Resources

Maternal and Child Health Care Services provide free health checks for children birth and school age.

There is also a Maternal and Child Health line, with qualified nurses who can give you information, support and advice on child health, nutrition, breastfeeding, maternal and family health, and parenting:

Phone: 132 229 (local call)
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days

Maternal and Child Health Care Services

Playgroups

Playgroups are a great way for small children to practice getting along with others and to try new ways to play. They’re good for parents too, with lots of support and social contact in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Playgroup Victoria:

Phone: 1800 171 882 (free call)

Breastfeeding

Lactation consultant services

Your baby your choice Empowering women on their breastfeeding journey. Providing pre-birth, breastfeeding and early parenting education. Based in Casey, Melbourne.

Australian Breastfeeding Association – Breastfeeding helpline
If you’re breastfeeding and need help, trained volunteer counsellors can give you reassurance, information and advice about breastfeeding and overcoming common hurdles to breastfeeding

Sleeping and settling

Early parenting centre
These centres can help families with children aged 0-3 years who are having problems with feeding, settling, early childhood routines and so on. When you call a centre, a worker will speak with you about your needs and let you know what the centre can offer. Families can stay at a centre or attend a day stay program.

There are three early parenting centres in Melbourne:

O’Connell Family Centre Mercy Health in Canterbury

Phone: (03) 8416 7600
Hours: 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday

Queen Elizabeth Centre in Noble Park

Phone: (03) 9549 2777
Hours: 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday

Tweddle Child and Family Health Service in Footscray

Phone: (03) 9689 1577
Hours: 8.30 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday

Other useful links

RAISING CHILDREN

http://www.raisingchildren.net.au

BETTER HEALTH CHANNEL

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

http://www.rch.org.au

ZERO TO THREE

http://www.zerotothree.org

EARLY CHILDHOOD AUSTRALIA

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH NURSE AGENCY

http://www.mchna.com

LIFELINE

http://www.lifeline.org.au

BEYOND BLUE.

http://www.beyondblue.org.au

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