Articles by Jody Coffey
Search
  • Chief Medical Officer confirms third case of measles in Ireland

    Chief Medical Officer confirms third case of measles in Ireland

    A third person has been confirmed with measles in Ireland The news was confirmed by Chief Medical Officer Breda Smyth, who is urging people to avail of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. While Ireland’s documented cases of measles have remained low, there have been outbreaks across Europe, sparking concerns that the disease could […]

    2 years ago

  • Beautiful and unique spring names and their meanings

    Beautiful and unique spring names and their meanings

    Names associated with spring are so beautiful Now that spring has officially sprung, expectant parents may want their new arrival’s name to pay tribute to the time of year they were born. Spring is a season that symbolises new beginnings and transformation, which aligns with this very special time in a family’s life. Flowers are […]

    2 years ago

  • Weighted blankets can help improve sleep in children with ADHD

    Weighted blankets can help improve sleep in children with ADHD

    Weighted blankets could be used as a ‘non-pharmacological sleep intervention’ in children with ADHD Research suggests that as many as 70 percent of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) deal with some type of sleep problem or disturbance. ADHD is a medical/neurobiological condition in which the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals, noradrenalin, and dopamine, do not work properly, […]

    2 years ago

  • Meghan Markle calls for safeguards to be introduced online for new mums

    Meghan Markle calls for safeguards to be introduced online for new mums

    “We all know that it’s messy” Meghan Markle has opened up on motherhood, social media, and her shared journey of parenthood with her husband, Prince Harry. The couple, who married in 2018, share two children: a son, Archie, 4, and daughter, Lilibet, 2. During the SXSW Conference for International Women’s Day, Meghan reflected on the […]

    2 years ago

  • Worrying rise in the number of children on surgical waiting lists in Ireland

    Worrying rise in the number of children on surgical waiting lists in Ireland

    David Cullinane TD is calling on the Minister for Health for reduced hospital wait times for children There has been a rise in the number of children on surgical waiting lists in Ireland, according to new National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) data. According to the data, the number of children waiting for surgeries and other […]

    2 years ago

  • Spencer Matthews discusses expanding his family with Vogue Williams

    Spencer Matthews discusses expanding his family with Vogue Williams

    The couple already share three children together Spencer Matthews has opened up about the possibility of welcoming a fourth child with his wife, Vogue Williams. The pair married in 2018 and have since welcomed three children; two sons, Theo, 5, and Otto, 1, and one daughter, Gigi, 3. In an interview with OK! Magazine the […]

    2 years ago

  • These Irish baby names were the fastest risers in Ireland last year

    These Irish baby names were the fastest risers in Ireland last year

    Parents in Ireland are falling in love with names of Irish origin For years, girl names like Grace and Emily, and boys names, like James and Jack, have always been popular with expectant parents. Therefore it’s no surprise that from 2022 to 2023, these monikers remained the highest on the Top 100 lists, according to […]

    2 years ago

  • Here’s how to relieve and prevent symptoms of pregnancy heartburn

    Here’s how to relieve and prevent symptoms of pregnancy heartburn

    Pregnancy heartburn is very normal Women are more susceptible to heartburn during pregnancy due to hormones relaxing the muscle that keeps your oesophagus closed. According to the HSE, around eight in 10 women have heartburn during pregnancy and it’s more likely to occur in the final trimester. It can feel like a burning pain in […]

    2 years ago

  • Movies with inspiring female leads to watch with your daughter

    Movies with inspiring female leads to watch with your daughter

    With the passing of International Women’s Day, let’s keep the spotlight on inspiring young girls and women While movies are a great source of entertainment, they can impart many messages and lessons about life, love, careers, relationships, and finding your place in the world. If you’re hoping to squeeze in a little extra quality time […]

    2 years ago

  • Four things you shouldn’t drop your child off at nursery with

    Four things you shouldn’t drop your child off at nursery with

    Nursery workers do trojan work, let’s make it a little easier for them Starting at nursery school is an adjustment for every child and the parent or guardian. It’s a change that brings lots of new little and large learning curves, from nailing down a sleep schedule to finalising what goes into their backpacks on […]

