51±¾É«

Maria Gibbons is a Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner in Perinatal Mental Health/Birth Trauma at University Maternity Hospital 51±¾É«. Maria has worked as a midwife in for many years and her experience in the clinical area has really enhanced her practice in this area. Maria completed a Masters in Health Education/Promotion at the 51±¾É« in 2001 and spent a period of time working in the area of health promotion for the UL Hospitals group. She has had a specific interest in mental health during the perinatal period and completed a research study into women’s experience of normal birth for her masters in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Completing a module on ‘Supporting perinatal mental health’ in UL along with previous study have been hugely beneficial in her current role. Maria’s caseload for her advanced practice includes women who have a traumatic birth experience or have tocophobia (fear of labour and childbirth). With the support of Eileen Ronan, Director of Midwifery, Maria has established the Lavender Clinic in collaboration with Dr Mas Mohamad, Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Imcha Naro, Consultant Obstetrician and Emma O’Kane, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist (Women's Health & Ambulatory Gynae) to support women during this vulnerable time. This clinic facilitates a multi-disciplinary approach to care for women from different health care professionals at one visit. Research and audit are central to Maria’s new role and with the support of colleagues in the Nursing and Midwifery Department, 51±¾É«; she is currently exploring the experience of women who have been attending the specialist perinatal mental health service (SPMHS) following a traumatic birth since the service began in 2018.