About The Campaign
Overview of The Campaign
The “Year of Care” campaign advocates for comprehensive, year-long post-natal support for mothers in Ireland. Currently, post-natal care often ends just six weeks after childbirth, leaving many mothers without adequate mental, physical, and emotional support during a critical time. This grassroots initiative, aims to bridge these gaps. The campaign calls for increased government funding, improved access to mental health services, extended post-natal check-ups, the extension of maternity leave up to one year and the establishment of community-based support networks throughout Ireland to ensure every mother has the resources she needs to thrive.
Mothers deserve to feel they are fully supported on their journey through motherhood. Our mission is simple: to create a system where no mother feels alone and every family has the support they need for a strong start. Together, we can make Ireland a leader in maternal care. Support the campaign to help make this vision a reality.
The Importance of Post-Natal Care
Post-natal care is critical for the health and well-being of mothers, babies, and families. The period after childbirth, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” is a time of significant physical, emotional, and mental adjustments for mothers. Proper post-natal care ensures that mothers receive the support they need to recover and thrive, benefiting not just the mother but also the child and society as a whole. Here’s why it is so important:
- Supports Maternal Mental Health.
- Promotes Physical Recovery.
- Enhances Infant Health and Development.
- Reduces Risk of Family Strain.
- Addresses Systemic Inequalities.
- Prevents Long-Term Societal Costs.
- Fills Critical Gaps in Current Care.
Goals of the Campaign
Extend Post-Natal Support to a Full Year
Advocate for year-long post-natal care, including regular check-ups, mental health screenings, access to physical recovery services for mothers and one full year of paid maternity leave.
Improve Maternal Mental Health Services
Ensure mothers have access to affordable and timely mental health resources, such as counselling, therapy, and peer support, to address issues like post-natal depression, overwhelm, burnout and anxiety.
Build Community-Based Support Networks
Support and invest in local initiatives that empower mothers through informal support networks, fostering strong, nurturing communities where they can share experiences, advice, and encouragement.
"Ar scáth a cheile a mhaireann na daoine"
“We live in each other’s shadows”