SUPPORT: Louise Doyle, pictured with her son Euan, is a newly qualified Cuidiu breastfeeding counsellor who can offer advice and support to new moms and moms-to-be. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

There's now even more support for new moms and moms-to-be in the Killarney area as there's a new counsellor which offers free parent to parent support.

Louise Doyle, who lives in Cahernane Meadows, has just qualified as the first Cuidiu breastfeeding counsellor in Killarney.

The mom of two will now be in a position to help local parents and pregnant women as well as others throughout Kerry seeking advice about all things to do with breastfeeding.

The Kerry branch of Cuidiu was set up by Tania Lawlor from Ardfert who became the first qualified Cuidiu counsellor in Kerry. Second to qualify was Sinead O'Sullivan from Ballymac.

The local group met regularly for coffee, a chat and to give helpful advice before the COVID restrictions meant they had to move online.

On Friday Louise hosted the virtual meeting for the very first time.

"We had started up a group in January in the Wooden Spoon in Kilcummin every month but that had to stop because of COVID," Louise told the Killarney Advertiser. "Now we hold a virtual meeting via Zoom every Friday at 10.30am. The aim is to support breastfeeding mothers and we're open to all forms of breastfeeding. Some moms may feel like they need to be exclusively breastfeeding but whether they are breastfeeding combined with formula - all are welcome. Moms-to-be and new moms are welcome as it's a great way for them to connect."

Sometimes there are people on the call in the group that have problems and that's where the counsellors are there to help, Louise, who undertook two years specialised training in Dublin, explained.

"Cuidiu is a charity run by volunteers. We also have four more trainees in Kerry and these moms in training will be qualified next year. Cuidiu has a list of volunteers online that parents can call."

To find out more go to www.cuidiu.ie/kerry_breastfeedinggroups or check out their Facebook page: Cuidiu Kerry.