Maternal and Child Health services

A maternal and child health (MCH) service works in partnership with families to care for babies and children until they start school. Where it is offered as a free service, it often includes visits to a local MCH nurse at a number of key ages and stages in a child’s development, along with additional visits, first-time parenting groups, and links to local community activities and support services.

MCH centers operate in local communities, and MCH nurses work with your family to help you care for your child until they are ready to start school.

Visiting your nurse at key ages and stages#

You can usually see your nurse at several key ages and stages in your child’s development. These visits help you identify any issues and concerns early, so that steps can be taken in early childhood to deal with them.

MCH nurses can:

• give information, support and advice on a range of topics, including parenting, development and learning, child health, family health and wellbeing, safety, immunization, breastfeeding, nutrition and family planning
• monitor your child’s growth and development in a series of one-on-one consultations at specific times in the early years
• organize parents’ groups where you can get information and meet other parents in your area
• organize additional activities based on your family’s needs, such as home visits when you are unable to attend a center
• offer additional support and services to families experiencing difficulties

Some services also offer culturally appropriate options so that families from different communities can access care that is welcoming, respectful and safe.

Support after your baby is born#

Your local MCH service can be a great source of support after your baby is born. The hospital will usually notify the service, and an MCH nurse will contact you during your first days at home to arrange an appointment. This is often a visit in your home.

During the home visit, the nurse will tell you where your nearest center is, give you information about further visits and services, and explain how to contact an MCH nurse at any time.

How often should I visit?#

You will usually be asked to see your MCH nurse at several key ages and stages in your child’s health, learning and development. Families can also access the service at other times by telephone or through a center visit. Most centers offer a range of times, typically through scheduled appointments, open consultation sessions and some after-hours appointments.

Your child’s health record#

You may be given a personal health record book for you and your baby, full of information about early child development and the services and support available. Take it with you whenever you visit your nurse, doctor or dentist, and ask health professionals to complete the relevant entries after each visit. It should also be used to record immunizations.

Each time you see your MCH service, note down any issues or concerns and fill in the sections on your child’s growth and development. If you keep it up to date, it will become an important family record from birth to adolescence. If you do not have one, let your MCH service know.

Extra support for families#

Some areas offer a more intensive program that provides free extra support to families experiencing several challenges at once. This is more in-depth than the general service, and can help parents respond early to any difficulties so they can give their child the best start in life. Priority is often given to families who need additional help, including those needing professional interpreter support. This kind of program can offer extra help on your parenting journey, including longer-term follow-up, and usually requires a referral from an allied health or support service.

Telephone support#

Some services run a confidential telephone line staffed by qualified maternal and child health nurses. It can provide information, advice and referral to families with young children, from birth to school age. When you call, the nurses can discuss your concerns about child health and nutrition, breastfeeding, your own health and any parenting issues.

You can also track your child’s growth and set reminders about upcoming nurse appointments or immunizations.

Keeping children safe#

We all want to keep our children safe, no matter how young or old they are. Learning first aid is a useful skill, so that you can help your baby and others if they need urgent care.

Key points#

• A maternal and child health service works in partnership with families to care for babies and children until they start school.
• Where it is free, it usually includes visits to a local MCH nurse at key ages and stages in your child’s development.
• Keeping your child’s health record up to date makes it an important family record from birth to adolescence.

Where to get help#