Cuidiu Offaly

Are you breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusively pumping or pregnant and plan to breastfeed in Offaly? If you are come along to our Cuidiu meeting this Saturday 10th July from 10.30 am. Meet other breastfeeding mothers, have chats, breastfeeding support if needed and make friends. Babies, toddlers and older children are welcome💕

There is no need to worry about coming on time, we know getting out the door with a baby is difficult!!

A bit about us, we were set up to provide support to breastfeeding (whatever that looks like) families in Offaly to reach their breastfeeding goals and as a place where mothers can find their village. Some people who come to Cuidiu are struggling and need support, some just come to meet other breastfeeding families, some sometimes need support and some just come for the chats!! Also there are people who are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, feeding babies and feeding toddlers and beyond. All are very welcome💕

There is tea, coffee and cake at the meetings and toys for your children to play with.

Donations of 3 euros for non Cuidiu members and 2 euros for Cuidiu members are appreciated.

Looking forward to seeing you❤

Are you interested in becoming more involved with your branch? Do you want to learn active listening and counselling skills? Have you ever thought of being a Cuidiú Parent Supporter?

We are now accepting applications for our new Basic Training Course starting in September. The course will take place over 4 Saturdays across the last four months of next year. The first three days (14/9, 19/10, 16/11) will be on Zoom, and the final day (7/12) will be in person.

What will I learn on the course?

The basic Parent Support Training is all about listening and counselling skills.
You will learn how to actively listen, communicate effectively and telephone skills.
Topics covered include different learning styles, understanding ‘normal’ baby development and PND.
Volunteers will take part in 1:1 discussions, as well as roleplays and group discussions.

If you’re interested in applying for this training course, please contact us for an application form. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us if you have any questions regarding the course or the application process.

Closing date for applications is the 23rd of August. We look forward to hearing from you.

🚨ST. MARY'S YOUTH CENTRE, TULLAMORE not Tullamore library 🤦‍♀️

Are you breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusively pumping or pregnant and plan to breastfeed in Offaly? If you are come along to our Cuidiu meeting this Wednesday, the 10th July at 10.30 am in St. Mary's Youth Centre, Harbour Road, Tullamore. Meet other breastfeeding mothers, have chats, breastfeeding support if needed and make friends. Babies, toddlers and older children are welcome💕

There is no need to worry about coming on time, we know getting out the door with a baby is difficult!!

A bit about us, we were set up to provide support to breastfeeding (whatever that looks like) families in Offaly to reach their breastfeeding goals and as a place where mothers can find their village. Some people who come to Cuidiu are struggling and need support, some just come to meet other breastfeeding families, some sometimes need support and some just come for the chats!! Also there are people who are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, feeding babies and feeding toddlers and beyond. All are very welcome💕

There is tea, coffee and cake at the meetings and toys for your children to play with.

Donations of 3 euros for non Cuidiu members and 2 euros for Cuidiu members are appreciated.

*Please note the meeting is on the 1st floor, there is a lift to access the first-floor around the corner from St. Mary's main entrance.

Looking forward to seeing you❤

🌼July meetings🌼

Wed 10th July 1030-1200 in St Mary's Youth Centre on Harbour St

Sat 27th July 1030-1200 downstairs in Tullamore library.

There's no such thing as late, just pop in and out whenever suits you. Bumps, babies and older children always welcome.

There will be tea and biscuits and toys for babies and toddlers.

Suggested donation is 3 euros or 2 euros for Cuidiu members🙏

Join us in Tullamore Library for a parenting talk with Patricia Marteinsson, Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant. Patricia will be giving parents simple and practical parenting strategies. The talk will cover subjects such as postnatal depression, benefits of extended breastfeeding, introducing breastfeeding boundaries, weaning, understanding newborn behaviour and practical survival tips.

Booking is essential for this free event. Please contact Tullamore Library https://www.offaly.ie/tullamore-library/

Offaly County Council Cuidiu Offaly

We are really looking forward to this talk with Patricia Marteinsson on Tuesday 25th of june. She is going to talk about breastfeeding, extended breastfeeding, introducing boundaries when breastfeeding, weaning from breastfeeding and post natal depression!

You have to email [email protected] or call the library to book your place.

