After your baby is born

Find out how to register the birth of your baby in Ireland.

An introductory document to postnatal care for your baby.

An outline of postnatal supports available to women in Ireland who have given birth.

The Department of Health in Ireland recommend the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby. Advice, information and support is available for anyone planning to breastfeed.

An outline of the post natal 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.

Vaccination and immunisation services for children are free of charge.

All female employees are entitled to maternity leave from work immediately before and after the birth of their child.

Maternity Benefit is a payment by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to women on maternity leave from work. Find out more about Maternity Benefit and how to apply.

The Parental Leave Acts 1998-2019 allow parents to take parental leave from employment up until their child’s 12th birthday. From 1 September 2019 you can take 22 weeks parental leave and from 1 September 2020 you can take 26 weeks.

Information about statutory paternity leave, which is available since September 2016.

Paternity Benefit is a payment that is made to a person who is on paternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI).

Each parent is entitled to 2 weeks paid parent’s leave for a child born or adopted on or after 1 November 2019.

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 2 weeks payment in the child’s first year after birth or adoption. It is available for any child born or adopted on or after 1 November 2019.

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.