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Our Maternal and Child Health (MCH) team provide services for families with children 0-6 years, eg. support for parents, breastfeeding, developmental assessments for babies and children and activities for families.
Delivery of MCH services and programs has changed:
From 15 June in line with recommendations from MAV and DHHS Maternal & Child Health, nurses have returned to working at all MCH Centres. Face to Face appointments have resumed for the following clients:
- Babies aged 0-8 weeks
- Families that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island
- Families with additional needs
- Face to Face appointments for all babies aged 0-8 weeks who have not had a physical assessment during COVID since 20 March 2020 and other clients as determined by the nurse/MCH Coordinator
All infants and children older than 8 weeks will continue to receive telephone/telehealth.
In centre appointments will be staggered to ensure there are minimal people in the waiting rooms adhering to social distancing guidelines. Families attending centres will be advised that only 1 carer and child can attend.
For further details see: COVID-19 Updates
Click on the links to skip to a section.
- About Maternal and Child Health
- Maternal and Child Care Centre Locations
- Drop in Sessions
- Breastfeeding Support Service
- New Parent Groups
- Emotional Wellbeing Group
- Imagination Magic
- 1-2-3 Magic
About Maternal and Child Health
Our Maternal and Child Health Service provides a range of free services to all families in Moorabool with children from birth to six years. These programs aim to support families to achieve optimal health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes for their children.
The service includes an initial home visit and nine consultations at key stages with a Maternal and Child Health Nurse. Consultations occur at:
- Birth
- 2 weeks
- 4 weeks
- 8 weeks
- 4 months
- 8 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 3.5 years
Contact us to make an appointment
Maternal and Child Health Centre Locations
Moorabool Shire Council provides the Maternal and Child Health Service from a number of sites throughout the municipality.
Drop in Sessions- temporarily suspended (COVID-19)
Sometimes a question comes up that a parent would like to discuss with a nurse at a time when a Key Age and Stage Assessment is not due, or you may want to quickly 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. A further consultation can be booked if required. The drop in sessions are provided by Maternal and Child Health Nurses who are also registered lactation consultants.
Drop in session is available at:
Darley Maternal and Child Health Office, Darley Early Years Hub, 182 Halletts Way, Darley on Thursdays between 10.30am and 12.00pm. No appointment needed, just come along on the day.
Ballan Maternal and Child Health Office on Tuesdays between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. No appointment needed, just come along on the day.
A free State Government funded Maternal and Child Health Nurse telephone advisory service is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week by phoning 132 229.
Breastfeeding Support Service
Early support can be the key to a successful breastfeeding experience. Our service provides free breastfeeding support to Moorabool residents via appointments and telephone consultations with Certified Lactation Consultants is provided for residents. Appointments can be at one of our centres or we can come to you at home. This service can provide assistance and support to address any concerns about breastfeeding from before the baby is born, right up to and including weaning.
No referral is necessary and bookings can be made by phoning MCH Admin on 5366 7100 or contact us via email
Support and information is also available from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) helpline on 1800 686 286 or via the ABA website.
New Parent Groups
Our service runs free first time parents' groups at various times throughout the year. These groups are available for first time mums and dads and provide an opportunity to meet other parents, to share early parenting experiences and receive parenting support.
The groups run over six weeks and are facilitated by a Maternal and Child Health staff member.
Topics covered 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, we strongly encourage you to join a community playgoup.
Wellbeing Circle
Our service facilitates an eight week group program to assist mothers to 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. Referral is through your Maternal and Child Health Nurse.
Child minding is available on site if required. Art activities are fun and easy: no art experience is necessary.
Imagination Magic- temporarily suspended (COVID-19)
Imagination Magic is a performing arts program for children birth to six years and their parents or carers. The program provides families with the opportunity to participate together in a variety of performing arts including music and movement, storytelling, puppetry, drumming, dance, singing, yoga and creative play.
Sessions are scheduled throughout the year and are advertised on our website, Facebook and in Maternal and Child Health centres.
For program bookings contact us. Gold coin donations support additional sessions and materials during the year.
1-2-3 Magic
1-2-3 Magic is a parenting program for parents and carers of children aged 2-12 years. Parents and carers can book into this program which is held several times per year. For bookings contact us