Looking forward to seeing you there

Offaly library to host important parenting talk next week People can book their place for the talk by contacting Tullamore Library on 05793 46832 or [email protected]

Are you breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusively pumping or pregnant and plan to breastfeed in Offaly? If you are come along to our Cuidiu meeting this Saturday 22 june at 10.30 am. Meet other breastfeeding mothers, have chats, breastfeeding support if needed and make friends. Babies, toddlers and older children are welcome💕

There is no need to worry about coming on time, we know getting out the door with a baby is difficult!!

A bit about us, we were set up to provide support to breastfeeding (whatever that looks like) families in Offaly to reach their breastfeeding goals and as a place where mothers can find their village. Some people who come to Cuidiu are struggling and need support, some just come to meet other breastfeeding families, some sometimes need support and some just come for the chats!! Also there are people who are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, feeding babies and feeding toddlers and beyond. All are very welcome💕

There is tea, coffee and cake at the meetings and toys for your children to play with.

Donations of 3 euros for non Cuidiu members and 2 euros for Cuidiu members are appreciated.

Looking forward to seeing you❤

🤣🤣🤣

Are you breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusively pumping or pregnant and plan to breastfeed in Offaly? If you are come along to our Cuidiu meeting this Wednesday, the 5th of june at 10.30 am in St. Mary's Youth Centre, Harbour Road, Tullamore. Meet other breastfeeding mothers, have chats, breastfeeding support if needed and make friends. Babies, toddlers and older children are welcome💕

There is no need to worry about coming on time, we know getting out the door with a baby is difficult!!

A bit about us, we were set up to provide support to breastfeeding (whatever that looks like) families in Offaly to reach their breastfeeding goals and as a place where mothers can find their village. Some people who come to Cuidiu are struggling and need support, some just come to meet other breastfeeding families, some sometimes need support and some just come for the chats!! Also there are people who are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, feeding babies and feeding toddlers and beyond. All are very welcome💕

There is tea, coffee and cake at the meetings and toys for your children to play with.

Donations of 3 euros for non Cuidiu members and 2 euros for Cuidiu members are appreciated.

*Please note the meeting is on the 1st floor, there is a lift to access the first-floor around the corner from St. Mary's main entrance.

Looking forward to seeing you

You're invited to the screening and lunch!!

On Tuesday 18th June at 11am we will be hosting a screening of Born at Home at the Odeon Cinema in Portlaoise, R32 Y079.

Born at Home is an informative and beautiful documentary film exploring birthing at home in Queensland, Australia.

The link to book tickets is here:
https://tickets.demand.film/event/12929

The film is an hour long.

If you would like to join us for lunch afterwards to discuss the film and meet other mums, breastfeeding and birth supporters from across the midlands and beyond, please comment cinema and lunch below.

Please note for this screening to go ahead we need to sell 40 tickets so if you are coming along please buy your ticket early!!

We would really appreciate any likes and shares so we can spread the word about this event 🥰

Babies and children are welcome, this is a baby friendly event so the lights and sound will be lower and the subtitles on so your baby's will not be overstimulated👶

We are looking forward to seeing you there😊

Are you joining us in Portlaoise on Tuesday at 11am for the Born at Home movie?

Are you breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusively pumping or pregnant and plan to breastfeed in Offaly? If you are come along to our Cuidiu meeting this Saturday at 10.30 am. Meet other breastfeeding mothers, have chats, breastfeeding support if needed and make friends. Babies, toddlers and older children are welcome💕

There is no need to worry about coming on time, we know getting out the door with a baby is difficult!!

A bit about us, we were set up to provide support to breastfeeding (whatever that looks like) families in Offaly to reach their breastfeeding goals and as a place where mothers can find their village. Some people who come to Cuidiu are struggling and need support, some just come to meet other breastfeeding families, some sometimes need support and some just come for the chats!! Also there are people who are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, feeding babies and feeding toddlers and beyond. All are very welcome💕

There is tea, coffee and cake at the meetings and toys for your children to play with.

Donations of 3 euros for non Cuidiu members and 2 euros for Cuidiu members are appreciated.

Looking forward to seeing you❤

Our last story of Cuidiu Week - thanks a million to everyone for sharing their stories with us.

Thanks so much to our member Nicole for her breastfeeding story:

My breastfeeding journey began over 4 years ago with my first baby Maura. It was a bumpy start with tongue tie but we were lucky that it was flagged the day after she was born. After that we combi fed. I was always nervous she wasn’t getting enough. My family didn’t really know anything about breastfeeding and I felt a little thrown in at the deep end.

