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 17 March 
  • Tuesday 24 March
  • Tuesday 31 March

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(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. My Baby Now 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.

Upcoming sessions:

For babies 6-months-old

  • Wednesday 4 March, Newport Community Hub
  • Thursday 19 March, Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre 

For babies 9-months-old

  • 12 March, Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre
  • 25 March, Newport Community Hub

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