Over the last 12 months, Yarra Ranges’ Maternal Child Health Nurses (MCHN) have seen 1,795 new babies across the municipality.
They’ve helped 819 first time parents and facilitated 74 new parent groups.
The maternal child health team is now looking for new members to support this vital array of services.
From the first home visit to the key developmental checks, Yarra Ranges’ littlest locals will have at least 10 one-on-one appointments with a MCHN.
Along with weighing and measuring at every visit, nurses are building a trusting relationship with new parents, providing parenting support, and monitoring for any need for early intervention or enhanced services.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Director of Communities Jane Price emphasised the importance of the early years of children.
“The early years are a time of rapid brain growth, really influenced by children’s early experiences. MCH Nurses aim to promote the health and wellbeing of families during the early parenting stage, so all children can have the best start to life,” she said.
With the highest standard of training in the country, Victoria’s MCH service is committed to delivering exceptional care while championing local accessibility. This local service plays a particularly important role in a region as diverse and widespread as Yarra Ranges.
“Providing these services locally – we have 16 MCHN centres in Yarra Ranges – doesn’t only ensure parents and babies get the health and developmental care they need, but our services also build social connections in a phase of life that can otherwise be isolating,” Ms Price said.
Ms Price added the importance of continuity which can be achieved by employing more staff.
“Continuity of care is also very important. And unfortunately, that is something that low staffing levels can affect,” she said.
“Mothers interacting with different care providers at each visit don’t have the same opportunity to establish familiarity and trust.
“It’s these strong therapeutic relationships that create the ability for important conversations around health and wellbeing for both parents and babies.”
Local mother Holly said getting to see the same nurse provided a sense of reassurance.
“From my first encounter as a nervous first-time mum, to the appointments I now look forward to as a mum of three, I have always found the MCH services invaluable,” she said.
“It feels like you’re having a chat with a friend and someone who cares.”
Ms Price said the impacts of staffing shortages could result in delays in seeing older children at key developmental stages because they prioritised new babies and vital age.
“Our passionate team will always provide the very best of care to our families,” she said.
“However we do currently have a range of open positions for MCN nurses, that I’d really encourage any practitioners out there to consider.
“Whether you’re a new graduate, looking to return to work, or just looking for a great new team or role, Yarra Ranges is a terrific place to work.”
Ms Price said nurses looking to shift to Yarra Ranges would find flexible working arrangements and plenty of professional development opportunities.
If you’d like to join this passionate team of caring professionals, visit https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Careers/Apply-for-a-job for current opportunities.
