Maternal and Child Health

• Assessment of your child's growth and development
• Appropriate referral to other health agencies, specialist services and support - if necessary
• Health and early parenting information
• Linkages to community resources to meet your family's needs
• Bringing families together, fostering social networks, supporting playgroups and strengthening local community connections

After a baby is born, the hospital or midwife will notify the MCH Service. A MCH Nurse will contact the new mum and arrange to visit her and her baby at home.

After this initial home visit a series of follow up appointments will be scheduled as the baby develops. The service provides a schedule of contacts and activities for all families, with an emphasis on prevention, promotion, early detection and intervention for health and wellbeing. A total of ten free MCH appointments are recommended over a four-year period.

Maternal and Child Health Services are located at 24 Kalkee Road, Horsham. Phone (03) 5382 9530.

The MCH nurse may refer families who are experiencing difficulties to the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service for added, specialist care. This is also provided free of charge.  

Support is also available through the 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line (13 22 29). 

Do you love babies? Would you enjoy helping a local family look after their twins, triplets or more? We need your help! 

The Horsham Rural City Council and Maternal Child Health Nurse centre recruits, trains and coordinates local people to help multiple birth families in their homes, primarily when their multiples are babies.

We would love to have anyone that is interested as part of our Volunteer team, helping families who are located in your area, by assisting for a few hours a week or fortnight or whatever is convenient to you.

Volunteers will provide practical hands-on help to assist parents, their babies and other children in the family.  Volunteers will also be offered ongoing support, guidance and information. Our volunteers can attest that it has proved to be the most rewarding experience. 

To express your interest in becoming a volunteer for this program, contact: Jo Taylor | Enhanced Family Connections Officer Horsham Rural City Council | M: 0437 747 280