Fundraiser for mum who suffered brain injury after childbirth

A young Galway mother suffered a brain injury giving birth to her second son, as a result of a clot that developed during childbirth.

Caitriona O’Doherty from Claregalway remains seriously ill since her trauma back in May – and her family have now launched a fundraising campaign to help with her medical costs.

Caitriona suffered a haemorrhage during the birth of her now- three-month-old Tiernan and had to undergo immediate brain surgery to remove a clot which had formed during the procedure.

Primary school and Irish dance teacher Caitriona and her husband Fergal are also the proud parents of two-year-old Iarla.

Her sister, Roisin McLoughlin, explained that – week after giving birth to little Tiernan – Caitriona was rushed to Beaumont Hospital after suffering what medicals describe as a ‘large left fronto-parietal intraparenchymal heamorrhage with mass effect.

“To our dismay, this meant Caitriona had to undergo immediate brain surgery to remove a clot which had formed as a result of the haemorrhage,” she said.

“Despite the surgery being considered a success, Caitriona’s post-surgery recovery did not go entirely to plan, and her brain swelled to critical levels in the days thereafter.

“She suffered numerous setbacks whilst in ICU including septicemia and seizures. To make matters worse, she had to do much of this fighting alone due to strict visitation rules.

“After spending 23 days on a ventilator, Caitriona’s strength and determination did come to the fore as she finally began to turn a corner,” Roisin added.

After spending six weeks in Richmond ICU Beaumont, Caitriona was finally well enough to be transferred to Galway University Hospital before eventually moving to Merlin Park Hospital to begin her rehabilitation.

“She has inspired us all with the hurdles she has climbed over the past few weeks and we have no doubt she will continue to do so,” Roisin said.

Despite her progress, Caitriona still has a long road ahead of her. She is currently receiving physiotherapy to help regain strength on the right side of her body and also requires intense speech and language therapy.

Caitriona will eventually be transferred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin where she will continue her recovery and her fight to regain physical independence.

The fundraiser for her ongoing medical needs is up and running on the GoFundMe website.