Avondale Heights Maternal & Child Health Centre

Welcome to Avondale Heights Maternal & Child Health Centre! Located at 22 Clarendon Street, Avondale Heights, our establishment is a point of interest for families in the area. Our dedicated team of Maternal and Child Health nurses are registered nurses with additional qualifications in midwifery and maternal and child health. They possess the knowledge and experience to address all aspects of child and family health and wellbeing.

As an extension of Victoria's Maternal and Child Health service, we offer the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health program to selected families who require additional support. Referrals to this program can be made through your Maternal and Child Health Nurse. To make a referral, simply complete the referral form and email it to emch@mvcc.vic.gov.au.

Our nurses actively involve parents in assessing the development and wellbeing of their child using the Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) screening tool. During these visits, our nurses discuss the child's health and development, the physical and emotional effects on the family, parent health and wellbeing, and address any concerns families may have.

We provide 10 key ages and stages consultations that coincide with the child's milestones from birth to 3.5 years. Each consultation page on our website contains tip sheets, information, and links to other helpful resources.

In addition to our consultations, we offer a program specifically designed for new parents living in Moonee Valley. This program provides information on health, wellbeing, and family matters, as well as the opportunity to connect with local families and make friendships. Partners are also invited to attend. During your initial MCH visits, your nurse will guide you on how to register for these groups.

For breastfeeding support, we offer free weekly sessions facilitated by Certified Lactation Consultants. Appointments for these sessions can be made through your MCH nurse. If you need immediate assistance, the Australian Breastfeeding Association has a 24-hour helpline at 1800 686 268.

If you're experiencing challenges with your baby's sleep patterns, we can help. Babies and children's sleep patterns change over time and are influenced by their development. Our experts can provide guidance on understanding these patterns and creating healthy sleep patterns as your child grows.

At our Maternal and Child Health Centre, we share facilities with childcare centers, kindergartens, and community centers. This allows families to access multiple services in one convenient location and fosters connections within the local community.

We understand the importance of privacy and consent. Whenever personal information about your child is requested, we will always seek consent from a parent or guardian.

Our centers also provide a welcoming environment for parents who are feeding their babies. Feel free to drop in and use our waiting rooms for feeding and baby care.

If you require telephone advice, our telephone advice service is available throughout Victoria at the cost of a local call. Our dedicated Maternal and Child Health nurses are available 24/7. Simply call 13 22 29.

For those who require an interpreter service or have hearing impairment and access to a telephone typewriter (TTY), we have services available to assist you.

For additional information and resources, we encourage you to download the Maternal and Child Health App from the app store. You can also visit the Maternal and Child Health Services page on our website.

We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to their spirits, ancestors, elders, and community members past and present.

Moonee Valley City Council is committed to addressing the climate emergency. We are proud to announce that our operations have been certified as carbon neutral, as part of our dedication to a low carbon future.

For accessibility needs, the National Relay Service is available at 13 36 77 or relayservice.com.au. Please let us know if you require this publication in alternative accessible formats.

Thank you for choosing Avondale Heights Maternal & Child Health Centre. We are here to support you and your family's health and wellbeing journey.