Pregnancy + Early Parenting
Pregnancy and birth care
If you think you are pregnant and want to continue the pregnancy you should see a GP as soon as possible to confirm the pregnancy and arrange antenatal care (medical care during pregnancy).
Antenatal and birth care are usually overseen by GPs, midwives and obstetricians, or a combination of these. How and where you have your baby may depend on your health, your risk of complications, your financial circumstances and where you live. Your choices, depending on your situation, can include giving birth:
- in hospital (public or private, or in a public hospital as a private patient)
- in a birth centre (at a hospital, public or private)
- at home.
More information
Better Health Channel: Having a baby in Victoria
Better Health Channel: Koori Maternity Services
Public maternity and newborn services map – Victoria
Sexual Health Victoria - Preparing for Pregnancy
Pregnancy and early parenting support services
Pregnancy and early parenting can be stressful, so having support during this time can be helpful. Fortunately, there are many services that can provide specialist support for new and expecting parents:
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline
A free national helpline staffed by maternal child health nurses to support parents from pregnancy to preschool.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia)
A free national helpline that supports women, men and families across affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood.
NURSE-ON-CALL
A free national helpline that provides immediate expert health advice from a registered nurse. NURSE-ON- CALL can also give you information about health services in your area
Parentline
A free Victorian helpline staffed by maternal child health nurses for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. Provides confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues
The Orange Door
A Victorian based service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.
Cradle to Kinder
A Victorian based specialist early intervention support program for vulnerable young parents and their children.
Rainbow Families Victoria
A Victorian based volunteer community organisation that supports and promotes equality for ‘rainbow’ families (parents, carers and prospective parents who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, gender diverse or intersex) and their children. children.
Caroline Chisholm Society
A Melbourne based family support agency that provides a range of support , material aid and assistance to pregnant people and parents with young children.
Council of Single Mothers and their Children
A Victorian based membership-based community organisation run by and for single mothers to support and empower single mothers.
Young Women’s Health Program - Royal Women’s Hospital
A program of the Royal Women's Hospital that provides support and care for young pregnant and parenting women 19 years old and under.
Royal Women’s Hospital Alcohol and Drug Service
A service of the Royal Women's Hospital that provides medical care, counselling and support to women with complex substance use, dependence and assessment and care of babies exposed to drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.
Babes Project
A pregnancy and parenting support service based in Frankston and Kilsyth for women who are seeking additional support for their pregnancy, birth and during early parenting.
Zoe's Support Australia
A national not-for-profit organisation that support young parents aged 13-25 to re-engage with education.
The Bridge Youth Service; Pregnancy and Parenting Program
A Shepparton based service that offers a range of programs to assist young people aged 12-25 years to educate and support them through pregnancy and early parenting.
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