Welcome to Cuidiú

Cuidiú – the Irish word for ‘help’ – says everything about who we are and what we do.

For over 40 years, Cuidiú has been a trusted companion to parents across Ireland. With more than 25 branches nationwide, 300+ trained volunteers and a further 100+ who give their time in a supporting role, we proudly walk alongside tens of thousands of families every year – from the first flutter of pregnancy right through the early years of parenthood.

Our motto is simple: education and support for parenthood.

What We Believe

At the heart of everything we do is a deep respect for parents. We provide evidence-based information on pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding – not to tell you what to do, but to empower you to make the decisions that are right for your family. This commitment to informed decision-making is what shapes our Antenatal classes, our Breastfeeding Support and our Parent Support services, and it’s what makes Cuidiú genuinely different.

We don’t judge. We don’t prescribe. We listen, we share, and we support.

How We Can Help

Whether you’re newly pregnant, navigating the early days of feeding, or just having one of those days where everything feels hard, Cuidiú is here:

Antenatal Support

Cuidiú Antenatal Ireland are registered Antenatal Educators who work throughout Ireland.

Breastfeeding Support

Our Trained Breastfeeding Counsellors are just a short phone call away.

Parent Support

Our Parent Supporters offer a listening ear to parents dealing with the ups and downs of the parenting journey.

Local Community Support

Many parents find their village through local Cuidiú groups, building lasting friendships and support networks.

Our Story

Cuidiú didn’t begin with a grand launch or a single founding moment. It grew – quietly and organically – from clusters of passionate women in the 1970s who believed that childbirth should be an empowering experience, not simply something to be “gone through.”

Origins of Antenatal Education and Parent Support in Ireland

Pioneering antenatal teachers like Maeve O’Callaghan in Cork and Aileen Henderick in Dublin were among the first to bring parents together, drawing on their connections with the National Childbirth Trust in Britain. From those early gatherings, something remarkable took root. The first council meeting was held in Cork in February 1983, with Aileen Henderick elected as our first President.

A Growing Network of Volunteer-Led Parenting Support

Over the decades, branches have grown, evolved and occasionally reimagined themselves, reflecting the energy and expertise of the local volunteers who bring them to life. Through all of that change, one thing has remained constant: the dedication of our volunteer community. Our Antenatal Teachers, Breastfeeding Counsellors and Parent Supporters are the backbone of Cuidiú and their commitment to families is extraordinary.

Cuidiú Today

In 2016, following the enactment of the Charity Act, Cuidiú formally became a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), operating under a Board of Directors and an Administrative Council. This gave us a stronger foundation for the future – while keeping our heart exactly where it has always been.

Join the Cuidiú Family

We’d love to have you with us. Whether you’re looking for support, hoping to connect with other parents or feeling called to give something back, there’s a place for you here

And if Cuidiú has made a difference to your family, we’d be truly grateful to hear from you. You can leave us a testimonial here. Thank you.