What We Do

The Irish name Cuidiú means care and support and that’s exactly what the Dublin South East Branch of Cuidiú aims to do for all parents with bumps or babes, tots or teens. We are a community of parents volunteering to provide support for each other. Through the Branch’s activities we hope to provide both information and a supportive background to empower parents to act upon their decisions. These activities include Antenatal education, Breastfeeding Support, Parent Support, Baby and Toddler Playgroups, and more.

For ongoing activities related to the support services below, and full information in our current Cuidiú DSE events sheet, you can visit our latest news section.


Antenatal Education

The Cuidiú Antenatal & Early Parenting Course includes independent, evidence-based information for your birthing journey.

Are you looking for more from your antenatal class? Antenatal Ireland courses are different to hospital-based courses. They are independent, in small groups, available at times that suit you and evidence based. Antenatal Ireland are Cuidiú trained and registered antenatal educators who work throughout Ireland.

Visit Antenatal Ireland for more information.


Breastfeeding support

We have breastfeeding counsellors available to speak to on the phone and in person. We also have regular breastfeeding support meetings on the first, third and fifth Thursday of every month.

Our breastfeeding counsellors are there to give information and encouragement and can be contacted by phone at any time:

  • Ruth 01 2853178
  • Sandy 086 043 8642
  • Clare 086 858 5899
  • Lea 087 205 0617
  • Stella 086 381 5497
  • Zita 087 979 3671
  • Aga 085 133 6896
  • Roisin 087 666 8069
  • Mary 087 069 2193

Tip: try texting to arrange a time to call or call the next person on the list if there is no answer first time.

Hospital standard Breast Pump available to hire. For details please contact Cita at 086 8565787 or Clare at 086 858 5899.

Read more about our breastfeeding support network.


Parent Support

Parent Supporters are parents trained with communication, facilitation & counselling skills (but are not actual counsellors). They can provide a listening ear and support for anyone who would like to talk in confidence about the ups and downs of parenting. Text or call any of the following trained Parent Supporters to talk in confidence:

  • Sandy 086 043 8642
  • Melanie 083 372 7113
  • Catherine 087 121 3429
  • Margarita 086 225 3958
  • Aga 085 133 6896

Our Parent Supporters facilitate events every two months. You can view the current Cuidiú DSE events sheet on our latest news page to get further details on dates and times of Parent Support events.

Email cuidiudseparenthood@gmail.com for more details.


Thursday morning support meetings

Coffee mornings take place in person from 10a.m. – 12p.m. on Thursdays. They alternate between Breastfeeding Support Meetings on the first, third and fifth Thursdays of each month, and Bumps & Babes Support Meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

Breastfeeding Support – Breastfeeding Counsellors (BFCs) will join for chat, support and info.
Bumps & Babes – all bumps and babes welcome for tea and chats.

There is an online Bumps & Babes support meeting once a month in the evening.

See our monthly Event Sheet for details. Please contact the host to get details for the meeting, or join our Facebook Group ‘Cuidiú Dublin South East branch’ for details & updates.


Baby and Toddler Playgroup

Toys & playmats for the smallies, tea & chats for the parents/ minders!
Our baby and toddler playgroups start in September and run during term time only.

Fridays 10a.m. -12p.m.: Foxrock Parish Centre, Foxrock Church
Coordinator : Orna, 086 196 0138
Cost : €4 for Cuidiú members/ €7 for non-members
Tea & Coffee included.

Please don’t ever worry if you arrive without cash.
Cuidiú DSE Welcomes Ukrainian families to our playgroups free of charge

Everyone with a child in their care of preschool age is welcome to have a coffee and a chat while the children have a play. It is a great way to get some much needed adult conversation. The hall is a great size enabling many different corners of play such as; books, arts and crafts, and a baby-toys corner.  While the middle of the room includes all the favourites such as trains, building blocks, a slide and a kitchen to name just a few. The morning is always finished off with parachute play and a sing-a-long. Changing facilities are provided. As this is a voluntary group please don’t forget to help with set-up and tidy-up.


Cuidiú a Dó

Cuidiú a Dó events mainly occur during school-holiday time when our usual weekly events aren’t always running, due to family commitments of our many volunteers. Cuidiú a Dó welcomes the whole family and most events are outdoors and free of charge. Previous events include Teddy-bear picnics, seaside play, DART trips, playground meetups and nature walks/games with OWLS. We usually meet in the morning and events last approximately 2 hours. Details are found on our event sheet and also our Facebook page (which is worth checking if weather causes us to change our plans!)


Bush Kinder

This is an outdoor group for toddlers and their family members to meet and play in the natural outdoor spaces within the surrounds of Dublin South East, Ireland. Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to take the lead in playing, exploring and learning in a forest or natural environment. The children and adults benefit from using only what nature has provided.

To mix things up a little events can also take place occasionally in playgrounds (particularly as a meeting spot).

Many events are buggy friendly to cater for those with very young children and for those with a bump.Members are encouraged to organize catch ups within the group if the events don’t suit their availability.

All ages including babies are welcome to join our walks.


A variety of activities for the parenting community

Cuidiú DSE organises a busy schedule of coffee mornings, playgroups, book club meetings, outdoor activities, first aid courses, holiday events, evening meetups – something for everyone, regardless of the age of your child or the stage you may be in. See our Events & News section, including the latest event sheet for more information.