Parenting programs
To complement our Maternal & Child Health Service we also offer the following programs for parents.
Baby Makes 3 Online
Baby Makes 3 is a program offered to first time parents. The program helps both parents understand what it means to become a parent and the effects it may have on your relationship. It aims to help you to stay close and connected as you adjust to parenthood. The program consists of three evening sessions that each run for two hours. All groups will be online via Zoom.
Upcoming sessions:
- Tuesday 25 August
- Tuesday 1 September
- Tuesday 8 September
Book online
Circle of Security Parenting Group
Free eight-week parenting program for parents and caregivers of children from 4 months of age. The program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.
Book online
Read our article: 'Safe secure children = happier parents.'
For more information, read the Circle of Security brochure(PDF, 552KB) contact your local Maternal and Child Health Nurse or call 9932 1300.
INFANT Parenting Program
INFANT is an evidenced based program designed to help parents and families with healthy eating and active play from the start of their baby’s life
INFANT consists of face-to face group sessions for first-time parents led by a health professional. Group sessions are supported by a phone app called My Baby Now. The app contains evidenced based support for parents on optimal feeding and active play. INFANT is designed to promote healthy eating, increase active play and reduce screen time for infants from birth until 18 months of age.
2026 Term dates
Six-month-old sessions (11am - 12.30pm):
- Newport Hub, Wednesday 12 August 2026
- Altona Meadows Library (upstairs), Thursday 17 September 2026
- Newport Hub, Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Altona Meadows Library (upstairs), Thursday 10 December 2026
Nine-month-old sessions (11am - 12.30pm):
- Altona Meadows Library (upstairs), Thursday 13 August 2026
- Newport Hub Mechanics Hall, Wednesday 9 September 2026
- Altona Meadows Library (upstairs), Thursday 12 November 2026
- Newport Hub Mechanics Hall, Wednesday 23 November 2026
Please register your interest via the online form:
Book online
First Time Parent Group
All first-time parents will be invited by their nurse to attend up to six sessions of First Time Parent Group when their baby is aged between 6 and 12 weeks. The program is designed specifically to support new parents in their transition to parenting. For further information speak with your MCH Nurse, or email mchinbox@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au