Maternal and Child Health Services

Casey’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service promotes the health and wellbeing of children from birth to 6 years of age. 

We provide access to:

• Free and confidential appointments with qualified and professional MCH nurses
• 10 check-ins at key stages of your child's development
• Additional parenting support services and group programs.

Our MCH nurses often work with interpreters for patients who require translation services. This is a free service available to all families upon request.

Bookings and information

Your 10 MCH visits

The Victorian Department of Health recommends visiting a MCH nurse at 10 key stages of your child's development. These visits focus on feeding and lactation, child and family health, postnatal wellbeing, safety, learning, and growth and development.

Soon after your baby's birth, our team will contact you to arrange your first MCH visit. This visit usually takes place at your home, with subsequent appointments taking place at your local MCH centre.

For more information, visit the Better Health channel website.

Find your closest MCH centre

Council is dedicated to ensuring every child in our municipality can access essential health and developmental checks.

To meet the growing demand for MCH services in Casey, several new consult rooms were introduced in 2025.  Additional locations are planned to open in 2026, further expanding access to MCH services for local families.

Additional support services and programs

Council’s MCH services and group programs are inclusive, welcoming, and open to all families. While immunising your child against vaccine-preventable diseases is strongly encouraged, it is not a requirement* to participate in or access these services.

*The Victorian Government's 'No Jab No Play' legislation applies only to enrolment in licensed childcare and kindergarten programs. For more information, visit the Department of Health website.

Enhanced Maternal and Child Health (EMCH) service

The EMCH program offers short-term additional support to families with children from birth to 3 years of age who are having parenting challenges. Referrals into this program can be made by your local MCH nurse or general practitioner.

Learn more

First-time parent groups

Our free first-time parent groups provide a welcoming space for new parents and carers with babies aged 6 weeks to 4 months of age. 

These groups offer a valuable opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and build support networks during the early stages of parenthood.

Groups meet weekly over 5 sessions and explore a range of practical topics, including:

• Transition to parenthood and bonding with your baby
• Introduction of solids
• Sleep, settling techniques, and safety
• Baby development, play, and more

To join a group, speak with your MCH nurse or email our team at ftpg@casey.vic.gov.au. 

Partners and support persons are welcome to attend.

Please note: We also offer these groups in Dari and Hazaragi languages, and for families with twins/triplets.

Back to Babies support group

Back to Babies is a supportive group for parents transitioning back into life with a baby - whether your older child is in primary school or there's a significant age gap between siblings.

This welcoming space offers a refresher on early parenting, an opportunity to reconnect with the community, and a chance to build meaningful social connections. 

Whether you're adjusting to life with a baby again or looking to meet other parents in a similar stage, Back to Babies is here to support you.

If you are interested in joining a group, please email our team at ftpg@casey.vic.gov.au

Sleep and settling program

Led by experienced Sleep Consultants and MCH nurses, our sleep and settling program offers practical guidance and support for families navigating infant and toddler sleep.

Each session covers:

• Typical sleep patterns and behaviours
• Common tried sings and sleep challenges
• Helpful strategies for supporting sleep routines
• Support for parental wellbeing and self-care

For families needing extra support, free individual home visits with a Sleep Consultant are also available upon request.

To book a one-to-one sleep session, speak with your MCH nurse, or contact our team directly at mchsleepsettling@casey.vic.gov.au

Breastfeeding support 

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful experience, but it’s not always easy — and that’s okay. Whether you're just getting started or working through a few challenges, our free Breastfeeding Support Service is here to help families living in the City of Casey.

Drop-in group sessions:

Come to our friendly weekly drop-in sessions at the Littlecroft Family and Community Centre — no need to book!

• Morning session: 9.00 am to 11:30 am, Wednesdays
• Afternoon session: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Wednesdays

Please note that this drop-in service does not run on public holidays. 

One-on-one appointments:

Prefer a private chat with a lactation consultant? We’ve got you covered.

Call our central booking number on 9705 5590 to book a private appointment.

Baby Makes 3 - free group program

Baby Makes 3 is a free, three-week group program designed to support first-time parents in maintaining equal and respectful relationships after the birth of their baby.

Delivered in partnership with Anglicare, this engaging and supportive program helps parents navigate the transition to parenthood together.

Program overview:

• Duration: 3 sessions (2 hours each)
• Time: 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm
• Days: Tuesday evenings
• Location: Cranbourne area
• Cost: Free
• Who: First-time parents attending with their baby
• Facilitators: Co-facilitated by a male and female facilitator
• A meal is provided at each session.

If you are interested in participating in this group program, please email our admin team at ftpg@casey.vic.gov.au.

Introducing solids – free online information sessions

Starting solids is a big step in your baby’s development, and we’re here to guide you through it.

This free online session is designed for parents and carers of babies aged 4 months to 1 year of age and covers everything you need to feel confident as you begin introducing solid foods.

What you’ll learn:

• How to tell when your baby is ready for solids
• What foods to offer, and what to avoid
• Tips for managing gagging and choking
• Introducing finger foods
• Understanding allergies
• Embracing the mess and avoiding mealtime battles
• Building solids into your daily routine
• When to start phasing out bottles
• Basics of dental care

To register your interest for an upcoming session, please complete our online form.

Playgroups

Looking for a relaxed space to connect with other families and get support for your little one? The City of Casey offers a variety of free playgroup sessions for families with children aged 0 to 5 years of age.

These sessions are more than just playtime. They’re a chance to:

• Book in MCH appointments
• Chat with professionals if you’re concerned about your child’s development
• Get practical parenting support and advice
• Learn how to enrol in 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten
• Find out about local playgroups, events, and activities for young children
• Meet other families in your area and build connections.

For more information or to book into a playgroup, please complete our online contact form and one of our Playgroup Development Officers will be in touch. Alternatively, you can call the team directly on 9705 5200.

Learn more