When my second daughter was born 5 months ago I knew I wanted to breastfeed but was open to combi feeding again too. I felt more equipped with knowledge on cluster feeding and the 4th trimester and I had researched how to know baby is getting enough breast milk. I felt ready and knew my husband would be a huge support, but we had a bumpy start, tongue tie made feeding really difficult. I was engorged as Han wasn’t feeding properly. We were triple feeding and it was exhausting.

Something inside me told me to stick with it. We had her checked for tongue tie in the hospital and were told she was fine. I’m so glad I went with my gut and booked her in with the fantastic Dr Gull in Portlaoise at 3 weeks old, she was indeed tongue tied and after the procedure things got so much easier.

CONT'D IN COMMENTS

Thanks so much to our member Nicole for her breastfeeding story:

My breastfeeding journey began over 4 years ago with my first baby Maura. It was a bumpy start with tongue tie but we were lucky that it was flagged the day after she was born. After that we combi fed. I was always nervous she wasn’t getting enough. My family didn’t really know anything about breastfeeding and I felt a little thrown in at the deep end.

When my second daughter was born 5 months ago I knew I wanted to breastfeed but was open to combi feeding again too. I felt more equipped with knowledge on cluster feeding and the 4th trimester and I had researched how to know baby is getting enough breast milk. I felt ready and knew my husband would be a huge support, but we had a bumpy start, tongue tie made feeding really difficult. I was engorged as Han wasn’t feeding properly. We were triple feeding and it was exhausting.

Something inside me told me to stick with it. We had her checked for tongue tie in the hospital and were told she was fine. I’m so glad I went with my gut and booked her in with the fantastic Dr Gull in Portlaoise at 3 weeks old, she was indeed tongue tied and after the procedure things got so much easier.

CONT'D IN COMMENTS

Thanks so much to Caitlin for her breastfeeding story:

I have been breastfeeding since my first little girl was born in April 21. I was very lucky to have a great experience with Saoirse. She latched perfectly from the first feed and all ills could be cured with a cuddle and a feed.

When my second little girl arrived in August 23 I thought it was going to be the same thing. She latched and fed well from the start. A much bigger baby than her sister, Fiadh was more demanding in terms of time spent feeding but a good baby carrier and lots of books beside my chair to read for Saoirse and we managed.

As the weeks went on however it seemed that whenever Fiadh wasn't asleep she was crying despite being well fed and growing. A cuddle and a feed wasn't fixing it. Eventually following 3 bouts of mastitis in a short period, a trip to Rory Murphy revealed bones out of alignment in her head and tension in her neck. One problem solved. By the time she was four months old I suspected she was dairy intolerant and cut all dairy from my diet. Within a day she was a different child.

At nine months she's thriving, happy, active and a real character already. Despite losing pizza and milk chocolate from my diet I love feeding my girls and am so grateful I can. I'm so privileged to be able to provide for my girls in the way I have and continue to do.

Our second last story of Cuidiu Week comes from our member Jane:

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, so when we found out we were expecting Maia I bought all the books and did all the online webinars and hoped it would work out when she arrived. While she did latch well right after the birth, I had a lot of pain from the beginning, and no one in the hospital could tell me why.

We struggled on for a week with pain until our amazing public health nurse put me in touch with local IBCLC Patricia Marteinsson. A weight lifted off my shoulders (quite literally!) after our first meeting, she helped with the engorgement and suggested using ni**le shields which hands down saved our breastfeeding journey. I was much more comfortable and the pain subsided. She recommended we check her for tongue tie and try some craniosacral therapy sessions as she had some tension in her body from the vacuum delivery.

Thanks to Patricia and my partner Chris, we were able to persevere through the harder days (painful letdown, blocked ducts, fast flow and cluster feeding) and one day when Maia was about 12 weeks old, she latched without the shields and it’s been a dream since.

CONT'D IN COMMENTS

Today's breastfeeding story comes from Committee member, Elaine:

My breast feeding journey started like most others. During pregnancy, I said I'd try breastfeeding when baby arrived. If it worked all well and good, if not I would formula feed. When Tiernan arrived after a not so straight forward delivery, I still wanted to give breastfeeding a go. Once I started feeding, I loved it. The closeness and connection with your baby while feeding is the best feeling.

Luckily enough while in hospital feeding went well and we were off to a flying start. Once back home though we started to fall into some trouble. Mastitis shortly followed and with the help of the amazing Patricia Marteinsson IBCLC we got through that. Mastitis was never far away though and this led us down a path to finding out why this was happening. We then got a diagnosis of tongue tie, which with a simple procedure, was fixed.