    2 years ago

  • Parents warned about ‘chroming’ as 11-year-old boy dies

    Parents warned about ‘chroming’ as 11-year-old boy dies

    Devastating news An 11-year-old boy has tragically lost his life after ‘chroming’, which is also known as huffing or sniffing. Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday, sharing that their loved one had suffered a suspected cardiac arrest after participating in the activity. The young boy was found unresponsive by paramedics at a friend’s […]

    2 years ago

  • International Women’s Day: Mattel creates Barbies for eight inspiring role models

    International Women’s Day: Mattel creates Barbies for eight inspiring role models

    Role models for our children! As we approach International Women’s Day, inspiring women from all corners of the world, various industries, and in our lives come to mind. Regardless of how we may show our admiration for these powerful females, they deserve all the recognition they get. Mattel, creators of the Barbie doll, have shown […]

    2 years ago

  • Study finds young children with dogs have better physical and emotional health

    Study finds young children with dogs have better physical and emotional health

    This is further proof that dogs are the best If you’re on the fence about introducing dogs into your family home, these benefits may just sway your decision. One study has found that children between the ages of two and five from canine-owning households had increased pro-social behaviours and boosted the physical and emotional health. […]

    2 years ago

  • What is tokophobia? The fear of pregnancy and childbirth explained

    What is tokophobia? The fear of pregnancy and childbirth explained

    Being pregnant and giving birth are life-changing moments For many women, such a life adjustment may lead them to decide they do not want children; however, for some, the very idea may fill them with dread and fear. Tokophobia is a pathological fear of pregnancy and can lead to the avoidance of childbirth, according to […]

    2 years ago

  • Emily Atack reveals the gender of her first baby on live TV

    Emily Atack reveals the gender of her first baby on live TV

    Emily Atack is pregnant with her first child Emily Atack shared the gender of her baby while on live television. The mum-to-be announced she was expecting her first child in December with her partner, Dr Alistair Garner. Emily has been documenting her journey to motherhood online but had not yet shared her baby’s gender. View […]

    2 years ago

  • Study shows ‘fascinating’ biological changes in ‘Covid pandemic babies’

    Study shows ‘fascinating’ biological changes in ‘Covid pandemic babies’

    If you welcomed a baby during the pandemic, you may have wondered how this impacted their development A new study has discovered that ‘pandemic babies’ are beginning to show some ‘fascinating’ biological changes in their development. The study was conducted by APC Microbiome Ireland (APC), based in University College Cork, RCSI University of Medicine and […]

    2 years ago

  • Gardaí investigating machete attack at u-14 boxing event in Roscommon

    Gardaí investigating machete attack at u-14 boxing event in Roscommon

    “We are horrified that such events would take place at any sporting event, let alone a children’s event” Gardaí are investigating a group of individuals who brandished machetes during an attack at a youth boxing tournament in Co Roscommon. The incident occurred on Friday, March 1st, outside a club in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, as it hosted the National […]

    2 years ago

  • Surnames as first names is tipped be 2024’s biggest baby name trend

    Surnames as first names is tipped be 2024’s biggest baby name trend

    Naming your baby can be a tricky task as there are so many options out there. Well, that list gets even longer as surnames will now make their way into the naming process. This year, a professional baby namer has forecasted that surnames as first names will be popular, as will gender-neutral monikers. According to […]

    2 years ago

  • First aider shares dummy safety checks for parents to follow

    First aider shares dummy safety checks for parents to follow

    Trigger warning: The video within this article may be distressing for some readers.  A first aider has issued a safety warning to parents about the risk associations that come with dummies. This comes after one parent posted a distressing video showing their baby in their cot choking on their dummy. The baby can be seen […]

    2 years ago

  • ‘Childless’ man discovers he has 37 children that he didn’t know about

    ‘Childless’ man discovers he has 37 children that he didn’t know about

    What an incredible story! Peter Ellenstein, 62, was a man who had accepted that he likely would never have any children of his own. However, when a woman named Rachel contacted him online in 2017 claiming to be his biological daughter, he would soon realise that was about to change. “Hi Peter. I am messaging […]

    2 years ago

  • Eating disorders in young people are on the rise, an expert shares some early indicators

    Eating disorders in young people are on the rise, an expert shares some early indicators

    **Trigger Warning: This article discusses eating disorders in detail** This week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week The term ‘eating disorder’ refers to a complex, potentially life-threatening condition, characterised by severe disturbances in eating behaviours. An estimated 188,895 people in Ireland will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives, making education and awareness […]

