Maternal and Child Health Service

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.

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.

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. 

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

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).

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.