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Maternal and Child Health Services

The arrival of a new baby makes a big difference to family life, there are new joys and new challenges. Even if it is not your first baby, a new baby will mean some changes to your family lifestyle. The maternal and child health service can help you with these changes by providing information and support.

The maternal and child health service is a free service available to all families with children from birth to school age. There are maternal and child health centres located in each local council.

The service is run by maternal and child health nurses (MCHNs) who are registered nurses with extra qualifications in midwifery and maternal and child health. These nurses have the knowledge and experience to deal with child and family health issues and problems.

What your Maternal and Child Health Nurse can do for you

Your maternal and child health nurse (MCHN) offers you information, guidance and support on issues including:

• Breastfeeding
• Child health and development
• Infant and child nutrition
• Maternal health (including emotional health) 
• Parenting skills
• Home safety for children
• Immunisation
• Relationships (including your relationship with your baby) 
• Local support services

Most maternal and child health centres run some additional sessions, such as baby-settling seminars, new parent groups, breast feeding assessment and enhanced MCHN services for particular needs. Ask your MCHN about the services that are provided in your local area.

Maternal and child health nurses will put you in touch with new mothers in your area and give you the chance to form a mother's group.

How to access a maternal and child health service

• After you have given birth to your baby, the hospital will contact your local maternal and child health service. A nurse will call you a few days after you get home and arrange to visit you at home. You can contact them before this time if you have any concerns.
• If you have not had contact with your local maternal and child health nurse, e.g. if you have moved, or your baby has been in hospital for a significant time, contact your local council for details of the nearest maternal and child health service. Call them to make an appointment and let them know what it is for (eg. development check, health concerns).
• If you have your child's yellow or blue book (child health record) that you were given on the birth of your child, take it to each appointment so that your nurse can record relevant information about your child's health and development.

When do you need to visit your maternal and child health nurse?

There are certain times of development that are known as key ages and stages and visits to MCHN are scheduled to correspond with these stages. These key visits are outlined in the child health record (yellow or blue book) and your M&CH nurse should fill in the book at these visits.

At these visits the nurse will discuss:

• The health and development of your child.
• Physical and emotional effects on the family.
• Your own health and wellbeing.
• Any concerns you may have.

You can call your maternal and child health nurse at other times for advice or make an appointment to visit them if necessary.

After hours help

The maternal and child health line which is a 24 hour telephone service (phone 13 22 29). Qualified maternal and child health nurses offer information, advice and referral to all families with young children.

An interpreter service is also available.

Key points to remember

• The maternal and child health service is a free service available to all families with children from birth to school age.
• Your maternal and child health nurse offers you information, guidance and support on issues about parenthood and child health and development.
• There are key times when it is helpful for your child to visit the maternal and child health nurse for assessment of their health and development.

For more information

• Call the maternal and child health line - phone 13 22 29  for 24 hour telephone service
• Mother & Baby Units
• Maternal and Child Health Centres

Individual instructions