Maternal and Child Health Service

The Maternal and Child Health Service is a free service, available to all families with children from birth to school entry age.

Loddon Shire Council’s Maternal and Child Health service is staffed by registered nurses with midwifery and maternal and child health nursing qualifications. Maternal and Child Health nurses are part of a network of health and support services available to families at a local level.

The service offers families information, guidance and support on issues that include:

  • breastfeeding
  • child health and development
  • maternal/paternal emotional and physical health
  • parent-child relationships
  • home and car safety for infants
  • child accident and injury prevention
  • immunisation
  • nutrition
  • family planning
  • referrals to local support services and other health agencies.

Phone support

The Maternal and Child Health telephone service is available on 13 22 29. This service operates 24 hours 7 days a week and is staffed by Maternal and Child Health Nurses to provide professional advice on maternal and family health. 

Counselling service for parents - Parentline Victoria 13 22 89 - 8:00am to midnight 7 days a week - Counsellors explore a variety of issues that impact on parenting and relationships for children aged 0-18 years.

Where do I attend?

The hospital where you have your baby will notify Council of the birth.  A Maternal & Child Health Nurse will contact you within a few days after discharge from hospital.

If you have not been contacted by your nurse within a week of coming home or you are having problems, please telephone the Maternal and Child Health service at Loddon Shire on 0409 166 891.

Your nurse will initially make a visit to your home and then make an appointment time for you to visit the centre.

On the birth of your baby you will receive a Child Health & Development Record book, that your nurse will use to record your child’s progress, immunisations and other important events in their development. Remember to always bring your health & development record book with you to the centre.

If you move into Loddon Shire, please contact the Maternal and Child Health service on 0409 166 891 to make an appointment with the nurse in your nearest centre.

Maternal and child health centres locations

Loddon Shire operates six (6) Maternal and Child Health Centres, you can visit your local Maternal Child Health Centre by calling 0409 166 891 or emailing earlyyears@loddon.vic.gov.au for an appointment.

Location

Address

Day

Boort

King Street, Boort

Tuesdays

Weekly

Dingee

Bush Nursing Centre

21 King Street, Dingee

Mondays

Weeks 1 & 3
Inglewood 75A Grant Street, Inglewood

Wednesdays

Weekly

Pyramid Hill

Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens Centre

6-10 McKay Street, Pyramid Hill

Mondays

Weeks 2 & 4
 Serpentine

 Loddon Shire Council Office

37 Peppercorn Way, Serpentine

Tuesdays

Week 1 

Wedderburn

Community Community House

24 Wilson Street, Wedderburn

Thursdays

Weekly

What happens when you visit?

When you go to the centre, the nurse will review your child’s health, development and learning, discuss any parenting issues and talk to you about your own health and how the experience with your baby has been so far.

Information about the baby’s health and development is recorded in the Child Health Record.

Visits are an opportunity for you to ask questions about your child, yourself or anything that you are concerned about.

Your own health and wellbeing are very important and can be discussed with the nurse at any time during your visit. 

Suggested key visits

Parents may attend the centre as often as they feel is necessary; however, visits typically occur at the maternal and child health centres for the recommended key ages and stages:

  • 2 weeks
  • 4 weeks
  • 8 weeks
  • 4 months
  • 8 months
  • 12 months
  • 18 months
  • 2 years
  • 3 ½ years

Enhanced maternal and child health

The Enhanced Maternal & Child Health service is a free home visiting service for families living in the Loddon Shire Council who are experiencing early parenting difficulties.  Families requiring additional support with sleep/settling, parenting concerns, twins/triplets or child with a disability are offered additional visits and/or support by the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

Referrals for this service are made through the Maternal and Child Health Nurse at your local centre.

For further information please contact Council’s Early Years Coordinator on 0409 166 891 or email earlyyears@loddon.vic.gov.au

In conjunction in recording information in child Health booklet we use a computer application that makes the delivery of healthcare more effective and efficient. System known as  Child Development Information System (CDIS).

 

New parent groups

Loddon Shire Council runs new parent groups for new mothers and fathers from time to time.

This is organised by the maternal and child health nurse. The group can be a great opportunity for families to access important information on parenting as well as meet other families in their local community.