Dublin North East Activities
One of the social events in the Cuidiú network is Parentlink. It is a parent-to-parent social/support group aimed at mothers with babies and toddlers. We meet once a week for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Our Babylink group meets every wednesday in the Raheny/ Clontarf area (but all are welcome) between 10.30am and 12.30pm. There are also Toddler groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Baldoyle area at 10.30am for mixed ages. Our groups are small (6 to 8 parents) and we gather every week in one of the member's house. It is a great way to get to know other mums in the area. The little ones have a chance to make new friends and to develop their social skills and for mums it is good place to talk and to share thoughts and experiences of parenting. All are welcome, also non-members and mothers-to-be.
Cuidiu DNE hosts a variety of fun events for the whole family throughout the year. Some of our annual activities include Easter Arts and Crafts, Easter Egg and Treasure Hunt, Start of Summer Ice Cream Party, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Sports Day, Halloween Arts and Crafts, and a festive Christmas party.
Our branch also hosts events for parents to have a well-deserved night out and also occasionally hosts helpful talks by professionals on parenting topics. Check our active Facebook page: Cuidiu Dublin North East: Parent Support, Breastfeeding, Antenatal, Baby mo, Facebook for more information on current events taking place.
Our branch has qualified antenatal teachers offering antenatal classes and Pregnancy Relax Stretch Breathe classes (combination of antenatal and pregnancy yoga classes).
Antenatal Classes - 1-day workshop format covering labour & birth, coping with labour, breathing and relaxation techniques and pain relief options etc. with the emphasis on helping yourself have the most straightforward birth possible and also preparing parents to be able to make informed decisions.
We look at the process of birth, how to know you’re in labour, what your body has to do on the day, and what simple things you can do to help yourself. We cover interventions like induction, speeding up labour, instrumental birth and Caesarean births and what you can do to avoid them. We also explore what practices / policies / services you can expect from your chosen maternity unit.
We will also cover life with your new baby (breastfeeding, practical babycare, postnatal depression, changes in relationships, meeting your baby’s needs etc.). The group size is kept small so that everyone gets the most out of the course.
Couples also get membership of Cuidiú for the rest of the year and where possible we arrange a labour ward tour. We also have a postnatal reunion when all the babies are born.
See www.antenataldublin.ie or www.mybumpmybirthmybaby.ie for upcoming course dates in the Hilton Hotel or Bewleys Hotel at Northern Cross.
Also available on enquiry:
- Private 1:1 classes
- Refresher classes
- VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) classes
- Caesarean birth classes
If you have any questions about the classes or would just like a chat about your pregnancy, maternity care, options for birth etc. please contact Niamh on 086 8577140 or dublinantenatal@gmail.com or Sarah on 087 9625544 or sarahmccannmw@gmail.com
“Just to let you know baby Jason arrived safely and I got the natural birth I hoped for! The relaxation methods you taught us and visualisation and breathing really helped keep me focused through the first stage and I wanted to thank you!!! Thanks again.” Laura
Pregnancy Relax Stretch Breathe classes are on Wednesday evenings in Raheny (and Thursday mornings in KLEAR). This is a gentle weekly yoga-based pregnancy exercise and stretching class but also has antenatal education & discussion built-in and also has time to chat over refreshments which most pregnancy yoga classes don't have. I'm getting great feedback from these classes as they help you prepare yourself for labour & birth and the techniques you learn (relaxation, breathing, visualisation, positions) can really help you cope in labour. You can join the classes any time you like from 14 weeks. For those of you who are pregnant and have children already, it’s a lovely to take some precious time for just you and this baby.
- Wednesday evenings, Raheny from 7.30-9.15pm. €12 pay as you go or €40 for 4 sessions over 6 weeks. No need to commit to a course.
- Thursday mornings, in KLEAR in Kilbarrack from 9.30-11.00am . €10 pay as you go or €40 euro for 5 week block. Limited crèche places available if you have other children.
“I loved every minute of my RSB classes as it carved out time each week that was just for me! The classes are so relaxing and also informative, with various pregnancy related topics discussed each week with the teacher and other Mums-to-be. I left each week feeling completely relaxed and de-stressed.” Aoife
Contact Niamh, 086 8577140, dublinantenatal@gmail.com, www.mybumpmybirthmybaby.ie
Please contact Niamh if you are interested in a morning Relax Stretch Breathe class. This class might suit pregnant mothers whose older child is in preschool. There is a crèche in KLEAR. Or perhaps you have a friend that can mind your child one morning a week and you return the favour another day. It's a great arrangement for those who don't have grannies or granddads nearby to help.
