There is more support available than you think!
Having a baby can feel overwhelming at times, especially if your pregnancy wasn’t planned, or if you encounter unexpected challenges along the way. However, there is often more support and information available for you than you may realise.
We have listed some groups and websites that you might find useful here so we hope you find the support you need and wish you well on your parenting journey!
Your local Community Connect Team
General Information
www.mychild.ie HSE guide to pregnancy, baby & toddler health
www.parentline.ie Parenting support, guidance & information
Specific Groups & Supports
www.cuidiu.ie Playgroups, mother to mother & breastfeeding support
www.lalecheleagueireland.com Breastfeeding support
Most areas also have Parent and Baby/Toddler Groups; ask locally or search online to find one in your area
www.anew.ie Counselling & parenting programmes
www.treoir.ie Parenting alone/ separately
www.tpsp.ie Teen Parent Support
www.barnardos.ie Family Support Services
Ask in your school / college
www.ncs.gov.ie National Childcare Scheme – financial support for childcare
www.mindme.ie Find a childminder or babysitter
Here are some helpful online forums where you might also find some answers/support:
| www.everymum.ie www.mummypages.ie www.rollercoaster.ie | www.mumsnet.com (UK) www.mhfi.org (Dads) www.dad.info (UK) |
There are likely to be lots of other supports available in your local area that you never knew about, so it’s worth searching online or asking your neighbours or in your local library/ online community notice boards etc.
The HSE provides comprehensive information on pregnancy, parenting and supports available on their websites:
Your local GP can be a great source of information on supports specific to your own situation or local area.
If you’re struggling with housing you should contact your Local Authority (County / City Council) to register with them to enquire about both short and long term supports.
Short-term supports include:
www.anew.ie Housing support for parents/expectant parents
www.focusireland.ie Emergency Housing Support
If you’re struggling financially there are many government supports available to you.
Your local Social Welfare office can connect you with a Community Welfare Officer (also called DEASP representative) who can help you navigate the other financial/welfare supports available.
See supports at: www.welfare.ie
Other General/Financial Support
www.citizensinformation.ie Information on living in Ireland
www.svp.ie St. Vincent De Paul – practical help
www.mabs.ie MABS – Budgeting Advice
Search online to find Food Bank groups in your area who help you to feed you & your family.
Preparing for a baby on a budget
Some ideas for where you might find baby items available free or at very low prices:
Charity Shops are also a great source of low cost items,
Also look for local Facebook groups offering baby items to buy/sell/donate
Whatever difficulties you face during your pregnancy there is someone who can help you get through them by offering a listening ear, or to walk alongside you…..
Domestic Abuse www.womensaid.ie Call free 24/7 on 1800 341 900
Rape Crisis www.rapecrisishelp.ie Call free 24/7 on 1800 77 88 88
Need to talk www.samaritans.ie Call free 24/7 on 116 123
Feeling Suicidal www.pieta.ie Call free 24/7 on 1800 247 247
Considering adoption?
Adoption Authority of Ireland www.aai.gov.ie Call Mon-Fri (10am – 1pm) on 01 2309 306
Coping with pregnancy loss?
https://feileacain.ie Féileacáin (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death)
www.miscarriage.ie Miscarriage Association of Ireland
Getting a difficult diagnosis for your baby can be terrifying. There are many support groups who understand what you’re going through and can offer various resources.
Life Limiting Conditions
Parental Support: One Day More www.onedaymore.ie
Parental Support: Every Life Counts www.everylifecounts.ie
Children’s Hospice/Palliative (end of life) Care www.lauralynn.ie
Other Conditions/Diagnoses
Down Syndrome www.downsyndrome.ie
Cystic Fibrosis www.cfireland.ie
Disability diagnosis www.enableireland.ie
Intellectual disability www.cope-foundation.ie
Hospital / Residential Care after Baby is Born
Help caring for a sick baby at home www.jackandjill.ie
Parental accommodation during Dublin hospital visits www.hughshouse.ie
