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Maternal and child health

Our Maternal and Child Health Service (MCH) provides a range of free support for all families in Moorabool with children from 0 - 6 years. The programs help families achieve optimal health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes for their children.

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Covid-19 update and changes to services:

For up to date details on changes to our services, see our COVID-19 Updates

To make an appointment or to reschedule, please call 5366 7100 and select option 4 for MCH.

About Maternal and Child Health

The Victorian Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service is a free universal primary health service available for all Victorian families with children from birth to school age. The service includes an initial home visit and further consultations at key stages with an MCH nurse.

Consultations occur at:

Birth
2 weeks
4 weeks
8 weeks
4 months
8 months
12 months
18 months
2 years
3.5 years

Breastfeeding Support

At your regular Key Age and Stage visits your Maternal and Child Health nurse will provide information and guidance in regards to feeding your baby.

However, if you require additional information or more intensive assistance with breastfeeding support outside these booked consultations, our lactation trained staff are able to offer additional support. This includes assistance with;

Advice regarding milk supply
Breast attachment concerns
Expressing and storing breast milk
Issues with baby's suck
Baby growth concerns
Baby bottle feeding concerns
Information about return to paid work

There is a drop in session at the Darley MCH centre on Thursdays between 9am and 10.30am.

Alternately, for further information or to book face to face appointments or telehealth support contact our administration on 5366 7100 or contact us via email.

Support is also available from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) helpline on 1800 686 286 or via the ABA website.

Drop In Sessions

DROP IN SESSIONS

Sometimes a question comes up that a parent would like to discuss with a nurse at a time when a key stage assessment is not due. Or you may want to weigh your baby if their growth has been a concern.

Families are seen on a first-come-first-served basis. Consultations are shorter than the usual appointment times.

Drop-in session locations:

DROP IN SESSIONS

Ballan Maternal and Child Health Office

A free State Government-funded MCH Nurse telephone advisory service is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call 132 229.

NEW!!

Introducing our new self serve weigh station at Darley Early Years Hub. Available to parents Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. No bookings required. Weigh baby in a dry nappy and record straight into your green book.

MCH Centres

Darley Maternal and Child Health Centre
182 Halletts Way, Darley
(Entry via Wittick Street)

West Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub
Cnr McCormacks and Gladman Rds, Maddingley 3340

Ballan Maternal and Child Health Centre
88 Simpson St Ballan

Wallace Maternal and Child Health Centre
729 Bungaree- Wallace Road, Wallace

New Parent Groups

Our service runs free first-time parents' groups at various times throughout the year. These groups provide an opportunity to meet other mums and dads, share early parenting experiences, and receive parenting support.

The groups run over 6 weeks and are facilitated by an MCH staff member.

Some of the topics include:

Sleep and settling
Development and play
Nutrition
Relationship building
Child safety
Baby massage
Social supports

If you are not a first-time parent but would like to connect with other families in the area, why not join a community playgroup?

Programs

Wellbeing Circle

Our 8-week group program helps mums stay emotionally healthy while juggling the demands of parenthood. Some group attendees have a diagnosed mental health condition but others attend to keep themselves emotionally healthy.

The referral is through your Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

Art activities are fun and easy and no art experience is necessary!

Little Readers

Promoting literacy in our children.

Receive a free children's book at four months and 12 month MCH Key Ages and Stages visit.

Tummies and Tantrums

All you need to know about:

Nutrition
Feeding concerns
Making mealtimes a happy experience
Behaviours
Tantrums
Development

Imagination Magic Program

A performing arts program for children 0-5 years, for details please phone MCH on 03 5366 7100 option 4.

Sleep and Settling Program

Our Sleep and Settling program offers support for parents through telephone consultations, home visits and group sessions.

Let us help you explore the wonderful world of babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers including the many reasons why our little ones do not appreciate the value of sleep.

For more information:

MCH admin 5366 7100 option 4

mchadmin@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a good family doctor, do I need to attend this service?

This service is a wellness based service that aims to intervene early before issues occur, or to identify issues early on and arrange appropriate referral. Staff are qualified to provide advice and support in all areas of infant and child health and development, as well as parenting, maternal health and relationships.

How do I find local services for my child?

To find local child and family service providers take a look at the In the Land of Moorabool parent book(PDF, 9MB).