We offer a range of programs and services for families with children from birth to school age. Our service welcomes everyone, including kinship carers, foster parents, grandparents and rainbow families.
- Urgent help: Our services are by appointment. If you or your child needs urgent help in an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
- On-call help: For advice about child health, maternal health, family health and parenting, call the Maternal and Child Health Line on 13 22 29 to speak with a Maternal and Child Health nurse. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Book a Maternal and Child Health visit
When you book a MCH visit, you will see one of our Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses with no cost to your family.
MCH nurses are registered nurses and midwives with extra qualifications in child and family health.
Your MCH nurse will check your child’s health and growth, answer your parenting questions, and tell you about other programs and services that may help your family.
Visit the Better Health website for more information about what to expect at your appointment.
Check when your child's next visit is due
Your My Health and Development Record (Green Book) shows when your child's next MCH visit is due.
If you are not sure when your child's next visit is due, call us on 1300 370 567. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Book your MCH visit
To book your appointment, call us on 1300 370 567. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
If you need an interpreter, call 13 14 50, tell them your language and ask to be connected to Maternal and Child Health on 1300 370 567.
If you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or communication difficulty, contact National Relay Service to help you connect with Maternal and Child Health on 1300 370 567.
We recommend calling us about a month before your child's appointment is due. This gives us time to find an appointment that suits you. We will book your appointment at the location that is closest to you.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, call us on 1300 370 567.
Attend your appointment
Once you have booked, we will send you a text message with your appointment details.
You will need to bring your My Health and Development Record (Green Book) to your appointment.
Our other services
You can access all Maternal and Child Health services for free, regardless of your visa status or your access to Medicare. This includes:
- Maternal and Child Health visits
- sleep and settling support
- first-time parents groups
- breastfeeding support.
Immunisations have different eligibility rules under the National Immunisation Program. If you are not eligible for free vaccines, you may be able to receive support by filling in our Vaccine Fee Relief form. For more information, see the Immunisations page.
Our commitment to child safety and behaviour expectations
Keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and have zero tolerance for child abuse.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. When you access our services, you have the right to feel emotionally and physically safe, to be heard and to be treated with respect. Our staff have this same right.
We understand that people may sometimes feel upset or frustrated. Our staff are here to listen and help wherever they can. However, violence, threats or aggressive behaviour are not okay and will not be tolerated.
Our staff are required to report incidents, and if someone feels unsafe, we may pause or withdraw services. Assault is a criminal offence, and in serious situations, we will work with Victoria Police to help keep our staff, families and community safe.
More information and resources
- The First 1000 Days: Conception to 2 years – Raising Children Network provides information and resources for parents for the first 1000 days of life.
- Australian Breastfeeding Association has information on breastfeeding and access to local support groups. For 24/7 helpline for breastfeeding mothers, call 1800 686 268.
- PANDA: Supports women, men and families affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and early parenthood. Access their national helpline by calling 1300 726 306 from Monday to Saturday.
- Raising Children Network has extensive information on all aspects of parenting.
- Royal Children’s Hospital has general fact sheets and information on specific illnesses.
- Tweddle offers sleep support for parents of babies and children. Their website includes referral information for day and residential programs and fact sheets.