November 2004

Boon for babies

Around 60,000 Victorian parents annually will receive a new information kit to help care for their newborn babies.

Marking National Children’s Week at the Maribyrnong Maternal and Child Health Centre, Acting Premier John Thwaites said the kit would be distributed to new parents through Victoria’s Maternal and Child Health Service (MCHS).

‘This easy-to-understand kit will provide vital practical information to help new parents cope with the demands of a newborn baby.

‘Parenthood—particularly for the first time—can be tough.

‘Parents must grapple with a lack of sleep and the around-the-clock responsibility of caring for a baby such as feeding and changing nappies.

Mr Thwaites said 96 per cent of Victorian infants were enrolled in MCHS in their first weeks of life—the highest participation rate in Australia.

‘But there is a marked drop-off rate in parents attending MCHS after their babies turn 12 months and this chart will remind parents of the importance of regular MCHS visits.’

Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt said the new kit would be distributed to parents by a Maternal and Child Health Service nurse on their first home visit, which occured as soon as a mother returned home after childbirth.

The nurse would tailor the content of the kit according to individual parents’ needs.

Key elements of kits will include a SIDS pamphlet, a growth chart and information on communicating with babies, breastfeeding, and the MCHS 24-hour helpline 132 229.

‘Parents will be able to expand the kit as their child grows and they receive more information from their MCH nurse,’ Ms Garbutt said.