Maternal and Child Health

• Centres
• Centre Based Programs
• Enhanced Home Visiting
• Community Based Programs
• Maternal & Child Health Line 24 Hour Service
• Further Information
• Customer Satisfaction

Maternal & Child Health Services include:

• Early detection of health & development problems
• Developmental assessment
• Health Education & Promotion
• Parenting Education New Parents Groups
• Maternal Health Advice, Information & Support
• Nutritional Information & Advice
• Breast Feeding Support & Advice
• Immunisation Information
• Support for Families in Crisis
• Post-natal Depression Help & Support
• Community Networking & Support Groups
• Child Safety Information

Centres

There are 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres in Banyule.

For appointments please phone the centralised booking line on 9435 4955, Monday to Friday, 9am - 1pm.

Both Open Sessions and Appointment Sessions are available at all centres. Open Sessions are specifically for babies 0-6 months age.

Centre Based Programs

These programs are provided at a centre in your local area - refer above for MCH Centre contact details.

Health Plan Program
This program provides developmental health assessments for your child at the key stages of development from birth to 3.5 to 4 years of age. Extra visits are funded for families with a first child and for families with additional needs. Usually families will make appointments for these visits to ensure enough time for discussion. New parents groups are included in this program.

Evening and Saturdays
For families unable to attend MCH Centres during normal business hours, appointments are available one evening a month. Alternatively, the Rosanna, Greensborough and Bellfield MCH Centres offer a Saturday morning sessions for all families living in Banyule, by appointment only. Phone 9435 4955 for an appointment.

Zoning for MCH Centres
A zoning system operates within Banyule for the distrubtion of Birth Notifications from hospitals. This is to ensure families attend the closest centre.

Enhanced Home Visiting

This enhanced home visiting program is provided for families with significant early parenting difficulties which are best dealt with within the family's own environment. Referral to this program is made by the centre based MCH Nurse.

Families most likely to benefit from this program include mothers with post-natal depression, teenage parents, mothers with a physical or intellectual disability, families with multiple births or other special needs.

The team providing this service consists of a Maternal and Child Health  Nurse and Parent Support Workers/Educator.  This is a part time service.

Community Based Programs

Banyule residents are offered many educational programs (at minimal cost) to assist parents and caregivers with babies and young children. These include:

Sleep and Settling Session - Safe Sleep Space approach for infants 0 - 4 months
This program can help infants and children reach a secure sleep state.  A significant benefit to parents who are able to "look and listen" is that they are better able to see their infant or child as an individual being, ready and waiting for all the love they can give.

The sessions address:
- what infants need to sleep better
- what parents are able to offer their infant to encourage healthy sleep habits
- age appropriate settling techniques based on the response approach to enhance sleep

The sessions are conducted by a Maternal and Child Health Nurse (Helen Stevens) who has over 20 years experience.  The Safe Sleep Space approach is endorsed by world leaders in the infant mental health area.

The sessions are held on Saturday mornings at the Montmorency Maternal & Child Health Centre.

Bookings are ESSENTIAL - phone 9457 9960.  Please see available dates below.

Infant & Child Resuscitation Class
This two hour course is run 1 x Saturday per month (10.30am - 12.30 pm) by accredited professionals.  It is held at the Bellfield Maternal & Child Health Centre, Cnr Banksia St and Oriel Rd, Bellfield.  For bookings phone 9457 9960.  Please see available dates below.

Together with Toddlers
The programs are designed for parents to gain a more in depth understanding of their child's development.  To assist parents as to whether their expectations are appropriate and respectful for the age of their children. 

The program consists of three separate sessions, which are designed to complement your Maternal & Child Health centre visits:

*     15 month old
*     2 year old
*     3 year old 

The programs are held on Wednesday evenings and some Saturday mornings. For all enquiries and bookings, please telephone 9457 9960.  Please see available dates below.

Childhood Nutrition Talks - Eat Well Play Well
- introducing solids
- healthy eating and active play for toddlers
- healthy eating and active play for children starting kinder or school
- nutrition and exercise for mums after pregnancy

Presented by Dietician from the Banyule Community Health Centre with an occupational therapist and physiotherapist.  Questions regarding your family's nutrition are welcome at each session. 
Children welcome.  Cost:  Gold Coin donation.

For bookings phone Banyule Council Customer Service on 9490 4222.

Maternal & Child Health Line 24 Hour Service

Phone: 13 22 29

Further Information

Maternal and Child Health Service Co-ordinator - Phone 9457 9928.

Customer Satisfaction

The Banyule MCH Nurses are all committed to providing the very best service possible to families with babies and young children. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, there may be a communication breakdown. If at any time you feel disappointed with the service you receive, please do not hesitate to:

1.   discuss the problem with your MCH Nurse, or

2.   phone the MCH Co-ordinator on 9457 9928; or

3.   phone the Youth & Family Service's Manager on 9457 9910.