Maternal and child health
What is Maternal and Child Health (MCH)?
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is a free service that is available to all families with children from birth to six years old. The service is provided by registered nurses who have additional qualifications in midwifery and maternal and child health.
Our nurses have the knowledge and experience to support parents and caregivers on a number of topics, including development, parenting, growth, health and safety. We are here to help you get the support and information you need and link you in with many groups, services and programs.
MCH appointments are organised around your children’s ten key stages of development. Every child born in Victoria will receive a "My Health, Learning and Developmental book" (also known as "the green book”), which explains the 10 Key Age and Stage visits. For more information, please see the " Making an appointment” section below, which includes a list of each key stage and further information about what your MCH nurse can help you with at each appointment.
What happens after my baby is born?
Your hospital or midwife will automatically advise us of your baby’s birth, and shortly afterwards we will contact you to arrange the date and time of your first appointment. This first appointment is usually done in your own home.
During this initial consultation a MCH nurse will discuss the next steps for you and your future appointments. It is a great opportunity to ask any questions that may be relevant to you or your baby.
Your future appointments will be in one of our five local centres.
Making an appointment
If your child only requires immunisations, please refer to our Immunisation page or contact your GP clinic.
Please remember to bring your ‘My Health, Learning and Development record’ to every appointment with a MCH nurse. This is the book provided to you by your hospital when your baby was born - you might know it as your Child Health Record or the ‘green book’. At each appointment, your nurse will record your child’s development, milestones and immunisations in this book.
MCH nurses see young babies who are vulnerable to colds and illness. if you or your child become unwell, please reschedule your appointment. To reschedule please email mchadmin@portphillip.vic.gov.au or call 03 9209 6766.
I’ve just moved to the City of Port Phillip?
If you have moved to the area from a Victorian council, call us on 03 9209 6766 (available Monday to Friday 8.30 to 4.30 pm) or email mchadmin@portphillip.vic.gov.au to let us know.
If you have relocated to City of Port Phillip from interstate or overseas, please fill out the below form and a MCH Administration Officer will be in contact with you within five business days to offer you an appointment.
When should I book an appointment?
We strongly recommend that appointments are booked at each of the following stages in your child’s life. The links below will take you to the Better Health website where there is more information on each key stage. These stages are:
Please contact us if you:
- have not received a call within a week of giving birth
- have not met with us at a key stage (as listed above)
- have questions or would like to request additional appointments
- are new to the City of Port Phillip area and have a family with young children
I need to reschedule/ cancel my appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your MCH appointment, please call us on 03 9209 6766 (Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm). If your call is not answered, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can email mchadmin@portphillip.vic.gov.au with your child's full name, date of birth and the details of the appointment you are wanting to change. If you are rescheduling, please include your preferred alternative date/time.
Where are your five MCH centres and when are they open?
When you join our service we automatically allocate you to the MCH centre that’s in your area. However, you are welcome to attend any of our five centres listed below.
| Area | Address | Opening hours |
| St Kilda | Bubup Nairm Family and Children’s Centre level 1 - 99b Carlisle Street, St Kilda | Open Monday to Friday, and appointments are available from 9 am to 3.30 pm. |
| Port Melbourne | Bubup Womindjeka Family and Children’s Centre 85 Liardet Street, Port Melbourne | Open Monday to Friday, and appointments are available from 9 am to 3.30 pm. |
| Middle Park | Middle Park Maternal and Child Health Centre 256 Richardson Street, Middle Park | Open Monday to Friday, and appointments are available from 9 am to 3.30 pm. |
| Elwood | Poets Grove Family and Children’s Centre 18 Poets Grove, Elwood | Open Monday to Thursday, and appointments are available from 9 am to 3.30 pm. |
| South Melbourne | South Melbourne Primary School Maternal and Child Health Centre Please note that the Koolin-ngal Family Centre has been moved to the above address. | Open Monday to Wednesday, and appointments are available from 9 am to 3.30 pm. |
Additional services offered by MCH
Useful resources
Contact us for appointments
Email: mchadmin@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9209 6766