Boroondara Maternal and Child Health

First-time parent groups

MCH runs small, weekly groups for first-time parents in Boroondara. We share information on different aspects of parenting such as play and development, care of a sick infant and sleep and settling. We'll invite you to a local group to meet and connect with other first-time parents in your area. 

Baby's okay, what about you?

A 9-week program supporting new parents to explore their changed lifestyle, feelings and concerns. MCH runs this with Camcare. Talk to your MCH nurse if you're interested in finding out more.

Drop-in sessions for breastfeeding support – no bookings required.

• Mondays 1:30 to 3 pm at Glen Iris East MCH centre.
• Thursdays 1:30 to 3 pm at East Kew MCH centre.

We can also connect you to our Thursday lactation clinic for one-to-one breastfeeding support.

We offer ongoing support to parents who are concerned about or having difficulties with their child's sleep. 

Speak to your MCH nurse for a referral to this free program. Support is through telehealth or home visits as convenient. 

This one-day early parenting program offers information and support on feeding, sleeping, playing and settling for babies.

It runs from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm every second Wednesday at Camberwell MCH centre.

You may be eligible to join if you attend Boroondara MCH and are the primary caregiver of a baby between 10 weeks and 12 months old. Talk to your MCH nurse to find out if this program is right for you and your baby. 

You may bring up to 2 support people. 

This program is free for Health Care Card Holders. For everyone else there is a cost to attend. Please call us on (03) 9278 4606 for more information.

Your child will have 10 health and development checks with your local MCH nurse from just after birth until they turn 5. Bring your Child Health Record ('green book') so your nurse can record your child's milestones. Find out more about these 10 checks and when they happen on the Victorian Government's Better Health website. 

• Chinese-speaking playgroup, run by a Chinese-speaking early parenting educator. Families with Chinese as a first language who attend Boroondara MCH are eligible to join:
  • Thursday mornings at North Balwyn MCH centre
  • Wednesday mornings at Greythorn MCH centre.
• Chinese-speaking Parent-Child Mother Goose sessions at Greythorn MCH centre on Friday mornings during school term. These enjoyable sessions teach songs and rhymes to enhance parent-child bonding.
• First-time parent group for Chinese-speaking families – including tips on healthy eating, active play and healthy growth – at Greythorn MCH centre. 
• Parent education sessions on introducing solids, sleep and settling. They'll be listed in the 'Events and workshops' section below when we run these.
• Chinese-speaking Circle of Security relationship-based parenting program.

Speak to your MCH nurse to find out more about any of these programs.

Domestic, family and intimate partner violence is against the law. Babies and children who hear and see violence are at serious risk of harm and can be affected by this into their adult lives.

If you are experiencing family violence, speak to your MCH nurse to help you decide what to do. 

You can also contact these local support services:

• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
  • tel: 1800 015 188  (24 hours)
  • Safe Steps website
• The Orange Door, Box Hill
  • tel: 1800 354 322 (business hours)
  • The Orange Door website