    2 years ago

  • Social Welfare: Changes to Child Benefit payment to take effect from May

    Social Welfare: Changes to Child Benefit payment to take effect from May

    The measure is expected to benefit around 60,000 children every year Legislation to extend the child benefit payment has been passed. The payment will be extended for all dependent offspring that are 18 years old and in full-time education, or have a disability, up until their 19th birthday. This measure was flagged as part of Budget 2024 and […]

    2 years ago

  • Rare Disease Day: Baby Ethan’s fight against Hyper IgM Syndrome

    Rare Disease Day: Baby Ethan’s fight against Hyper IgM Syndrome

    Today is Rare Disease Day It’s a day of observance held to raise awareness for rare diseases and improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with a rare disease and their families. Over 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease, according to Rare Disease Day. Sadly, one of those is Baby […]

    2 years ago

  • Mam, mum, mom, or ma? Ireland’s preferred term for mothers has been revealed

    Mam, mum, mom, or ma? Ireland’s preferred term for mothers has been revealed

    Surprisingly, a small percentage of people in Ireland call their mother ‘Irene’ Depending on where you are in Ireland, the way you call your mother will differ. In cities, you’re more likely to hear ‘mum’ or ‘mom’ being called, whereas, in more rural parts of the country, it’s all but a guarantee that the family […]

    2 years ago

  • ‘Palpable sadness’ – Tributes are being paid to Dylan Coady Coleman

    ‘Palpable sadness’ – Tributes are being paid to Dylan Coady Coleman

    Tributes are being paid to Dylan Coady Coleman, who sadly died on Wednesday morning (February 28th) at the Children’s Health Ireland hospital at Temple Street, Dublin. The young boy suffered serious injuries after a road accident in Purcell Park, Shannon, Co Clare, on Sunday, February 25th. The 10-year-old had just become a big brother after his […]

    2 years ago

  • Baby names starting with ‘Bo’ are having a moment

    Baby names starting with ‘Bo’ are having a moment

    Bo-sounding names are beautiful In 2024, bohemian-esque baby names starting with ‘Bo’ – such as Bowie and Bodhi – are having a surge in favour with expectant parents. Given their growing popularity, more names beginning with ‘Bo’ are climbing name lists. Rarer names and other bohemian sounding monikers are also forecasted to enter the mix […]

    2 years ago

  • The 5-5-5 rule explained – a postpartum recovery method

    The 5-5-5 rule explained – a postpartum recovery method

    No one knows what way a birth is going to go, but the 555 rule ensures rest for all new mums. You can prepare for how you, as a new mum, will look after yourself during the postpartum recovery stage and, one of the best ways you can take care of yourself and your family […]

    2 years ago

  • Teachers reveal names that are linked to bad behaviour at school

    Teachers reveal names that are linked to bad behaviour at school

    Jake, Jack or Max have been flagged by teachers as being difficult students How our children behave at school may be different to how they behave at home. Being a student immersed in an educational and social setting may bring out a more social or confident side to them. The name of a student may […]

    2 years ago

  • Ciara is being praised for embracing her postpartum body in empowering photoshoot

    Ciara is being praised for embracing her postpartum body in empowering photoshoot

    “You are showing your beauty before during and after pregnancy and empowering women and mommies” Ciara is being praised for sharing and embracing her postpartum body. In a world where perfection and unrealistic body standards are seen daily across social media, the mum has been commended for her ‘unfiltered’ photoshoot three months after giving birth. […]

    2 years ago

  • Parents warned ahead of major change to school transport system 

    Parents warned ahead of major change to school transport system 

    Around 161,000 students use the school transportation system in Ireland Today, Education Minister Norma Foley will put forward plans to change the school transport system. In this morning’s Cabinet meeting, plans to overhaul the school transport system will be put before Cabinet in the hopes that more students will become eligible for the school transport […]

    2 years ago

  • Baby names that have sadly fallen out of favour in Ireland over the last 10 years

    Baby names that have sadly fallen out of favour in Ireland over the last 10 years

    Can these names make a revival? Where some names rise in popularity amongst expectant parents, others inevitably fall. According to new research by Betway, over the last decade, monikers like Emily and Jack have remained top choices in baby naming trends in Ireland. James and Grace have also maintained their acclaim, as they follow in […]

