Wodonga Council
Maternal and child health service

Page URL: https://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Services/People-and-Pets/Children/Maternal-and-child-health-service

Maternal and child health service

 /  ServicesPeople and PetsChildrenMaternal and child health service

 

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The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service promotes physical, emotional and social health and well being to the families in Wodonga. 

Your maternal and child health nurse will build a relationship with you, your child and your family. 

Maternal and child health nurses are registered nurses and midwives who have tertiary qualifications in child and family health nursing. Individual nurses also have additional qualifications in immunisation, mental health and lactation consultant accreditation. 

They aim to give you the very best support and the latest evidence-based information to promote your child’s development, and your well being as their parent. 

We offer the following services for all families with children from birth to six years. You can also find a guide to  Maternal and Child Health and Early Years Services in Wodonga here.

Universal maternal and child (MCH) health service

The universal MCH service delivers a free, universally accessible state-wide service for all families with children from birth to school-age.

The service supports families and their children with an emphasis on parenting, prevention and health promotion, developmental assessment, early detection and referral and social support. In addition, the MCH service provides a universal platform that can:

  • Help to identify children and families who require further assessment, intervention, referral and/or support;
  • Bring families together, foster social networks, support playgroups and strengthen local community connections; 
  • Provide breastfeeding support and sleep and settling consults; and
  • Deliver other services and supports, such as family support services and immunisation.

The universal MCH services undertake 10 key ages and stages consultations

Additional consultations are also available as the families require. The service also provides phone consultations, group sessions such as the new parents groups, and community strengthening activities. 

The timetable for making an appointment at one of our six MCH centres is available to download below.

For a full listing of locations/contact details for Wodonga MCH centres, see the Early Years Service Directory or phone our MCH team on (02) 6022 9300.

Enhanced maternal and child health service

The enhanced MCH service responds assertively to the needs of children and families who may be at risk, and in particular where there are multiple risk factors. This service is in addition to the suite of services offered through the universal MCH service. It provides a more intensive level of support, including short-term case management. Referral for Enhanced MCH service is through your Universal MCH nurse.

Support may be provided in a variety of settings such as the family’s home, the MCH centre or another location within the community.

Maternal and child health line

The confidential, 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line (13 22 29) can give you information and advice about the care and health of your child (from birth to school age). When you call, qualified maternal and child health nurses can discuss your concerns about child health and nutrition, breastfeeding, your own health and any parenting issues. 

While the MCH line offers support and advice to parents, it is not an emergency service.

Maternal and child health app

The free MCH app provides reliable information that can be used every day. Download the app free from iTunes or Google Play. To find out more, visit the Better Health Channel website.