Early Childhood 0-8

Maternal and Child Health

The Maternal and Child Health Service is free for all Victorian families with children under six and is there to help you give your child a good start in life.

The Maternal and Child Health Service offers you:

  • support, information and access to professional advice on everything from child behaviour and nutrition to breastfeeding and family planning
  • the chance to identify any problems in your child’s health and development
  • the chance to meet other parents in your area and access to parent and community groups
  • further support and assistance for those who need it.

There are maternal and child health centres in every local government area in the state. These centres are staffed by highly qualified maternal and child health nurses supported by a range of other health professionals and specialist services.

More information on this topic

For more information, see:

  • Child Health Record (often referred to as the “blue book”)
  • Maternal and Child Health Line (phone 13 22 29) - qualified maternal and child health nurses provide information, support and advice to Victorian families with children from birth to school age (5 years old) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Parent Line (phone 13 22 89) - this telephone counselling service is available to parents and carers of children aged from birth to 18 years throughout Victoria. They provide information and assistance on a wide range of issues, including those who are struggling with or finding the parenting role challenging. They can not, however, provide you with legal or medical information
  • Nurse on Call (call 1300 60 60 24) - this telephone service provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Australian Breastfeeding Association - this large, community based self-help group is recognised as a leading authority on breast feeding
  • Better Health Channel – this website contains information about different illnesses and conditions, healthy eating and health service directories
  • Playgroups and Parent Groups - outlines what these are and why they are important.