Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support ) was formed in 2009 and registered as a charity in 2010. It was founded by a group of bereaved parents to offer support to anyone affected by the death of a baby around the time of birth, and the organization is now the national charity supporting families affected by perinatal loss.
The death of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth is devastating and the emotional pain is indescribable for all involved. Féileacáin is dedicated to supporting those affected by the loss of their baby. We provide personal, emotional and practical support to bereaved parents and their families, whenever they need it. This includes Memory Making, counselling, social work advice, befriending services, play therapy, support meetings and Services of Remembrance.
Féileacáin provide all Maternity Units and Children’s Hospital in the country with our ‘Gifts of Remembrance’ Services. These services are provided free of charge to the hospitals and their delivery is supported by a nationwide team of Féileacáin volunteers.
Included in the Gifts of Remembrance Service are: Memory Boxes which are provided to parents who lose their baby around the time of birth. The Memory Boxes offer information and support as well as artefacts that support parents in creating precious memories in the short time they have with their baby. Imprints so Precious–Clay imprints of their child’s feet or hands are offered to parents to create a lasting and precious memento of their baby. The imprints are created by a Féileacáin staff or volunteer who will come to the hospital, make the imprints with the parents and return the framed prints once they are painted and glazed. Féileacáin also offers each bereaved family a hand decorated candle with their baby’s name and birth date inscribed.
Parent support meetings/Workshops in Galway are held in The Connacht Hotel in Renmore on alternative months. Its dates for 2026 meetings are Tues March 31 (Easter Workshop ), Tues June 2, Tues August 4, Tues October 6 (Pumpkin Carving Workshop ) and Tues December 1 (Christmas Workshop )
Its Spring Remembrance Service takes place in The Church of the Holy family Mervue on Sunday March 8 at 2pm. All are welcome. www.feileacain.ie Help line Number (085 ) 2496464.
