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Thanks for your patience over the next few weeks while we clean up fallen trees after the recent storms. Find out more about free storm related waste drop offs at the Knox Transfer Station and extra bin collections.

Maternal and Child Health Programs

Our Maternal and Child Health Services (MCH) run a range of programs to support you and your family during the first years of your child's life.

MCH programs

Our programs include:

  • Circle of Security Groups
  • sleep and settling education sessions
  • INFANT nutrition and play sessions
  • breastfeeding, and immunisation
  • first-time parent groups
  • playgroups and toy libraries
  • Parent Information and Connection Sessions (formally known as First Time Parent Groups).

 

Circle of Security Groups

Designed for parents of children 0-4 to enhance their connection and relationship with each other. This is a 7 week course.

Through the DVD presentation, group discussion and reflective moments you can learn to:

  • Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read the emotional needs.
  • Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions.
  • Enhance the development of your child's self esteem.
  • Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to feel secure.

To get the most out of the program you're required to attend every session.

Circle of Security will run during Terms 1 to 4.

Children 6 months or younger may go with you but you may benefit more from the course if you are able to attend on your own.

Register for Circle of Security Groups

Here is some more information about what to expect from the program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wpz8m0BFM8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6DhnbgRAOo&t=17s

 

Sleep and Settling

We provide education and support about normal sleep behaviour for babies and children aged from birth to 2 years.

We provide no cost education sessions to all families in Knox. In each of these sessions we provide the opportunity to ask questions and provide information about:

  • normal child development and behaviour around sleep
  • helpful information about children’s sleep
  • how to set your child and family up for healthy sleep

There are three sessions offered:

  • Newborn Sleep and Behaviour – 0 to 3 months
  • Baby Sleep and Behaviour – 6 to 8 months
  • Toddler Sleep and Behaviour – 12 months to 2 years

Make a booking now

Breastfeeding

You can seek advice on all your breastfeeding questions. Lactation consultants are available further support, please contact us at mch@knox.vic.gov.au.

Or book an appointment online.

Make a booking now

Infant nutrition

Knox Maternal and Child Health Service have implemented INFANT (the Infant feeding, active play and nutrition program) for Nutrition Education.

INFANT is an evidence-based initiative designed to provide structured advice to guide healthy habits for families.

The program has 4 sessions conducted at approx. 3 months (usually within a Parent Group session), 6 months, 9 months and 12 months and is supported by the ‘My Baby Now’ phone app.

Register for the My Baby Now app

If you would like information on attending an INFANT Education session please email parentgroups@knox.vic.gov.au

Parent Information and Connection Sessions (formally known as First-time parent groups)

These groups cater for parents with new babies and cover a range of parenting topics.

Sessions are held for 7 weeks and include the following topics;

Each session will have a theme, and cover things like;

  • sleep and settling
  • brain development
  • nutrition and play
  • safety 
  • self-care and practical parenting

We then finish off with a session at a local library facilitated by Eastern Regional Libraries and a session with our Knox Playgroup Team, at a local playgroup centre, where you will be able to see how playgroups work and talk about joining a playgroup together.

If you would like more information about our Parent Groups, please email parentgroups@knox.vic.gov.au

Need help?

Email mch@knox.vic.gov.au and we will get back to you.

Or call our Maternal and Child Health team on 9298 8741.

Our services

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