    2 years ago

  • Four things all new parents should know about newborn sleep

    Four things all new parents should know about newborn sleep

    It’s okay to find the newborn stage difficult. You’ve likely heard the unhelpful commentary around a newborn and their sleeping. While passing remarks like ‘wait until the baby is here’ may do a lot to prepare you mentally for the lack of sleep, it doesn’t exactly offer much practical advice for when the baby arrives. […]

    2 years ago

  • Ireland’s most-loved baby names over the last decade have been revealed

    Ireland’s most-loved baby names over the last decade have been revealed

    Over the last ten years, Ireland has maintained its love of Emily and Jack Ireland’s most loved baby names for the last decade have been revealed. According to new research by Betway, old classics and traditional monikers continue to remain steadfast in their popularity. Emily and Jack continue to be used by expectant parents, as […]

    2 years ago

  • A paediatrician expert shares easy tips that will help if your baby is teething

    A paediatrician expert shares easy tips that will help if your baby is teething

    When you see the red cheeks, you know teething is coming. There’s no pain more constant or intense than a toothache, so when babies are going through their teething phases, we can all sympathise, despite how loud it can be. Going through all the remedies that claim to soothe your baby’s teething gums and still […]

    2 years ago

  • Bed Bugs: Signs and information on how to deal with a home infestation

    Bed Bugs: Signs and information on how to deal with a home infestation

    Don’t let the bed bugs bite European headlines late last year had been documenting the serious infestation of bed bugs in Paris during the World Cup. Last November, the problem infiltrated Ireland, with one expert claiming to receive at least 30 complaints about bed bugs a day. Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show at the […]

    2 years ago

  • Measles: Latest report shows increase of possible cases in Ireland last week

    Measles: Latest report shows increase of possible cases in Ireland last week

    According to the latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), 11 possible cases of measles were reported in Ireland last week. This is an increase compared to the previous week when three possible cases were detected. In the previous report, one case of measles was confirmed, the man who sadly passed away at […]

    2 years ago

  • MGK shares a heartbreaking message about Megan Fox’s miscarriage in new song

    MGK shares a heartbreaking message about Megan Fox’s miscarriage in new song

    **Trigger Warning: This article discusses baby loss** Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) – whose real name is Colson Baker – has used his new song to express his devastation about his fiancé Megan Fox’s miscarriage. In the lyrics of his new song, Don’t Let Me Go, MGK reflects on the heartbreaking loss of their baby and the […]

    2 years ago

  • Everything you need to know about the upcoming referendum

    Everything you need to know about the upcoming referendum

    All you need to know about March 8th referendum On March 8th, the country will vote on two proposed amendments to articles in the Constitution, which refer to the family and the role of care within the home. In a matter of weeks, voters will be asked to approve various amendments to Article 41 of the […]

    2 years ago

  • CCPC recalls baby sleeping bags due to suffocation risks

    CCPC recalls baby sleeping bags due to suffocation risks

    If you have purchased this product, cease using it immediately The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has reported that online retailer, Ortorex, has recalled a range of baby sleeping bags due to suffocation risks. Various baby sleeping bags and various baby wrap sleeping bags were sold on Ortorex’s website to Irish customers. The safety issue was […]

    2 years ago

  • This is when you should replace household items and it’s more often than you think

    This is when you should replace household items and it’s more often than you think

    This is useful information to have Many of us (myself included) may wait until there are enough visible signs of wear and tear before replacing certain household items. While we are always looking to get more value for our money, some items require replacing more frequently than we may think. After all, there is only […]

    2 years ago

  • Parents swear by these five simple hacks that will make family life easier

    Parents swear by these five simple hacks that will make family life easier

    These parenting hacks are getting heaps of praise Being a parent means you need to wear multiple hats – chef, chauffeur, cleaner, nurse, therapist, personal shopper, laundryman, and so on. Parenting is a non-stop job and your workday never truly ends. However, parenting can be made easier when we help each other out. One mum […]

    2 years ago

  • The signs of scabies to beware of as cases triple in one year

    The signs of scabies to beware of as cases triple in one year

    The thought of scabies can create an imaginary itch and likely one we would rather avoid thinking about It is important to be aware of the signs of scabies as outbreaks have tripled in the last year. Given this worrying update, we should all know what signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for, […]

    2 years ago