CONT'D IN COMMENTS

Today, we are delighted to share our third breastfeeding story of the week, from our member Fiona:

I fed my first little girl Evie for 2 years and although it was intense in the first few months I loved the special time with her. She turned one during the pandemic and when she returned to crèche as her Dad and I both returned to work I was glad to give her extra antibodies.

Now 5 years later I am feeding Maeve who is now 4 months old and again so glad to be able to have this special bond with her. It’s even more intense this time with having another busy girl to look after. So there are times when Maeve is fed on the go and in a carrier….sometimes during Sunday baking.

I am very grateful to have the Cuidiu group this time around as it is great to hear other M**s sharing their experiences to note the great advice from the Breastfeeding Counsellors and those in training in the group.

Our second breastfeeding story for Cuidiu Week 2024 comes from our member Sruthi:

When I was pregnant, I eagerly anticipated breastfeeding my son. However, reality hit hard. After a long labor and birth complications, I faced latch issues and sore ni**les. Determined to provide the best, I turned to pumping and combination feeding.

A turning point came when I met Patricia. She helped me with latch issues and also introduced me to Liz and her Craniosacral Therapy for my baby. With their help, two months in, my son and I found our rhythm. Connecting with other moms in the Cuidiú group provided crucial support.

Now, a year later, I continue to breastfeed, cherishing this special bond with my child. My hope is to continue as long as possible, knowing that breastfeeding is about love and resilience. So here’s to sore ni**les, midnight pumps, and community bonds. Cheers, fellow warriors! 🌟🤱

It's Cuidiú Week! This is a week to celebrate and highlight breastfeeding, the work of Cuidiú and what we're all about. As part of this, we'll be sharing stories of members of Cuidiu Offaly. To kick us off, we hear from Aoife:

After successfully combi-feeding my son Páidí for 14 months, I knew I wanted to provide my daughter, Síofra with the same great start to her life. I wanted her and I to reap the amazing benefits of breastfeeding.

Despite having experience on my side, I didn’t get off to the best of starts and I had to overcome many difficulties in the early days and weeks, such as a bad latch, tongue tie, lip tie, baby’s sore neck from birth and damaged ni**les. I was in a cycle of horrendously tiring triple feeding and it wasn’t tenable with an active toddler to care for at home too.

Thankfully I was able to reach out to some fantastic breastfeeding friends, the Cuidiú Whatsapp support group, local legend, Patricia Marteinsson (IBCLC) and my supportive PHN for advice and guidance. In the space of 3 days, I was able to wean Síofra off formula completely and after 7 days stop using my ni**le shields. (Sidenote: I have no issue with formula and I respect all feeding choices., as I said my son was combi-fed and thrived too. That’s something I love about this group, there is no judgement or intense ‘all or nothing’ attitude. Cuidiú are supportive and welcoming to all).

CONTD IN COMMENTS

We will be hosting a Birth Reflections Evening in Tullamore on Thursday 23rd May from 7pm-9pm.

It is a group event with a very small number of other mums where you can share your birth experiences in a safe, confidential, supportive environment.

Numbers will be kept very small to allow you to share your story without interruption.

The session will be led by trained Birth Reflections Facilitators Caroline Byrne and Nicky McEntee. Nicky is also an antenatal teacher and doula and will be able to answer questions you may have about your birth(s) or signpost you to somewhere that can.

All mothers are welcome, whether it has been weeks or years since you had your child(ren).

It’s a free event with an option to make a small donation to Cuidiú if you wish.

Booking is essential and light refreshments will be provided.
If you are interested, please feel free to DM this page or email [email protected]

The Eircode for the venue will be provided on booking.

Listen in to Midlands 103 Health and Fitness Show from 7pm Friday 10th of May to hear Jasmine Elkhershi from Cuidiu Offaly chat to David Hollywood about all things breastfeeding related in Offaly. They are chatting about the Support Group Award that Cuidiu Offaly is nominated for, parenthood and what Cuidiu Offaly are planning in the next few months.

We are incredibly lucky to have a very supportive and welcoming library here in Tullamore -

We hold meetings here and, on our request, they have now also ordered in all of the below books on breastfeeding, weaning, safe sleep and childbirth.

Plenty to read if you're waiting for baby, if you're cluster feeding and have completed Netflix, or if you've older children and a bit of time back in the evening again!

