Background: There might be a need for support for families where the mother has an intellectual disability, in order to counteract the effects of potential parental inadequacy and other detrimental aspects of the family situation. The purpose of this study was to describe how professionals characterized such support and the collaboration required. Materials and methods: Focus group interviews involving 29 professionals were conducted and analysed using content analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: The roles and activities of the professionals involved; ways in which needs of support are identified; problems in identifying mothers with an intellectual disability; how professionals coordinate their support and work together; and the dilemma concerning legislative actions. Conclusions: By identifying both fruitful and problematic aspects of professional support, the findings may be used to enhance future support. More efficient chains of information and improved inter-sector collaboration between professions may further enhance the support practices. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.