Ireland's recession brings about a baby boom

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Women in Ireland feel the recession is a good time to have a baby, says a Dublin health center.

According to Dublin's Wellwoman Center, mums to be in their late 20's and 30's attending the clinic are taking pregnancy in their stride.

The center said women feel more confident in having a baby during the economic downturn.

"I noticed the change about a year and a half ago," said Dr Shirley McQuade, the center’s medical director.

"Women in long-term relationships with mid-range jobs were saying this might not be the worst time to be pregnant. Most are working shorter weeks and they don’t see themselves in line for a bonus anytime soon."

Mother of two and now expecting her third child, Shauna Neville, 36 and from Dublin city, told IrishCentral she planned her baby when she was cut down to two-and-a-half days a week at her secretarial job.

"My husband and I always wanted a third child but we both worked long hours and it's costly having babysitters or putting the kids in a crèche, so when I was put on half a week's work we decided to give it a go and two months later I'm pregnant," said a happy Neville.

"My mother has offered to take the baby (which is due in March) the days I'm working so it all works out," she added.

Deirdre Sherry, 28 and from Galway, is a mother of a two month old. She told IrishCentral she didn't plan to have her first child during a recession but feels it worked out for the best.

"My husband has been out of work since before Christmas so he is able to look after Finn (their son) for now," explains Sherry.

"It saves us on childcare costs and it's nice that Finn gets to grow up with his dad," adds Sherry, a nurse.

"The only thing is at the moment it's fine because we don't need a childminder, but naturally it would be a lot better financially to have Tim working so if he does get a job again (he is an insurance broker) we will be on the look out for a reliable sitter."

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