Parenting Support Centre

Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre offers early parenting support and guidance for parents up to six months after the birth of their baby.

Families and individuals with babies born at Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane, Mater Mothers’ Private Redland or Mater Mothers’ Hospital can access the centre. Self-referrals are welcome.

Support can be provided to help address issues including:

• breastfeeding and feeding
• sleep and settling
• emotional wellbeing
• infant interactions
• adjusting to your new role as a parent/caregiver.
   

Support services offered

• holistic assessment of mothers and babies by a highly trained Mater doctor
• individual lactation consultations
• individual sleeping and settling consultations
• general parenting advice and support
• physiotherapy support including group workshops
• psychological support including postnatal wellness group
• educational workshops.
   

Appointments

A variety of appointment options are available, to ensure we meet the specific needs of each family and individual, including:

• one on one consultations
• half and full day stay appointments
• online consultation.

Please phone 07 3163 2229 to make an appointment.
 

Group workshops

Parenting Education Program (PEP) talks—conducted by experienced child health nurses, midwives and lactation consultants

Run over four weeks,  this program will assist you to understand and care for your baby and provide assistance, support and education about general and specific challenges you may encounter as a new mother, such as sleep and settling, activities and play and introduction of first foods. Our PEP talks will introduce you to other new mothers, allowing you a whole new support network whereby you can learn from each other and make new friends.

Physiotherapy—conducted by an experienced physiotherapist

Within a group setting, your individual needs will be supported to help you to progress your core exercises, plan your return to activity and exercise safely. We will discuss ways to help your spinal health and posture with a new baby.  We’ll do some gentle stretches that will feel great, and also some breath awareness and physical relaxation practice. We will look at handling your new baby to assist their development and also practice a little baby massage.

Circle of security—conducted by a perinatal psychologist and child health nurse

Running over a six week period, this program will teach you to understand your baby’s (and other children’s) emotional world, support your baby and other children to manage emotions and develop self-esteem. This program is for mothers only and their new babies to facilitate a more profound learning experience. Please arrange alternative childcare for your older children.
 

Healthcare professionals

Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre provides access to a wide range of healthcare professionals who specialise in the care of babies, mothers and families, including:

• specialist doctors who can assess the unique needs of mother and baby to develop an individual care plan specific to your needs
• lactation consultants
• midwives, and
• child health nurses

Allied health professionals are also available to provide support across a number of disciplines. Mater's Health and Wellness clinic offers private, one-on-one physiotherapy, dietetic, and psychology services dedicated to supporting women and their families’ nutritional, physical and emotional health and wellbeing before, during and after pregnancy.
 

Opening hours

The centre is open from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday by appointment only (excluding public holidays).
 

Cost

The service is free for all families with Medicare who had their baby at Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane, Mater Mothers’ Private Redland or Mater Mothers’ Hospital.
 

Contact

The centre is located on level 3, Potter Building Annex. For further information and directions on how to access the building, please see the below map.

For further information about the service, or to book an appointment, please contact the centre via 07 3163 2229.
 

Support after hours

If you are concerned about your health, or that of your baby, please phone:

• 000 (triple zero) in an emergency
• 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)—qualifi
• ed staff will provide advice
• The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) offers a 24-hour breastfeeding counselling service. ABA counsellors can be contacted on 1800 686 268.
   

Frequently asked questions