Maternal & Child Health
Health Centres
What is the Maternal and Child Health Service?
It is a free service for parents and carers with children aged from birth to six years of age provided by Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses who are also registered nurses and midwives. It’s a family-focused service and offers guidance and support as well as practical information in all aspects of parenting, maternal health and family well-being.
When you have had your baby, the hospital sends a birth notice to our MCH service. Your local MCH Nurse will contact you within a few days to arrange a home visit. Future appointments will be made for you to visit your local MCH centre.
If you are new to the City of Port Phillip and have children aged between birth and 4 years, please contact the central booking number on (03) 9209 6766 to make an appointment.
What MCH services do we provide?
The MCH service provides 10 Key Age and Stage assessments. These individual consultations monitor the growth and development of your child and appropriate referral to other services can be discussed if required. Health information is provided on nutrition, feeding, parenting, development, safety and current immunisation practices.
We support families with additional needs through the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service by visiting the family and offering in-home support.
There is an option to see the Outreach Maternal and Child Health Nurse who conducts Key Age and Stage Assessments in childcare centres, home-based care and kindergartens. These consultations can be arranged with the childcare staff or by contacting the outreach nurse on (03) 9209 6415 or mobile 0403 603 097.
The MCH centres also offer group sessions for first time parents. We encourage you to attend as these groups can become an important social network for you and your child.
When should I attend?
| Child age | Visit type |
| Newborn | Home Visit by nurse, support with feeding and parenting |
| 2 weeks | Growth, Developmental assessment |
| 4 weeks | Growth, Maternal Health Review |
| 8 weeks | Growth, Developmental assessment |
| 7-8 months | Growth, Developmental assessment |
| 12 months | Growth, Developmental assessment |
| 18 months | Growth, Developmental assessment |
| 2 years | Growth, Developmental assessment |
| 3.5 years | Growth, Developmental assessment, Vision screening |
Map of MCH centre locations in the City of Port Phillip.
Consultations are by appointment only - please phone the central booking number (03) 9209 6766 to make an appointment at any of our Maternal & Child Health Centres.
| Chapel Street MCH | St Kilda Town Hall, Cnr Carlisle St & Brighton Rd, St Kilda |
| Middle Park MCH | 256 Richardson Street, Middle Park |
| Albert Park | 18 Dundas Place, Albert Park |
| Port Melbourne | Port Melbourne Town Hall,333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne |
| Alma Road MCH | 200 Alma Road, St Kilda East |
| South Melbourne MCH | South Melbourne Town Hall, 208 Bank Street |
| Poets Grove MCH | 18 Poets Grove, Elwood |
Immunisation
Health Information on other immunisation
Baby Capsule
Maxam Baby Capsule Hire is contracted by the City of Port Phillip to provide residents with baby capsule hire services. Fees and a deposit ($30) apply for using the service and booking ahead is recommended. For information and costs please call Maxam Baby Capsule Hire Service on 1300 885 645
Parent Information Sessions
The Family,Youth and Children department run a variety of Parent Information sessions through out the year. Topics can include dental health, behaviour management and toilet training.
Maternal and Child Health Nurses also hold monthly Parent Information Sessions with additional group sessions held throughout the year.
For more information: Community calendar
An after hours State maternal and child health 24-hour telephone service is available on 13 22 29
Website: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement/mch/childhealthrecord/contact.htm
More Information:
Contact us or use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. Ask for the Maternal Child and Health department.
