply concerned by the uncertainty surrounding private maternity care and the potential impact this may have on women like me who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. While discussions often focus on private versus public care, I believe there should also be consideration of the unique needs of bereaved parents and those entering subsequent pregnancies after loss.

I would respectfully ask that the voices of women in these circumstances be heard. Continuity of consultant-led care can play a vital role in supporting maternal mental health, reducing anxiety, and ensuring women feel secure throughout what can be an emotionally complex pregnancy.

I hope that any future decisions regarding maternity services will take into account the needs of families who have already endured the heartbreak of losing a child. – Yours, etc,

MARIA McKEOWN

Ashbourne,

Co Meath.