The focus of MCH care is predominantly the health and development of the child. However, the schedule of
visits as documented in the state of Victoria’s Key Ages and Stages (KAS) Framework (Department of Education
and Early Childhood Development Maternal and Child Health Office for Children and Portfolio Coordination
2011) includes a longer consultation at four weeks postpartum, for the ‘Maternal Health Check’. Australian
guidelines recommend that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (Cox et al 1987) be used 6-12
weeks after birth, to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety (Austin et al 2011). Translated versions of
the EPDS in some languages other than English are available to MCH nurses. Many MCH centres also offer
First-Time Parent (FTP) groups, which emphasise parenting skills and social support in order to increase
confidence and skills in parenting (Hanna et al 2002)..