Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Program (EMCH)
The Enhanced Maternal Child Health (EMCH) program is part of the Victorian Maternal and Child Health Service and is offered to selected families as an extension of the Universal Maternal and Child Health (UMCH) program. The Enhanced MCH program works with families who have increased needs, through the provision of additional in-home support to meet the family's goals around concerns for their growth, development, parent-child relationship or the need for additional parenting support.
Referrals into this program is through your MCH nurse or other support agencies.
Referrals can be made by the hospital, your GP or your local MCH Nurse. Please speak to your nurse if you think you need additional support from the Enhanced Nurses.
First Time Parents Group
All first-time parents will be booked into a First Time Parent (FTP) group where a range of parenting topics are discussed.
Topics include:
- Introduction to parenthood
- Maternal well-being
- Sleep & Settling Safety
- Introduction to solids
- Play & Development
- Childhood illness
- Introduction to the Library.
The aim of this group is to connect with other first-time parents in your local area as well as information sharing. Groups are not compulsory but are encouraged. If you are not interested in attending please discuss with your nurse.
These sessions are held mornings an afternoons, once a week for six weeks.
Groups are generally run face to face with an online option available on request.
For more information or to make a booking, speak with your nurse or phone 8571 1880 (Monday to Friday 8.30-5pm).
Breastfeeding Support
If you need support with Breastfeeding you can speak with your MCH nurse at your next consultation, or phone us on 8571 1880 (Monday- Friday 8:30-5pm) to speak with someone who can provide you with phone support.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association counselling Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1800 686 268.
