Child Health Nurses are pretty special people. You may also know them as Maternal and Child Health Nurses, Family Health Nurses, Child and Family Health Nurses or even just “baby nurses”, but whatever title they come under in your state or territory, it’s worth getting to know one or two.
2 - What is a Child Health Nurse?
3 - Why wouldn’t I see my doctor with my baby?
4 - How do I know if my Child Health Nurse is qualified?
5 - What’s the difference between a midwife and a Child Health Nurse?
6 - How to I find a Child Health Nurse?
7 - What about residential centres?
8 - What if I don’t like my Child Health Nurse?
9 - What can I ask a Child Health Nurse?
What is a Child Health Nurse?
Child Health Nurses (CHNs) are highly trained health professionals. As well as their general nursing qualifications they’ve also studied many aspects of children’s health including growth and development, nutrition, feeding, sleep and settling as well as general behaviour.
Most CHNs have additional training in midwifery, immunisations, child safety and protection, emotional attachment and family partnerships.
Why wouldn’t I see my doctor with my baby?
If you want to that’s fine, of course, but there are advantages to taking your baby to a CHN as well.
Consultations with a CHN are free.
CHNs are trained under a wellness rather than illness model of care. That means they are the ideal health professionals to provide advice for well and healthy children.
CHNs only see babies and children. This gives them a broad understanding of what is normal and what isn’t.
If a referral to an early parenting centre is necessary, they know what information is needed and how to prioritise admission when it’s necessary.
They have a good network of other health practitioners they can refer to.
CHNs have a comprehensive understanding of supports in the local area.
It can be easier to get an appointment with a CHN than with a GP.
You can join in a mother’s group at your local Child Health Centre and get to meet other mums with babies of the same age.
Your CHN will check your baby’s Personal Health Record book and record your baby’s weight and growth. They’ll also do developmental checks on your baby at regular stages and ages.
Some mothers find it’s easier to talk with a nurse.
Many CHNs do immunisations at the Child Health Centre. Due to the high numbers and turnover of vaccinations, stock tends to be fresh, up-to-date and stored according to best practice. If your baby needs a vaccination you won’t be charged for a consultation fee.
How do I know if my Child Health Nurse is qualified?
Nurses in Australia need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is a national registration and accreditation scheme for registered health practitioners.
Registration with AHPRA helps to keep the community safe by ensuring staff training and qualifications are ongoing and current.
What’s the difference between a midwife and a Child Health Nurse?
Midwives are experts in pregnancy and childbirth. They can also guide and support parents in caring for their new baby from birth up to six weeks of age.
After six weeks, care is generally handed over to a CHN who continues to support the family.
Child Health Nurses are qualified to offer advice for babies aged from birth up to eighteen years of age.
How to I find a Child Health Nurse?
Most CHNs work in community health centres. These are free clinics, run by state or territory health services. There is never any charge for going to a CHN and consultations are funded through Medicare. You may be asked for your Medicare details.
When you are discharged home from the maternity hospital you should be given contact information and a booking number for your nearest Child Health Centre. You should also be provided with a 24 hour help-line contact number to speak with a CHN if you need to.
Most states and territories in Australia have at least one early parenting centre. These provide a tertiary level, residential service where parents and their child come to stay for an average of three to five days.
Child Health Nurses in early parenting centres provide a higher level of guidance and “hands on” support than what can be offered in a child health clinic visit.
Most early parenting centres have a referral process and waiting lists to be admitted. Click on the links below to find a Child Health Nurse in your state.
What if I don’t like my Child Health Nurse?
This happens sometimes and the reverse is true, too. We are all individuals and different personality types means that we don’t all get on all of the time. If you feel uncomfortable with a particular CHN you could request to see another one.
You’re not obligated to attend a Child Health Centre; it’s a voluntary service and attendance is entirely a personal choice.
What can I ask a Child Health Nurse?