Our Enhanced Maternal and Child Health (EMCH) Service provides extra support for families with young children. The service supports families with children from birth to preschool age who may be experiencing challenging times.
This specialised outreach program can support you with any issues that may be affecting your parenting, relationships and general wellbeing.
The Enhanced Maternal and Child Health (EMCH) team includes:
- maternal child health (MCH) nurses
- lactation consultant
- early childhood professional
- adult mental health nurse
- social worker.
Our team provides support, listens and works with parents and children around their issues or concerns. We aim to empower and encourage each family to identify and build on their strengths.
EMCH also offers a range of specialised programs that focus on common issues and concerns. These include:
Circle of Security Parenting Program
Baby and Me Parent Support Group
The Enhanced Maternal and Child Health (EMCH) program can assist if:
- you’re worried about how you’re thinking or feeling
- you’ve got concerns about your relationship with your partner or family
- you’re worried about your baby or young child’s routines or behaviour
- you need practical supports like being linked into community services.
Our team will support you with:
- early parenting
- child development
- infant and adult mental health
- family violence
- feeding, sleep and settling, and behavioural concerns
- referrals to support and health agencies.
Circle of Security is a free, eight-week parenting program focused on enhancing parent-child relationships.
Children who have secure attachment to their primary caregivers can develop more resilience, better social and problem-solving skills and higher self–esteem.
This can assist children to maintain positive relationship throughout their lives.
The program covers:
- developing your child's self-esteem, trust and sense of security
- creating a secure base for your child so they can explore their world, knowing there is a safe haven to return to
- building your confidence so you can enjoy parenting and feel confident taking on new challenges.
Book online
Baby and Me is a safe and nurturing space for mothers with babies aged from birth to six months.
The program provides support in a playful environment and provides opportunities to connect with other parents.
To find out more about this program, or to register your interest, contact Tanja or Hayley on 03 8401 6205 or emchs@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.