Maternal and child health

I would like to know about

• 24 hour MCH phone support

  MCH Line is a 24-hour telephone service supporting Victorian families with health and parenting concerns for children from birth to school age. It is staffed by qualified Maternal and Child Health nurses.

  The service links families to universal and enhanced maternal and child health programs. It offers assisted referrals to a range of health and family support services, including emergency services.

  Call: 13 22 29

• The MCH app and resources

  Use the free MCH app to find accurate and reliable information about your child’s health, learning and development. The app was developed by the Victorian Government. The app can also be used to keep track of upcoming MCH appointments and find important health contacts.

  This app can be personalised and is available for Apple and Android smartphones.

  Helpful websites for parents

  More information can be found on:

  • Victorian Health
  • Raising Children Australia

• Additional support services

  We offer additional support for parents, including:

  • new parent groups and transition into playgroups
  • breastfeeding support clinics
  • sleep and settling support
  • information sessions on a range of topics
  • building blocks baby and toddler drop in sessions link
  • bubs in mind group link

  A home visiting program is available for families requiring additional support. This program is delivered by an Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

  This nurse provides families with extra support and guidance in their own home environment.

  For a referral, contact a nurse in one of our centres.

• New parent groups and playgroups

  Our nurses deliver a six-week program for new parents offering parenting information on:

  • health
  • wellbeing
  • family matters.

  The program provides an opportunity to make friendships with local families.

  Partners are also invited to attend. Your Maternal and Child Health Nurse will organise your invitation.

  Near the end of the program, parents are supported to transition into community playgroups. Playgroups provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to meet new people, gain support and exchange parenting ideas.

  Find out more about playgroups.

• Sleep and settling program

  Sleep and settling concerns are common issues affecting families with children aged from birth to school age. Recognising the importance of sleep for a child's long-term development and for the wellbeing of families, the Victorian Government is making significant investments to provide additional support for Victorian families.

  To support parents and caregivers, an evidenced-informed sleep and settling model of care has been developed.

  These parent and caregiver information sessions are designed to provide information and guidance at developmental stages on:

  • typical sleep patterns and behaviours
  • how to prevent sleep concerns through attachment, suitable sleep routines and environments
  • solutions and strategies to address sleep concerns, for babies over six months
  • self-care and support for parents.

  Register

  Zero to three months old

  Four to 12 months old

  One to two years old

  Future sessions will be advertised as they become available.

• Food sessions for babies and toddlers

  City of Port Phillip’s Maternal and Child Health Service offers parents and caregivers free sessions that focus on introducing solid food to babies and toddlers.

  Come and join our session at the South Melbourne Market with a Maternal and Child Health Nurse where we are available to answer any questions you have and offer food suggestions to support you on your food journey with your baby.

  These groups are held on the 4^th Wednesday of every month at 9.30 am in the Food Hall South Melbourne Market.

  For more information and booking please see the flyer.

  Food sessions for babies and toddlers flyer

  You can also watch our MCH nurse Alisa present the introducing solids session anytime.

  Watch the video of "Introducing Solids".

• MCH Centre locations

  • Bubup Nairm Family and Children’s Centre
    99b Carlisle Street, St Kilda
  • Bubup Womindjeka Family and Children’s Centre
    85 Lairdet Street, Port Melbourne
  • Middle Park Maternal and Child Health Centre
    256 Richardson Street, Middle Park
  • South Melbourne Primary School Maternal and Child Health Centre
    129 Ferrars Street, Southbank
  • Poets Grove Family and Children’s Centre
    18 Poets Grove, Elwood
  • Koolin-ngal Family Centre
    This service has relocated to South Melbourne Primary School - 129 Ferras Street Southbank

  Find your nearest centre by entering your address into our Near Me online map.

  Albert Park, Koolin-ngal Family Centre and Alma Road Maternal and Child Health Centres have relocated to other MCH Centres.