Where to access parent groups, maternal health care and support services for new parents
Many free services are available to new parents but accessing them is sometimes not straight forward. To learn more about where to access parent groups, MCH and support services follow the guide below.
Outcome
To understand how to access parent groups, maternal health care and support services for new parents
Let's start with why this is important:
- parenting is difficult, accessing support will ensure you can do all the right things for your baby and family
- many of these services are free and are able to link up with other free services to ensure your baby gets the best care provided
- accessing parent groups, maternal child health and other services will improve your wellbeing and stop you from feeling isolated at the very difficult time of becoming a new parent
Information
Have questions, need advice or are worried about your child's development, call the Maternal Child Health Line on 13 22 29. The Line is staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week by qualified MCH Nurses and provides confidential support and advice about the care and health of your child (from birth to school age)
THE GREEN BOOK!
In Victoria, following the birth of your baby, the hospital will give you a free My Health, Learning and Development Record, commonly known as the 'green book'. It is full of information about your child's birth, a record of your child's immunisations and is full of many handy tips for parenting. You need to keep this book somewhere safe and take it to all of your babies appointments
IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL FROM A MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH NURSE AFTER 5 DAYS OF RETURNING HOME FROM HOSPITAL YOU NEED TO CALL 13 22 29 TO ARRANGE FOR A NURSE TO CALL YOU.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF YOUR PARENT GROUP AND YOUR CHILD IS MORE THAN TWO MONTHS OLD, YOU WILL AGAIN NEED TO CALL 13 22 29 TO ARRANGE A PARENTS GROUP YOU CAN JOIN.
What to do next
Download the MCH app
The Maternal and Child Health app (MCH app) provides reliable information that families can use every day.
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mchapp
Play Learn Grow Text Program
For parents and carers of two-year-old and three-year-old children in Victoria. You will receive three text messages a week for the duration of the program. This will include practical advice, information and ideas of easy activities to do while at home with your child to support their play, learning and development.
You can register for this free program by visiting the Play Learn Grow webpage or by texting PLAY to 0428 606 027 for further information.
How to use the green book
Each developmental stage has a card in it, take the card out and stick it on your fridge to give you some ideas of how to play with your baby.
Rhyme and story time
Most libraries have story time, rhyme time or other activities for children. They are free and an easy indoor activity. To find your nearest story time, search via Google for your library and then go to their website and choose "What's on" or "Events".
Here is Brimbank libraries page
Playgroup
Playgroups ensure your child develops social skills and fine motor skills too. Playgroups are free and a great way to meet other parents. To find a playgroup near you use this website.
More Information & Services
Visit a SuperCare pharmacy which provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week access to healthcare advice and pharmacy services, including a free, on-site nursing service from 6-10pm each night
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