PEOPLE SOMETIMES say to us they have felt like throwing their baby out the window in the middle of the night, says Sue Jamesonof Cuidiú.
Such stressful episodes are a sure sign you could do with some support. She would recommend that anybody feeling overwhelmed should ring Parentline, the confidential helpline.
As a voluntary parent-to-parent support group, Cuidiú offers support in the longer term. Seeking help is not a sign of failure, she stresses, it's a sign of strength.
As well as birth-preparation, ante-natal and breastfeeding support services, Cuidiú now runs an "experience register" through which it can put parents in direct contact with other parents who have had the same or similar issues.
"Get support early, that is the key," says psychotherapist Dr John Sharry. "Talk to your husband, your friend, your mother; get a book, go to a class. It's not a big deal looking for help. You're not a bad parent because you have to go on a course. You're a good parent."
Barnardos has a database of parenting courses around the country and will also provide trainers if approached by a school or groups of parents.
It has produced a new series of booklets, entitled "Parenting Positively", which deals with various issues affecting children aged six to 12.
•Barnardos: tel 1850 222 300; www.barnardos.ie
•Cuidiú - the Irish Childbirth Trust: www.cuidiu-ict.ie
•Parentline: tel 1890 927 277