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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Read more about Moorabool Maternal & Child Health Services(PDF, 2MB)  

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

CONTACT US TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Breastfeeding Support

Early support can be the key to a successful breastfeeding experience. Our service provides free breastfeeding support to residents. Make an appointment or phone consultation with a Certified Lactation Consultant.

Appointments can be at one of our centres or we can come to you at home. We can 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 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 

  • Darley Maternal and Child Health Office, Darley Early Years Hub, 182 Halletts Way, Darley 
  • 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.

MCH Centres

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

Bacchus Marsh Maternal and Child Health Centre
Turner St, Bacchus Marsh
(Co-located with Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre)

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.

Childminding is available on site if required. 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  

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

Or

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).