Maternal and Child Health
The Maternal Child Health Service is designed to give parents support, advice and information about child and family health issues and monitor growth, health, development and behaviour in children.
The service provides a comprehensive and focused approach to the promotion of physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing of families in the Mansfield community.
Enhanced home visiting is also available for parents and children with special needs or other issues.
Maternal Child Health Nurses hold qualifications in general Nursing, Midwifery and Maternal and Child Health and Community Health.
There is no cost for these services and they are available to anyone with a child 0-6 years.
The Maternal Child Health Centre is situated at 10 Davies Street, Mansfield.
For further information and to book an appointment, phone the Maternal and Child Health Nurse on (03) 5775 8537 or (03) 5775 8557
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
The service provides information, support, advice and referral on:
- child health and development
- breastfeeding
- nutrition
- play and learning
- maternal/paternal health and wellbeing
- accident and injury prevention (including safe sleeping)
- home safety
- immunisation
- local support services and resources
- sleep and settling program
- family violence support
Key ages and stages visits
Nurses involve parents in assessing the development and wellbeing of their child using the Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) screening tool. At these visits nurses discuss the health and development of the child, physical and emotional effects on the family, parent health and wellbeing and any concerns families may have.
There are 10 key ages and stages consultations that coincide with the child’s milestones from birth to 3.5 years: 
New parent groups and playgroups
Our nurses deliver a 6-week program for new parents offering parenting information on health, wellbeing and family matters and the opportunity to make friendships with local families. Partners are also invited to attend. Your Maternal and Child Health Nurse will organise your invitation.
Dads Group
Mansfield Shire Council have partnered with Dads Group to deliver a range of programs and support for dads in our community.
Further information, resources, support and upcoming events can be found on this website: Dads of Mansfield
Regular monthly workshops and digital Dads groups are available now.
If you are interested in participating in face to face, peer led Dads groups please contact: Maternal Child Health on 5775 8537
Helpful Resources
Newborns interaction with parents
Sleep settling, safe sleeping & colic crying
Sleep and settling information for families
The first three months is often referred to as the fourth trimester as babies adapt to living outside the womb. We recognise that it takes time for parents and babies to adjust to this change.
Understanding sleep, sleep options, sleep environment
Safe sleeping, safe wrapping and tummy time
Safe sleeping for twins
Colic crying and unsettled babies
Sleep and Settling Resources
0-3 months
3-6 months
6-12 months
1-3 years
2-3 years
3-5 years
Dads and partners
Apps
Men's health resources
Breastfeeding information for partners
Physical health and recovery after birth
Supported Playgroup
We run a supported playgroup, which is a safe space for families to socialise and interact with children 0-6 years of ages. The sessions are structured and facilitated by a trained facilitator of the Smalltalk program. Go to our Supported Playgroup page to find out more.
Public and Private Early Parenting Centres
Early parenting centres are a primary health service that provides specialist information for families with children aged 0-4 years. For information on these centres visit The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne or the Better Health website.
Further information
Maternal Child Health Line
This telephone advice service is available throughout Victoria for the cost of a local call 24 hours a day and is staffed by Maternal and Child Health nurses:
Call 13 22 29
An interpreter service is available. The service is also available to deaf callers who have assess to a telephone typewriter (TTY).
Maternal and Child Health app
The Maternal and Child Health app provides reliable information that Victorian families can use every day. See information relevant to your child's age and development, useful contacts, and task the 'Virtual Maternal and Child Health Nurse' questions - with reliable, evidence based replies you can trust.
The Maternal and Child Health App can be downloaded from the app store or Google Play.
Other useful support organisations
The Maternal and Child Health team recommends the following websites for more support and information:
Customer Satisfaction
We are committed to providing the best possible service to families.
Sometimes despite the very best efforts there may be an issue about service delivery that needs to be discussed. Parents are encouraged to discuss issues with your Maternal and Child Health nurse or call the Maternal and Child Health Coordinator on (03) 5775 8557.