Maternal and child health
Maternal and child health (MCH) is a free service available to all families living in Nillumbik.
The program is staffed by MCH nurses who provide support for families with young children from birth to school age.
Support available relates to health and safety, parenting, growth and development. Referrals and links to local support services are also available.
We want to make it easy for parents and carers to access services, support and information to keep their families healthy, happy and safe.
Accessing the MCH service
The hospital where you have your baby will contact our MCH team to pass on your contact details.
You will be paired with an MCH nurse in your area who will contact you after you are discharged from hospital.
The MCH nurse will provide information about programs and services, provide details about your nearest MCH centre, and book in your first key age and stage visit.
About MCH nurses
Your nurse is a qualified general nurse and midwife who has also completed further studies. All MCH nurses have qualifications in general nursing, midwifery and maternal and child health. Our nurses are constantly updating their knowledge and skills.
To practice in Victoria, maternal and child health nurses must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority and:
- be a Division 1 Registered Nurse
- be a Registered Midwife
- hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Child Health.
About the MCH App
The MCH app provides reliable information that Victorian families can use every day.
Using the app, you can:
- help your baby's sleep with the new "Sleep and Settling" feature
- find information relevant to your child's age and development
- track your child's growth and milestones
- keep track of immunisations with automated reminders
- view useful contacts
- ask the "Virtual MCH Nurse" questions - for reliable, evidence-based replies
The MCH app is also available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Dari, Khmer, Persian, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Download the app
Download the MCH app on the App Store or Google Play.
Immunisations
Nillumbik Shire Council partners with Banyule Council Immunisation Service to deliver immunisations.
Most immunisations are offered for free as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule - a series of immunisations given at specific times throughout your life.
Find out more about immunisations.
COVIDSafe
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council has been following the recommendations of the Chief Health Officer, and the Australian and Victorian governments, to keep everyone safe.
We are committed to protecting the health of you, your family and our staff.
Check the current status of maternal and child health services here.