Child health centres support both parents and children

Having a baby can be quite overwhelming, and most parents will need help and support. But don’t panic, you’re not on your own! The great news is that your local child health centre is a valuable source of expert help, information, and advice.

January 6, 2022

What does a child health centre do?

They offer information and support to parents and young children from the time they come home from hospital to age 4. All services are free.

Child health centres play an important role in supporting children to have the best health and development possible to succeed in life and learning. They are staffed by experienced child health nurses (registered nurses with extra qualifications in child and family health nursing). They also offer maternal health services and provide parental support. This is particularly important where parents don’t have extended family support.

Your community child health nurse will:

  • Assess baby and child health and development.
  • Provide ongoing support and offer information about many aspects of parenting, maternal and family health and healthy lifestyles.
  • Provide information about immunisation and locations of free clinics in community health centres.
  • Act as a link between hospitals and the community, working with family GPs and other health professionals when necessary.
  • You can find your nearest child health centre by using the National Health Services Directory. You can also enter your suburb to narrow the search results.

They can also provide information on a range of issues including:

  • Becoming a parent
  • Breastfeeding
  • Child behaviour
  • Diet/nutrition
  • Family health matters
  • Growth & development
  • Infant/child feeding
  • Injury prevention & child safety
  • Playgroups & other community resources
  • Postnatal anxiety, stress, & depression
  • Sleeping/settling
  • Toilet training

Source: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au

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