The Allan Labor Government is giving new mums the support they need to give their babies the best possible start to life through community-based care and support during and after pregancy.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora today visited South West Healthcare in Warrnambool to meet locals benefiting from the successful Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies program.
Boosted by $5.7 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 the program is delivered across Victoria and has helped more than 6,800 women over the past five years.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies is a free service for women during their pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum, and is tailored to support women who are juggling other factors such as poor mental health, language barriers or socioeconomic factors.
The program supports pregnant women - spcifically those not engaged with maternal and child health services by connecting them with community health services that deliver antenatal care, maternal and child health nursing services, psychological support, allied health programs, dental care, and birth education.
This ensures that all women - no matter their background - are aware of the services they might need to ensure their child has the best start in life.
The investment will support 500 pregnant women in regional Victoria to access the program - giving them the best chance to improve helath outcomes for their babies.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies currently runs in high growth metropolitan areas, and in regional Victoria including Ballarat, Echuca, Gippsland, Goulburn Valley, the Grampians, Latrobe, Mildura, Warrnambool, and Wodonga.
Women can access the program by referring themselves, or through a referral by a GP, maternity service, maternal and child health service or other local services, such as mental health, drug and alcohol or housing providers.
For more information, visit health.vic.gov.au/community-health/healthy-mothers-healthy-babies.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Every mum and bub deserves the best start to life, no matter where they live - that's why we are making sure more women can access this really important service."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"We know that being a mum can be both rewarding and challenging, and for those mums who need some extra support, our Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies initiative can be lifechanging."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"This program is making a real difference for women in Warrnambool and across the region - helping them navigate the early days of motherhood and linking them with critical health and social services."
