Maternal and Child Health
The Maternal and Child Health Service is a primary health service, free for all Victorian families with children aged birth to school age. The Service supports families in the areas of parenting, health and development; promotes family health, wellbeing and safety; gives referrals and helps link families with local communities.
The Maternal and Child Health Service offers:
- ten Key Ages and Stages consultations. At each of these consultations you are given the chance to discuss your concerns, talk about your parenting experiences and any ways to improve your child’s health, growth and development.
- an opportunity to meet other parents in your area and access to your local community groups
- further support, assistance and referrals 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.
Find your local Maternal and Child Health Service
To search for your closest Service wherever you are in Victoria, see: Find an Early Childhood Service or School
To make an appointment with your local Maternal and Child Health Service contact your local council, see: Find Your Local Council
How often can you visit?
The Maternal and Child Health Service provides all families with 10 Key Ages and Stages consultations from birth to 3 1/2 years, including a home visit and consultations at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, 4, 8, 12 and 18 months, 2 and 3 1/2 years of age.
More information
- Your Maternal and Child Health Visits - detailed information about each of your child's 10 Key Ages and Stages consultations
- My Health and Development Record - a child health record is given to families in hospital when their baby is born and is designed for them to record important information about their child's health, development and immunisations
- 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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week