parenting clinics, sleep clinics, courses & local specialists
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Once your baby has been born you will undoubtedly have questions about how best to look after him or her, particularly if it's your first child.

You can attend group parenting education classes, which provide an excellent source of information on topics such as feeding, settling, sleeping, weaning and more (content will vary) as well as a great opportunity to get together with other new parents in your area. There are general courses available covering a variety of topics. More specific courses are also available in some regions covering just one particular area of concern, such as sleeping or toddler tantrums.

Or, you can opt for individual help at local centres, clinics or in your own home.


If you have a particular, or urgent concern, and require telephone assistance, try your local parenting telephone helpline. Most operate on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis.



parenting help services in all regions

The following services are available in all regions. We have additional, localised, services available via the regional links further down this page.

maternity unit post-natal 'mother & baby' courses
Some maternity units offer post-natal education courses. Check with your maternity hospital to see if they run 'Mother & Baby' courses, how to book and what, if any, fees are charged.

child health centres
most child health centres run free programs and information sharing courses for new parents. These courses are also an excellent way to meet other new parents in your area and many a playgroup has been formed from a health centre education class group. Contact your local child health clinic for details of course dates and times.

at-home mothercraft nurses & postnatal care
'mothercraft' nurses are experienced carers who will visit you in your own home to assist you in learning how to care for your new baby, teaching techniques such as how to settle your baby. See our at-home post natal care pages for details of local services

lactation consultants
if you need specific help with breastfeeding issues, see our getting help with breastfeeding pages for details of local lactation consultants

feeding
for details of suppliers providing specialist courses in feeding - particularly relating to the introduction and beyond of solids, please see our services directory > feeding clinics & consultants page.

local psychologists
If you would like to seek the help of a psychologist - either for an adult suffering depression or similar issues, or a child with behavioural difficulties, contact the associations below to source a suitable professional in your area. Appointments can be booked with psychologists without a referral from your doctor. If you would like to read more about the role of psychologists and their services, this excerpt is based on material presented in the Australian Psychological Society 'Good Thinking' brochure.

Australian Psychological Society 
ph:  Freecall 1800 333 497
The APS hold a national referral database of member psychologists, including details of specialities and location

Australian College of Clinical Psychologists 
To find details of a practioner in your region, consult the Contacts page of the website for the designated contact person for your region



click to read newsletter article

"Kids need training not taming" - Dr John Irvine


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Being a Dad - seven important tips for good fathering


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