Who are maternal child health nurses?

In some states, they might be known as ‘child and family health nurses’, but in others, such as Victoria where our nurses are registered, they are known as ‘maternal child health nurses’.

Maternal child health nurses (MCHNs) must hold qualifications as registered nurses and midwives, as well as hold a postgraduate diploma in child and family health.

This means they have experience in all aspects of pre-pregnancy advice, pregnancy care and childbirth, as well as newborn and infant health and development.

All our maternal child health nurses have worked in hospitals and birthing centres as midwives and in community centres, helping and consulting with families.

Some of our nurses have worked in neonatal intensive care units with premature or ill babies, while others have worked with families in sleep/settling centres.

Why call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby?

You can call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to get information and advice on anything to do with trying to get pregnant, pregnancy, giving birth, your health and wellbeing after giving birth and the health and care of your newborn or child up to the age of 5.

We can offer you and your partner support and advice for your emotional needs before and after having your baby.

We are also here for you if you need to discuss pregnancy options or have suffered a pregnancy loss.

What to expect when you call

When you call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, the nurse will introduce themselves and take some of your details. We will ask for your name, but if you want to remain anonymous, that’s OK. Our calls are normally recorded for quality purposes, but you can ask for your call not to be recorded.

All calls are answered by a maternal child health nurse. You might also be transferred to a ‘Nurse Triage’ service. This involves a nurse doing a medical assessment of how urgent your needs are and how soon you might need to contact a doctor or other medical professional.

They can provide further advice on self-care or refer you to other services.

All details are kept private and we comply with Australian privacy laws. Your details will not be shared with any other organisations.

You can read our privacy policy here.

Video call

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby offers a video call service, allowing you to speak to one of our nurses face-to-face. This can be really useful if you are having trouble with breastfeeding, nappies, toilet training or wrapping and swaddling your baby. We can provide practical advice and demonstrations to help you.

Find out more about the video call service.

Who can use the service?

Our phone and video services are only available within Australia and are free and easy to use.

You can call us as many time as you like. The service is available to you, your partner, grandparents, family and friends.

Both services operate between 7am and midnight (AEST), 7 days a week (including public holidays).