maternal & child health clinics - vic
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maternal and child health service

The Maternal and Child Health Service, operated by local government, provides a very valuable free service for all families with children from birth to school entry. Maternal and Child Health Centres are located in each local government municipality and offer:

an initial health check before your child is 6 weeks old - visit can take place at a clinic or at your home
regular appointments and check-ups at your local MCHC
information and support on issues including breastfeeding, child health, maternal health, parent-child relationships, home safety, nutrition and family planning
courses in parenting
free local council childhood immunisation clinics
specialist services when you need some extra help
help and advice over the telephone

All these services are offered free of charge.

regular check-ups
After you have given birth, the hospital will notify the local municipality in which you live. A maternal and child health nurse will usually contact you within a few days after you arrive home to arrange your initial appointment. Ensure that you have your 'Child Health Record' book on hand for the appointment. This book should be taken to all appointments with your child health nurse or GP. To read more about your 'Child Health Record' book, click here.

You will be given your free Child Health Record for your baby in hospital after the birth. This will be your complete history of your child's health and development as well as a vaccination record. Always answer the questions for parents in the relevant section prior to your child's health check. Health checks are recommended as follows:

- with your GP within 5-10 days old if baby is discharged from hospital at less than 72hrs old
- an initial assessment with a maternal and child health nurse or GP between 1-2 weeks
- subsequent checks at 4 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years and older or as recommended by your health care professional

If you wish, you can choose to schedule your baby's initial assessment and regular check-ups with your GP. Charges will depend upon your GP's fee structure and rebates available through Medicare.

parenting courses
Parent education groups are usually run as a course of approximately 8-10 weekly sessions. Topics covered range from feeding, weaning, playgroups and baby massage to speech development and sleeping and settling. The courses are extremely informative and also offer an excellent way for you to meet other new parents in your area. Many a playgroup has been formed this way. To find out about parenting groups, call your local MCHC. They are run free of charge and are available to all parents even if you choose to take your child to your GP for your regular check-ups.

free childhood immunisation clinics
Local council also offer regular free childhood immunisation sessions. Times and dates are available from local council, MCHC, and are listed in local newspapers. For more information on childhood immunisations, see the immunisation section of this website.

specialist services
The Maternal and Child Health Service also provides extra resources to support families with additional needs. Early Parenting Centres provide families with services to assist with infant settling and sleeping, breast or bottle feeding, maternal well-being, and behavioural difficulties. Residential stays are also available. Appointments are usually made by referral from your child health nurse or GP.

O'Connell Family Centre (03) 8416 7600
Tweddle Child + Family Health Service (Mother & Baby Unit) (03) 9689 1577
Queen Elizabeth Mother/Baby Unit (03) 9549 2777

telephone information & advisory service

There is a free 24hr information and advice line staffed by registered nurses.

ph:           13 22 29


maternal and child health centre locations
Contact your local council for details of your local Maternal and Child Health Centre.

Maternal and Child Health Service
Support Telephone Line (24hrs)
> ph: 13 22 29
or contact your local council

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