Check them out - happy reading and feeding 😍

* Adventures in Tandem Nursing: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Beyond by Hilary Flower (2019)
* A Time to Wean by Marlene Susan (2018)
* B***y Moon: A weaning book for toddlers. Creating magic, wonder and ritual for a more joyful experience for all by Yvette Reid (2021)
* Giving Birth in Ireland by the Irish Birth Movement (2024)
* Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production by Lisa Marasco (2019)
* The Positive Breastfeeding Book by Amy Brown (2019)
* Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed (2021)
* Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Questions by Dr James McKenna (2020)
* Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: A Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents by Emma Pickett (2024)
* Sweet Sleep: Nighttime and Naptime Strategies for the Breastfeeding Family by La Leche League (2014)

If you're not already a library member you can join online for free:https://offaly.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/BRWREG

This weekend we are up for a award for Breastfeeding Support Group of the Year🎉🎉

We wanted to say thank you so much to all of the families that have been a part of our group in the last year and a half and to all the people who nominated us for this award.

We started our branch in August 2022 and we were terrified nobody would show up. We just knew at the time there was no breastfeeding support group in Offaly and we thought Offaly mothers really needed a place where mothers to be supported to reach their breastfeeding goals. We will never forget the relief when people showed up for our first meeting.

Early on we decided we wanted mothers shoulders to drop when they walked in the door to our meetings, for mothers to feel welcome and for mothers to support each other in a non judgemental space. That takes more than the Breastfeeding Counsellors and the people running the meetings to achieve that. That takes everyone at the meeting, so thank you to everyone who has come to our meetings for helping create that space.

We also have an amazing committee ❤ All of the committee members give up their time for free and go above and beyond to support anyone who asks for it. We also have 5 Breastfeeding Counsellors in training🙌 and our Breastfeeding Counsellors who are honestly inspiring.

Lastly, we have 2 fabulous locations that have been so good to us and are so lovely- Offaly Library and St Mary's Youth Centre.

Win or lose this Saturday we are so lucky to be surrounded by such great people and it makes Cuidiu Offaly such a joy💕

If you would like to join the committee or are interested in doing any of the Cuidiu training please chat to anyone on the committee or dm the page

Such lovely feedback from the people who nominated us.

All of the groups up for this award have done amazing work🙌

🤞🤞

Offaly Breastfeeding Group is shortlisted for national award | Offaly Independent Popular Tullamore breastfeeding group Cuidiú Offaly has been shortlisted for ‘Breastfeeding Support Group of the Year’ by Friends of Breastfeeding. The Friends of Breastfeeding Awards are held annually to recognise excellence in supporting and promoting b...

Are you breastfeeding, combination feeding, exclusively pumping or pregnant and plan to breastfeed in Offaly? If you are come along to our Cuidiu meeting this Wednesday, the at 10.30 am in St. Mary's Youth Centre, Harbour Road, Tullamore. Meet other breastfeeding mothers, have chats, breastfeeding support if needed and make friends. Babies, toddlers and older children are welcome💕

There is no need to worry about coming on time, we know getting out the door with a baby is difficult!!

A bit about us, we were set up to provide support to breastfeeding (whatever that looks like) families in Offaly to reach their breastfeeding goals and as a place where mothers can find their village. Some people who come to Cuidiu are struggling and need support, some just come to meet other breastfeeding families, some sometimes need support and some just come for the chats!! Also there are people who are exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, feeding babies and feeding toddlers and beyond. All are very welcome💕

There is tea, coffee and cake at the meetings and toys for your children to play with.

Donations of 3 euros for non Cuidiu members and 2 euros for Cuidiu members are appreciated.

*Please note the meeting is on the 1st floor, there is a lift to access the first-floor around the corner from St. Mary's main entrance.

Looking forward to seeing you

🤣🤣

Flaunt them if you want to.

Or just feed your kid.

Or do both.

Whatever works for you, mum.

Don't let the naysayers get in the way of you feeding your baby.

Pop these dates in your diary for May🥰

Cuidiu is all about creating your village. Parents who are exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, combination feeding and expecting come along for chats, support to reach their goals and evidence based information. We have cake and tea and coffee too🍰

Suggested donation is €2 for members and €3 for non members.

Looking forward to seeing you there 💕

Looking forward to the Friends of Breastfeeding Awards🎉

Breastfeeding group in Offaly shortlisted for major national award Popular Tullamore breastfeeding group Cuidiú Offaly has been shortlisted for ‘Breastfeeding Support Group of the Year’ by Friends of Breastfeeding.