After your baby is born
There is a range of benefits and entitlements to support women who are having a baby. This document gives a general overview of these supports.
Find out how to register the birth of your baby in Ireland and how to get a copy of a birth certificate.
Find out about what happens at your postnatal check ups for you and your baby, and when they happen.
There are many benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby. Find out where to get advice, information and support.
An outline of the postnatal care provided by the public health nurse service.
There are supports available for women with postnatal depression. Advice and contact information to help you through this difficult time.
Find out what supports and services are available to parents, guardians and carers of children with disabilities
This document is in: Children's health
Vaccination and immunisation services for children are free of charge.
This document is in: Children's health
All female employees are entitled to maternity leave from work immediately before and after the birth of their child.
This document is in: Leave and holidays
Maternity Benefit is a payment by the Department of Social Protection to women on maternity leave from work. Find out more about Maternity Benefit and how to apply.
This document is in: Families and children
The Parental Leave Acts 1998-2019 allow parents to take 26 weeks parental leave from employment, up until their child’s 12th birthday.
This document is in: Leave and holidays
Paternity leave gives new parents 2 weeks off work in the first 6 months after the birth or placement in the case of an adoption.
This document is in: Leave and holidays
Paternity Benefit is a payment that is made to a person who is on paternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI).
This document is in: Families and children
Each parent is entitled to 7 weeks paid parent’s leave during the first 2 years of a child’s life, or in the case of adoption, within 2 years of the placement of the child with the family.
This document is in: Leave and holidays
Parent’s Benefit is a payment for people who are on parent’s leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI). Each parent gets 7 weeks payment in the child’s first year after birth or adoption.
This document is in: Families and children
Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of age if the child is in full-time education or has a disability.
This document is in: Families and children