This year has been particularly hard on expectant mothers. As COVID-19 restrictions have had an affect on maternity hospitals, many mothers have to attend them on their own.

With pubs across the county beginning to open today after 6 months, frustrations are rising. While it may now be possible head out for a pint and a catch up with friends, expectant mothers are still going it alone to appointments and other visits.

Although this makes things difficult even when things are going well, it's particularly tough when bad news is involved.

One of our listeners Natasha got in touch with Mairead via email to share her story. Natasha unfortunately experienced a miscarriage earlier this year.

At 8 weeks along, Natasha began to bleed and went to hospital. Her husband drove her but he had to wait in the car while she went in alone.

When the doctor shared the tough news with her Natasha said:

"I felt every inch of my heart explode in my chest"

“I instinctively reached to the empty chair beside me, reaching out to what should have been my husband sitting with me. He wasn't there. The doctor saw this, as I burst into tears on the bed, and embraced me. She held me while I sobbed as I had no one there with me for support.”

Although the doctor was lovely, Natasha then had to walk back to the car by herself and break the news to her husband.

Speaking to Mairead on today's show, Natasha said she doesn't want anyone else to have to go through what she did.

“I urge you to give Irish women back the respect they deserve. Let them have support. Don't make another woman go through what I did, alone. No one can stop the heartbreak, but a hug from a loved one can ease it, momentarily.”