The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Line provides Victorian families and carers of children from birth to school age with trusted information, advice and support.
Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays, the service is fully funded by the Victorian Government and is the only service of its kind in Australia.
Each year, the MCH Line answers more than 100,000 calls from parents and carers seeking advice about their child's health, growth and development, breastfeeding, sleep, behaviour and their own wellbeing.
When parents and carers call the MCH Line, they're connected to a qualified Maternal and Child Health nurse who can provide expert, confidential advice and reassurance – at any time of the day or night.
The MCH Line has a proud history, beginning as a volunteer-run service in 1974. Back then, MCH nurses ran the telephone line voluntarily, taking it in turns to take calls from their homes between 6pm and midnight. On Mother's Day 1991, The MCH Line became a Victorian Government funded service, before expanding to a 24/7 service in 2000.
In 2025, the MCH Line is part of a suite of Victorian Government funded Maternal and Child Health and early parenting services helping Victorian families and children to thrive. This includes the 10 MCH Key Stages and Ages visits available to every Victorian child as part of the Universal MCH program, the Enhanced MCH program for families experiencing additional challenges, and Victoria's 10 Early Parenting Centres, offering free support through specialised programs.
Children's Week 2025
To mark Children's Week 2025, the Department of Health has released a short video showcasing the dedicated team behind the MCH Line and the impact of their work.
- Duration: 2:36
For more information about the Maternal and Child Health Line, visit the Better Health Channel page or contact the MCH Line at any time on 13 22 29.
Reviewed 24 October 2025
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