Maternal & Child Health Service
The arrival of a new baby will
make a big difference to your life. There are so many challenges and changes
that you will experience over the years. If you are expecting a baby or
have just become a new parent, the Maternal and Child Health Service can
help you by providing support and information. Nearly all Victorian parents
use the service, and you can too.
What Is the Maternal and Child Health Service?
The Victorian Maternal and Child Health Service is a child and family health
service for families with babies and young children aged from birth to six
years of age.
The service is staffed by maternal and child health nurses and is managed
by local councils with a funding contribution from the State Government.
The service is free to parents.
With more than 850 maternal and child health centers throughout Victoria
there is one close to where you live. An after-hours telephone service is
available for advice on weekday evenings, during weekends and on public
holidays.
How Do I Meet My Local Maternal and Child Health Nurse?
During your pregnancy you may arrange a visit to your local maternal and
child health centre to meet the nurse before your baby is born. Contact
your council to find out where your local centre is situated. The nurse
will be contacted by the hospital soon after your baby is born.
The MCH nurse will then contact you to arrange your first visit, which is
usually in your home. If you have been home for a few days and the nurse
has not made contact, you should contact the nearest centre or your local
council. The nurse can arrange for a telephone or on-site interpreter for
new mothers who require this service.
What Services Are Provided?
The Maternal and Child Health Service provides information and advice for
parents about child health, child development, maternal health, parenting,
home safety and local support services and resources.
Child health experts recommend a minimum number of visits for all children
to check their growth and development at key ages. These visits are intended
to support you in keeping yourself and your baby well and provide the opportunity
for any potential problems to be dealt with promptly.
The recommended visits offer services at the different ages.
Home visit |
Assessment of your infant's health usually a home visit. Advice about care and development of your infant. Discussion of information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, infant feeding, local services and any concerns you may have.
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2 weeks |
Assessment of your infant's health and development and your health, including physical and emotional health and well-being. Discussion of information on injury prevention, immunisation, infant feeding, crying and sleep patterns, local family services, family planning/child spacing and any concerns. |
3-4 weeks |
Assessment of your infant's health and development and your health, including physical and emotional health and well-being. Administration of Vitamin K if required. Advice on parenting and discussion of any concerns. |
8 weeks |
Assessment of your infant's health and development and your health, including physical and emotional health and well-being. Discussion of information on immunisation (Triple Antigen, Sabin and Hib) infant feeding, parent/child/sibling interaction, child development and any concerns. |
4 months |
Discussion of information on infant immunisation, infant feeding (introduction to solids) and any concerns.. |
8 months |
Assessment of your infant's health and development, including hearing screening and your health, including physical and emotional health and well-being. Discussion of information on injury prevention, immunisation, infant feeding (drinks and solids), dental care, infant behaviour, family planning/child spacing and any concerns. |
12 months |
Discussion of information on injury prevention, immunisation, child development, behaviour and any concerns. |
18 months |
Assessment of your child's health and development. Discussion of information on immunisation, toddler diet, dental care, development and behaviour, injury prevention and any concerns. |
2 years |
Discussion of information on child development and behaviour, including toilet training and any concerns. |
3 1/2 years |
Assessment of your child's health and development. Discussion and information on immunisation, diet and dental care, child development and behaviour, injury prevention and any concerns. |
Parents are encouraged to ask the nurse about anything that is worrying
them, no matter how small or unimportant it may seem to be.
First-time mothers are invited to join group sessions and/or avail themselves
of extra visits. Families with additional needs, such as a very small baby,
twins or triplets, a child who suffers from a chronic illness or other additional
difficulties, are invited to attend the centre more often.
Each local council may provide extra services which vary from council to
council according to the particular needs of the families in that area.
Your local council can tell you about the Maternal and Child Health Service
and also about other services they provide for parents and young children
in your area.
How Do I Use the Child Health Record?
Your baby's development and any special events will be recorded in baby's
Child Health Record, which is provided (free of charge) to babies born in
Victoria. This is your record of your child's progress and should be taken
with you when attending your:
● maternal and child health nurse;
● local doctor;
● immunisation session;
● hospital; or
● community health centre or other health professional.
(Always remind the doctor or health worker to fill in the Child Health Record.)
If you want to purchase a Child Health Record for another child, contact
Department of Human Services on telephone (03) 9096 7777 and ask for the
Library and Information Service. This service is located at 50 Lonsdale
Street, Melbourne 3000.
Does the Service Look After Mother's Health Too?
Yes. The maternal and child health nurse will listen to any concerns you
may have about your own health and provide advice or refer you to an appropriate
service if necessary. The nurse can advise you about:
● breastfeeding;
● family planning;
● physical and emotional changes that are common
following childbirth;
● general health needs;
● breast self-examination;
● tiredness and coping; and
● other concerns you may have.
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