Mrs Sweeney was our midwife

Back in the fifties and sixties it was common practice for a midwife to deliver babies in the family home. Mrs Sweeney was our midwife. She lived in Loughrea about 5 miles from our house.

A Magic Case

She came many times to deliver our new sisters and brothers. We were a big family like many more in those days. Mrs Sweeney arrived all dressed up in a suit carrying a magic case. She had a lovely distinctive voice, and she wore glasses. She was a very kind person, and we always trusted her completely. Without delay she went upstairs to our mother’s room. We didn’t question what she would be doing there. Boiling water was ordered, for what we did not know back then. It was probably for sterilizing equipment. When Mrs Sweeney arrived, we were ordered to go out and play. Later in the day Granny called us inside to tell us the good news. A new baby brother or sister was born. We were so excited with the news. We were sure Mrs Sweeney brought the baby in her case. We were so innocent.

Granny Fahy

Granny Fahy was summoned to look after us for a week or so. Most of us loved having her. She wore a lovely colourful apron and kept sweets in her pockets. The sweets would be given to us from time to time for good behaviour. However, she wasn’t shy in telling us what to do. Of course, she tried to spruce us up too. She would tell us that our hair should be cut or not cut according to what we looked like. We didn’t question her. She was a great cook too and we looked forward to her brown bread, thinly sliced. I remember daddy commenting to us that he couldn’t understand why granny cut the bread so thin. I think he was glad when she went back home.

Regular ‘Visitor’

Mrs Sweeney became a regular visitor to our house every year and a half or so. On one occasion she came and stayed overnight. We didn’t know why. On another occasion I remember her arriving downstairs after a short visit with our mother. She told us she was sorry she would have to go home and come back another day and bring a new baby. Of course, we were very disappointed but true to her word she arrived with her magic case next day and a new baby was born.

Cup of tea and a chat

Mrs Sweeney joined us for a cup of tea and a chat after the new baby was born. She advised mother to make sure that we, the older girls in the family, help to look after the younger children and help around the house. We weren’t too impressed with this order as we were already doing that. It was becoming more difficult as the family got bigger, and our workload increased. However, we didn’t object, we just got on with what needed to be done.

Mrs Sweeney always remained as a family friend until she died.