Maternal and Child Health
Clients will be screened for COVID-19 in line with government requirements.
Please visit the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website for more information.
MCH will be operating under guidance from DHHS in line with coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. Standard length face to face consultations will return gradually, in line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer
Maternal and Child Health Services
Frankston City's Maternal and Child Health Service promotes the health and wellbeing of children from birth to 6 years of age. Our qualified Maternal and Child Health practitioners provide screening, advice and support on your child’s growth, development and health needs, including:
- Safe sleeping
- Breastfeeding
- Nutrition
- Safety
- Oral health
- Immunisation advice
- Vision screening
More detailed information on these services can be found a the bottom of this page under 'Services Available'.
Key ages and stages of development are:
2 weeks 4 weeks
8 weeks 4 months
8 months 1 year
18 months 2 years
3 ½ years
Maternal and Child Health Contacts
Council offers young families the convenience of one contact point to make or change appointments with their Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centre. This central booking phone number is: 9784 1756 and is available Monday through to Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm.
A State Government 24 hour MCH line is also available on 132 229 staffed by qualified nurses who can provide over-the-phone information, advice and referrals.
In an emergency, phone 000.
Find your closest Maternal and Child Health Centre
There are 14 Maternal and Child Health centres within Frankston City:
You do not have to attend the Centre you are allocated to. You can contact your preferred centre to discuss transferring.
Breastfeeding support
- For all appointments and information, phone the central booking line on 9784 1756.
What to bring?
- A change of clothes for the child
- A comfort rug
- Bag for dirty nappy
- Child Health Record book
- Your child's own toy for them to use
Please note: Council has a policy of not allowing disposable nappies to be disposed of at the centre.
Autism spectrum early detection
Our Maternal Child Health (MCH) Nurses are trained to recognise early signs and symptoms in children who may be on the autism spectrum. MCH nurses are also educated to assist parents and carers to identify possible early signs of autism at home and any concerns can be raised with an MCH nurse during a regular check up or during an appointment.
A broader awareness of autism behaviours means children can receive intervention sooner. Early diagnosis and intervention in children on the autism spectrum is critical, to assist with improved social and educational outcomes later life. If your child is identified as having additional needs, we can connect your family with NDIS funded and delivered support services.
The education for MCH Nurses state-wide was funded by the Victorian Government, as part of a $1.1 million training initiative.
Download the ASDetect app to your phone.
To book an appointment with your MCH nurse, see details below.
MCH App Available
Finding reliable information between your Maternal and Child Health (MCH) visits can be challenging for families. The Victorian Government’s new MCH App combines trustworthy information and time-saving features, into one simple digital tool.
Features include:
- ‘Nora’, the app’s digital assistant who can answer most common child health queries
- A library of information on popular health and development topics
- Click-to-call contacts
- Prompts for upcoming MCH consultations
- Regular updates and messages
This free app can be personalised and is available for all Apple and Android smartphones. Download from your App Store or visit the website below:
Services available
Consultations
- Centre consultations
- Growth and development assessment
- Home visiting
- Lactation consultancy
Family Support
- Group programs
- Guidance and advice on nutrition and parenting
- Information on local community resources, services and agencies
- New Parent groups
Health Advice
- Child and women's health issues
- Vision screening
- Referrals for hearing tests are available
- Immunisation
- Referral to appropriate professionals
Health Promotion
- Behaviour and development
- Child and family nutrition and dental health
- Home safety and accident prevention
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