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.
Immunisations
Council delivers immunisations at various locations around the Shire.
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.
Parent Portal has replaced the MCH app
The Victorian Government's MCH app has been retired, and removed from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
If you still have the app, you will still be able to use it. However, the app will no longer receive update or bug fixes.
Any data you put into the app on your child’s development is stored locally on your device. If you delete the app, this data will also be deleted. The Victorian Government does not have access to this data.
Introducing the Parent Portal
As part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to improve digital services and information for Victorian families, the Victorian Government launched the Parent Portal through the Service Victoria platform.
Access the Parent Portal here.
The new Parent Portal includes extensive online resources and a digital version of your child’s ‘green book,’ also called the My Health, Learning and Development book.
The Parent Portal replaces the MCH app.
You can find out more about this change on the Better Health website.
If you have any questions about the Parent Portal or MCH app, please email mch@health.vic.gov.au