As both a mother and a registered midwife, Claire Boyle is more then adequately qualified to assist soon-to-be-parents through what can be one of life's most testing experiences. As a child Claire travelled extensively, returning home frequently to holiday in Kinsale every summer. She eventually qualified as a midwife in the UK having worked there as a nurse for two years, before heading Stateside where she stayed for 13 years.

While in the US, Claire gave birth to twins and in 2000 decided to move back to Ireland, where, she says, she wanted her family to grow up. Now firmly ensconced back in Kinsale, Claire can be found helping expecting mothers through the demanding pregnancy process. Boyle is both a registered midwife and lactation consultant and runs classes covering both aspects, as she explained to the Cork Independent.

"I run antenatal classes that last six weeks on a continual basis. These classes cover the basics of labour and birth for expecting mothers. These classes look at aspects such as how to best look after your health during pregnancy, the growth and development of the baby during pregnancy, options for labour and delivery, pain relief during labour and what to expect during labour."

Claire also offers advice on breast feeding, which she stresses has important benefits for the child. "The World Health Organisation recommends breast feeding your child for up to a year. However, Ireland has one of the lowest breast feeding rates in the world. It's a skill and not every woman can do it without some help.

"Women need information when it comes to breast feeding, so I run a four-hour class monthly in the Vienna Woods Hotel, where I give woman the basic techniques." Ireland's national Breast Feedings Clinic underlines the importance of breast feeding on its website. According to the website, 'one of the advantages of putting baby to the breast after delivery is that it will help the mother to expel the placenta and also help to reduce postpartum haemorrhage. When a mother has given birth, nature has also given her a special gift, that is, the ability to produce the perfect food, in the form of breast milk for her new-born baby.

'This milk she freely gives to her baby, thereby giving her baby the best nourishment for optimal growth and development together with the giving of added protection against infections by passing on immunities provided in her breast milk to her baby'. Claire also runs the Kinsale Mothers Group twice every month. "It's more about the social side of being a mother then any post-pregnancy care. The group gives new mothers, who for whatever reason, be it that they work in the city or they have only recently moved to Kinsale, the opportunity to meet other woman in the same position. It's a great support network.

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