Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time for any expectant mum, whether it's their first, second or even fifth baby.
And while family and friends are a great source of both support and information, sometimes it can be hard to be open and honest about things that may be worrying you.
Thankfully, there are plenty of services out there that will help you through any concerns that you may have.
Whether you're after advice on breastfeeding, have financial worries, or you're struggling with a crisis pregnancy, you are bound to find a phone number or link to a service that can help you below.
Republic of Ireland:
1. Aware (depression/ bipolar/ anxiety)
Aware is there to provide emotional and practical support to those affected by depression, bipolar and related disorders. Those suffering from mental health issues will be supported and encouraged to access appropriate therapies.
Helpline: 1800 80 48 48
Website: www.aware.ie/
2. Cura (pregnancy counselling)
Cura offers support to women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy or when experiencing difficulties during a planned pregnancy. Their support extends to men who may not want to speak to their partner about what they are worried about. Cura also provides support to mothers and fathers in their baby’s first year.
Helpline: 1850 622 626
Website: www.cura.ie
3. Onefamily (unplanned pregnancy/ lone parent/ shared parenting counselling)
Onefamily supports individual one-parent families through times of change both within work and life. They also offer support to those who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy.
Helpline: 01 662 9212
Website: www.onefamily.ie/
4. Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) (pregnancy counselling service)
The IFPA provides confidential and non-directive pregnancy counselling services for women and their partners who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy which has become a crisis. Accredited counsellors and psychotherapists operate at 12 locations nationwide, and the service is free.
Helpline: 1850 49 50 51
Website: www.ifpa.ie/Pregnancy-Counselling
5. Breastfeeding.ie (breastfeeding)
This online service offers support to those who are or thinking about breastfeeding their infant. Whether it’s in relation to milk supply, what to eat when nursing or even how to manage feeding and looking after other children, mums can ask get advice and information from a qualified and accredited lactation consultant.
Website: www.breastfeeding.ie/Ask-our-expert/
6. Breastfeeding Buddy System (breastfeeding)
The Breastfeeding Buddy is a volunteer mum in your area who will have some breastfeeding information training but is not a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation expert. The breastfeeding buddy is available to meet with the mother as often as needed over the first 3 months of Baby’s life. After this time, when the breastfeeding relationship between mother and baby is established and the buddy’s support is no longer required, the buddy will step back from the relationship with the mother, ensuring that she has any social support that she might require in place.
Website: www.friendsofbreastfeeding.ie/wp/
7. La Leche League (breastfeeding)
La Leche League (LLL) is a voluntary organisation which provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Website: www.lalecheleagueireland.com
8. Samaritans (emotional support)
The Samaritans offer a safe place to talk at any time about whatever is worrying you. It is a totally confidential service and is not just for those who are suicidal. Trained staff also offer support for those who are struggling with:
- Relationship and family problems
- Loss, including loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement
- Financial worries
- Job-related stress or overwork
- Body image issues
24-hour helpline: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
9. Pieta House (suicide, self-harm)
Pieta House provides a free, therapeutic approach to those who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm.
Helpline: 1800 247 247
Website: www.pieta.ie
10. Irish Multiple Births Association
The IMBA was created to provide information for and to support families of multiples. They organise events, multiples groups, gather information and help to support families of multiples as much as they can.
Helpline: 01 874 9056
Website: www.imba.ie
Northern Ireland:
1. Cura Northern Ireland (pregnancy counselling)
Cura offers support to women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy or when experiencing difficulties during a planned pregnancy. Their support extends to men who may not want to speak to their partner about what they are worried about. Cura also provides support to mothers and fathers in their baby’s first year.
Helpline: 1850 622 626
Website: www.cura.ie
2. La Leche League NI (mother-to-mother breastfeeding support)
La Leche League (LLL) is a voluntary organisation which provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Helpline: 02895 818118
Website: www.lalecheleagueireland.com
3. The Samaritans (emotional support)
The Samaritans offer a safe place to talk at any time about whatever is worrying you. It is a totally confidential service and is not just for those who are suicidal. Trained staff also offer support for those who are struggling with:
- Relationship and family problems
- Loss, including loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement
- Financial worries
- Job-related stress or overwork
- Body image issues
24-hour helpline: 116 123 / (028) 90664422
Website: www.samaritans.org
4. Lifeline (distress or despair)
Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. Counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers will receive immediate help over the phone and face-to-face counselling appointments can also be provided.
Helpline: 08088088000
Website: www.lifelinehelpline.info
